City of Medford Holds Community Discussion on Rent Burden

Published on December 18, 2023

The City recently held an in-person community forum to address current issues related to rent burden, fair housing, landlord and tenant relationships, as well as rental assistance opportunities.

Planning Director, Matt Brinkley, HCV Program Director of the Housing Authority of Jackson County, Jennifer Jennings, Grants/Relationship Manager for ACCESS, Melissa Markos, Support Services Director for ACCESS, Melanie Doshier, Landlord Engagement Specialist for ACCESS, Cole Smith, and Executive Director and CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Oregon, Bill Ihle were panelists for the forum. 

During the meeting, panelists provided information on the current state of housing in Medford, the Housing Authority of Jackson County’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, Jackson County Continuum of Care, housing stability programs provided by ACCESS, and credit counseling services that are available at no charge.

Under HB 4006, the City of Medford is required to hold at least one public meeting to discuss rent burden causes and potential solutions because Medford’s population is over 10,000 and greater than 25% of renter households pay more than 50% of monthly income on rent. Feedback from meeting attendees will be used to help guide City housing initiatives to address rent burden and will be recorded and shared with the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

The City will report meeting minutes and attendees to OHCS. In addition, the City completed a housing survey and will report the number of permitted and produced residential units in several different categories to OHCS and DLCD.

The meeting for next year is in initial planning stages.