Medford Takes First Step Toward a Cleaner, More Vibrant Downtown
MEDFORD, Ore. — An unanimously approved resolution in Wednesday’s Medford City Council means City staff can now start working on the Economic Improvement District (EID) formally in partnership with the Downtown Medford Association.
Medford EID Approved By Council
The Medford resolution is the first of three steps required to establish an EID formally. The City is now one of over 1,000 EIDs—public-private partnerships in which property and business owners choose to contribute collectively to the maintenance, development, and promotion of their district —currently existing across North America.
The Medford EID will operate in partnership with the Downtown Medford Association (DMA).
An EID does not guarantee that the district will be formed. Once an Economic Improvement Plan is created, affected property owners will be notified and given the opportunity to provide feedback before a final decision is made.
The City and DMA aim to complete the EID formation process by March 31, 2026, but the EID cannot move forward if more than 33% of impacted property owners submit written opposition. The final plan is expected to include a reduced rate for nonprofit organizations.
The proposed district includes 125 properties between Bear Creek and Oakdale Avenue, and between Sixth and Eighth streets, and the EID’s proposed annual budget is $89,618.50, with contributions calculated at $0.10 per square foot for each parcel’s actual size.
If approved, the EID would be established for three years, with a one-time option of renewing for an additional three years.
Funding For DMA and EID
The City has awarded these Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF) grants to the DMA so far:
- November 17, 2022: $75,000
- September 19, 2024: $125,000
- September 3, 2025: $150,000
EID funds are proposed to be allocated as follows:
- 60% for beautification and development
- 28% for advocacy
- 12% for administration and contingencies