Mayor & City Council

Incorporated in 1885, the City of Medford utilizes the Council-Manager form of government. Medford is divided into four wards, with two Councilors per ward.

The Mayor is selected at large by the community for a four-year term. Councilors also serve four-year terms, with one Council position in each ward up for election every two years.

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City Council Meetings

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 411 W. 8th Street, Room 300.  These meetings are formal and follow a format set by the Medford Municipal Code. During a City Council meeting, Councilors consider and vote on items of public interest, Code amendments, some land use matters, certain types of public hearings and general City business.  All City Council meetings provide an opportunity for public comments. 

Study Sessions

City Council Study Sessions are typically held the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.  During a study session, Councilors discuss (study) information regarding specific topics of City business. These informal meetings allow for question-and-answer discussions, to provide Councilors with the knowledge to make the best decisions for citizens. 

The City Council does not vote, make decisions or hear public comment during study sessions. 

Watch City Council Meetings

Medford is divided into four wards, with two Councilors per ward.

Ward Map    PDF Ward Maps

Click here to view the 2023-25 Council Biennial Goals.(PDF, 188KB)

City Center Revitalization: Prioritize investments in the downtown area to enhance economic development efforts and quality of life.

• Align infrastructure investments to revitalize downtown and enhance economic development efforts.
• Focus on completing projects and responsibilities associated with Urban Renewal.
• Complete and adopt the updated Downtown 2040 Plan to identify future improvements.
  
  

Community Engagement: Promote community connections and maintain transparency through consistent communication and collaboration efforts.

• Increase awareness about City services and promote trust with community members through consistent communication efforts.
• Continue to strengthen working relationships with local, regional and state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
• Support outreach to diverse populations to enhance support and develop culturally relevant communications.

Economic and Community Development: The City will plan an active role in maintaining and enhancing Medford’s diverse economy.

• Strengthen working relationships with the development community to promote effective development processes.
• Encourage mixed-use development through zoning, regulatory and other policy initiatives.
• Participate in regional economic development efforts.

Envision 2040: Intentionally plan for future investment needs to ensure Medford maintains a safe, healthy and family-friendly atmosphere with a thriving and engaged community.

• Parks & Recreation – Establish a level of service.
• Funding and developing transportation projects.
• Housing.
• Facilities.
• Planning for the future.

Health & Safety: Address the health and safety needs of our residents and visitors, while collaborating with community partners to implement initiatives aimed at addressing challenges and reducing risks.

• Expand Fire and Police Departments to proactively address livability challenges and strengthen fire and EMS service throughout the community.
• Collaborate with regional partners to serve the community and improve service delivery.
• Continue to prioritize community emergency preparedness by strengthening operational readiness through planning, training and outreach.

Housing: Preserve and promote the development of a range of safe and affordable housing choices in Medford that meet the needs of our current and future residents.

• Increase housing opportunities throughout Medford with an emphasis on providing housing options for households earning 8-120% of area median income.
• Continue implementation of the Homeless System Action Plan to increase access to shelter and transitional/permanent supportive housing.

Public Infrastructure: Proactively plan for and invest in infrastructure needs by providing facilities essential for residents and visitors to live, work and play in a manner that is financially and environmentally sustainable.

• Prioritize transportation system plans and projects as the City continues to grow.
• Enhance multi-modal transportation options.
• Plan, fund, partner and develop park and recreation facilities that meet the needs of a growing population and stimulate the local economy.
• Initiate and complete important and necessary updates to essential collection and treatment systems.