Medford Illegal Encampments Drop From 186 to 13 in Two Years New Survey Shows

MEDFORD, Ore. — A recent survey by the Medford Livability Team- part of the Medford Police Department (MPD)- indicates that the number of illegal encampments was 13, down from 186 in March of 2023.

Medford Police Livability Team Sees Decreased Number Of Encampments

Tabled at the April 15 Medford City Council meeting, the Livability Team’s expansion of services and latest encampment survey results reflected the team’s work, paired with strong collaboration across the community.

Funding from the public safety fee has helped the Livability Team grow from the initial three officers in 2019 to include:

• A sergeant and a corporal
• 6 officers
• 5 Community Service Officers (CSOs)
• A records specialist

The team includes an Outreach Coordinator who works with local agencies to ensure compassionate support alongside enforcement, with community partners to address livability and homelessness issues in Medford, and who conducts a citywide survey of illegal encampments twice a year.

The March survey reflected just 13 illegal encampments- a significant decrease from 186 in March of 2023.

Aside from addressing illegal encampments, the team also:

• Builds connections between people experiencing homelessness and critical resources such as housing, mental health, and addiction services.
• Facilitates the CONNECT (Collaboration, Outreach, Navigation, and Networking to Empower Community Transformation) group, previously known as CHOP, comprising service providers and community partners, who seek to drive solutions for community change by addressing both systemic and individual challenges.
• Collaborates with the Downtown Medford Association, local businesses, and community members to address safety and livability concerns- 2 officers on the team are dedicated specifically to the Downtown Corridor.

Councilor Nick Card said, “We’re proud of the work being done to support a safer, healthier community for everyone.”