Medford Voters to Decide on Lodging Tax Hike to Fund New Conference Center

MEDFORD, Ore. — On Wednesday, the Medford City Council approved a resolution proposing how revenue from a proposed increase to the City’s transient lodging tax (TLT) will be used, if voters approve the measure in the November 2025 special election.

Medford Council voted to place a measure on the ballot asking voters whether to raise the City’s TLT from 11% to a maximum of 13% in July. Long-term stays are exempt from the lodging tax, which applies to short-term accommodations, such as hotel and motel rooms, Airbnb rentals, and VRBO listings.

This week’s resolution is a formal statement of intent, not a legally binding document. It is meant to provide transparency and guidance ahead of the election. It does not create any legal obligations or guarantees. The resolution provides that:

• Funds would be allocated to a conference center or a functionally equivalent facility, but specifically not to a stadium, hotel, or similar development.
• The TLT rate will be raised by 1%, increasing it from 11% to 12%.
• Should more funding be needed, the rate will increase to the full 13%, but only if city representatives meet with local hotel industry stakeholders and financial data show that the additional funds are necessary to complete the project.

The Council plans to repeal the tax increase once the facility is completed and any related debt is fully paid off. Voters will ultimately decide the measure in November.