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.

More Details

This page contains general information about City Council meetings. Visit the Meeting Calendar to view meeting agendas and packets. 

The City Recorder supports the City Council by working to ensure the statutes and guidelines of Oregon's Public Meetings Laws, Oregon Revised Statutes 192.620 are applied appropriately and accurately. The actions and decisions made at all city meetings are held to these established criteria set by the State of Oregon.

City of Medford Public Meetings must:

• Be Open and Accessible to the General Public
  (Except in Executive Session, see ORS 192.660)
• Be Held in a Smoke Free and Non-Discriminatory Location within the City 
• Be Properly Announced in Advance to the General Public
• Have Interpretive Services for the Hearing Impaired Available
  
  

City Council Meetings

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 411 W. 8th Street, Room 300.  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 Wednesday 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

Public Meeting Law (PML) Grievances
Medford meeting bodies, including the City Council and all boards and committees, are subject to Oregon Public Meetings Law. Violations of the Public Meetings Law should be reported through the grievance process outlined by State law and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. To report a violation of the Public Meetings Law by a Medford meeting body, submit a written grievance statement to the Office of the City Recorder via email to recorder@cityofmedford.org or in person delivery during regular business hours to City Hall, 411 W. 8th Street, Room 310. Once received, the City will initiate the process as outlined by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.   

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

Ward Map    PDF Ward Maps

Click here to view the 2025-27 Council Biennial Goals.(PDF, 53KB)

Housing Stability & Homelessness: Advance long-term strategies that connect people to housing, services, and pathways to stability—balancing support, accountability, and public safety.

• Continue to coordinate efforts to establish a multi-agency resource campus in partnership with social service agencies.
• Continue the work of the livability team while seeing sustainable funding options for shelters and supportive services.
• Coordinate with the County, service providers, and schools to prioritize early intervention and preventative services, especially for young people and high school students.
• Strengthening partnerships with service providers to expand access to behavioral health, financial literacy, domestic violence prevention, and youth-focused services, with regular council updates.
• Promote housing stability initiatives, including support for pathways to homeownership and securing external funding for housing efforts.
•  Diversify and incentivize a mix of housing to meet evolving community needs.

Economic Development & Regional Opportunity: Support economic vitality by investing in catalytic regional projects, workforce partnerships, and downtown redevelopment.

• Advance projects of regional significance, such as a convention center, Emeralds relocation, South Stage Interchange, and the development of a medical/trade school campus.
• Improve downtown utilization and support small business growth through incentives designed to increase vibrancy.
• Support the development of downtown market-rate residential properties to encourage a more active and livable downtown core.
• Develop a workforce pipeline through partnerships with RCC, SOU, and local industries, including childcare access initiatives to support workforce participation.
• Support the creation and promotion of an Entertainment & Cultural District, including exploring partnerships, event support, and standards for district development.

Safe & Healthy Community: Promote safety and well-being through public safety investments, visible presence, and coordinated behavioral health services.

• Expand public safety services to proactively address livability challenges and strengthen fire and EMS service throughout the community.
• Continue to advocate for regional treatment facilities, mental health services, and public safety center.
• Support long-term infrastructure planning that enhances emergency response and evacuation access across the city.
• Continue to promote neighborhood watch programs and similar platforms to increase neighborhood engagement and resident relationships.
• Continue to prioritize emergency preparedness by strengthening operational readiness through planning, training, and outreach.

Community Planning & Neighborhood Identity: Develop neighborhood and corridor-based plans to shape identity, support reinvestment, and improve livability.  

• Support downtown-adjacent residential development by encouraging small lots, townhomes, and smaller homes that promote neighborhood identity and accessibility.
• Leverage MURA 2.0 to focus strategic investment in high-need corridors and districts.
• Engage in the Transportation System Plan (TSP) update process to prioritize infrastructure improvements that enhance long-term connectivity and community development.
• Continue to support and modernize infrastructure throughout the City.
• Develop a Neighborhood Identity and District Map to guide reinvestment, strengthen sense of place, and support coordinated planning efforts.

Community Engagement & Communication: Foster public trust through transparent communication, meaningful outreach, and community-centered storytelling.

• Continue sharing stories about how City investments improve quality of life and community vibrancy through ongoing campaigns.
• Continue to expand the City’s digital presence, explore interactive tools on the City’s website, and increase accessibility through both digital and traditional communication channels.
• Actively participate in outreach events to connect with residents.
• Establish an engagement workgroup to coordinate strategy citywide.