A historic step forward for the heart of Southern Oregon’s largest city
Date: March 19, 2026
Medford City Council Approves Formation of Downtown Economic Improvement District
A historic step forward for the heart of Southern Oregon’s largest city
MEDFORD, OR — The Medford City Council voted 7–0 on the evening of March 18, 2026, with one abstention due to a conflict of interest, to approve the formation of the Medford Economic Improvement District (MEID)—a move that property owners say sends a powerful signal to prospective developers and outside investors that Medford is serious about its downtown.
“The formation of this district tells surrounding communities and outside investors that Medford is open for business and committed to its urban core,” said Chris Dennett, a property manager within the district speaking as a representative of 7 district member properties. “In a competitive landscape where investment capital follows confidence, that signal carries real weight.”
The vote marks the culmination of more than two years of community engagement, research, and collaborative planning led by the Downtown Medford Association (DMA). Under Oregon statute, property owners representing at least 33% of the District’s total square footage must formally object to prevent formation. The final tally of objecting property owners totaled 11% of District square footage—well below the statutory threshold—leaving the matter to the discretion of the City Council.
Community support was unmistakable. More than 30 individuals remained at the council meeting for over four hours as the EID was the final item on the agenda. Public comments in favor of the District were compelling and heartfelt, and the Council received 26 letters of support, with signatories representing 14% of the District’s total property square footage.
“What the MEID makes possible is something no single property owner could achieve alone,” said Brendan Binger, Vice President, Downtown Medford Association. “It is the simple but powerful idea that together we are more than the sum of our parts. Yet what has struck me most over the past two years of working on the MEID initiative is not the district itself, but the alignment. The collective energy and positive attention on downtown Medford right now are at a level I have never seen before. That is what gives me the most confidence about what this district will be able to achieve.”
The District will operate on an annual budget between $85,000-90,000, funded through a tiered assessment structure based on ownership type. Parcels owned by government entities or 501(c) organizations are assessed at a reduced rate of $0.075 per square foot, while all other non-exempt parcels are assessed at the standard rate of $0.10 per square foot.
Joining a Proven Statewide Model
With this vote, Medford is joining the ranks of Oregon cities—including McMinnville, Bend, Albany, and Portland—that have embraced the Improvement District model as a catalyst for thriving downtown cores. Each of these communities has demonstrated that when property owners invest collectively in their shared environment, the returns extend far beyond the District boundaries.
A Commitment to Every Property Owner
The DMA is equally committed to those who expressed concerns about or opposition to the District’s formation, and is eager to ensure that every property owner within the District realizes a meaningful return on their contribution—both with respect to their specific property concerns and in the broader community.
What Comes Next
With the formation vote complete, the DMA will now work closely with City staff to determine the operational timeline for the MEID. Among the first steps will be the formation of a steering committee comprised of district member property owners or representatives. Additional details will be shared with property owners and the public as they are finalized.
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About the Downtown Medford Association
The Downtown Medford Association (DMA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality, prosperity, and identity of downtown Medford, Oregon. The DMA serves as the managing organization for the newly formed Medford Economic Improvement District.