Economic Improvement District Ordinance Advances at City Council as Downtown Medford Launches Storefront Activation Program
After two years of planning and collaboration, Downtown Medford reached a significant milestone on January 8 when Medford City Council unanimously approved the ordinance establishing the Economic
Improvement District (EID). The approval marks an important step toward long-term, sustainable
investment in downtown services, activation, and economic vitality.
Alongside this milestone, the Downtown Medford Association (DMA) is launching its Storefront
Activation Program, a complementary initiative designed to reduce vacancies and support business
growth in the downtown core. Funded by $25,000 from the City Council Community Initiative Fund, the
program will focus on filling three to five vacant storefronts with businesses that align with downtown’s
character and economic goals.
“The Economic Improvement District provides a framework for consistent, locally driven investment in
downtown,” said Annie Jenkins, DMA Executive Director. “At the same time, the Storefront Activation
Program allows us to take immediate, visible action by helping activate vacant spaces and supporting
entrepreneurs ready to grow downtown.”
As part of the Storefront Activation Program, DMA will host a series of Reimagine Tours, which bring
together property owners, prospective business owners, and community partners to explore available
properties and discuss potential uses. These tours were well-attended in 2023 and 2024 and helped
generate new business activity downtown.
The first Reimagine Tour was held on Thursday, January 29.
Additional Reimagine Tours will be held on
- Tuesday, February 24 | 3:00–5:30 pm
- Thursday, April 9 | 3:00–5:30 pm
The tours are open to anyone who wants to participate. RSVP is required. RSVP here
The next step in the EID process is a public hearing, tentatively set for March 18, which will provide an
opportunity for community members and property owners to share input on the proposed district
before final consideration.
Together, the Economic Improvement District and Storefront Activation Program represent a
coordinated approach to strengthening Downtown Medford—pairing long-term investment strategies
with near-term activation and business support.
Additional Information at the following links: Storefront Activation Program & Economic Improvement
District