Council Approves Downtown Economic Improvement District

Published on March 19, 2026

The Medford City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution establishing an Economic Improvement District (EID) in partnership with the Downtown Medford Association (DMA).

The district encompasses properties between Bear Creek and Oakdale Avenue and Sixth and Eighth streets. It features a two-tier fee structure: $0.10 per square foot for standard parcels and a reduced rate of $0.075 per square foot for parcels owned by nonprofits or government entities.

Sixty percent of funding will support district development, beautification, and activation; 28% will support advocacy; and 12% will cover administration, contingency, and collection costs. Potential services include landscaping improvements, support for events and businesses, grant writing, and collaboration with organizations pursuing similar goals.

The decision followed a 30-day public notice and a public hearing at the Council meeting, allowing property owners to provide written and oral feedback. The City received six letters of opposition and 26 letters of support (18 from property owners, eight from other stakeholders). After the hearing, opposition among property owners rose from 10% to 11%, remaining below the 33% threshold that would have blocked the proposal.

Supporters said the EID will serve as a catalyst for change, elevate downtown, and help Medford remain competitive with other Oregon cities. Opponents expressed concerns about the financial impact on small businesses, the potential duplication of City services, and whether property owners would see direct benefits.

Background and City Support

The EID formation was initiated through the DMA’s presentations to the Council requesting funds. Between 2022 and 2025, the City awarded the DMA $350,000 from the Council Community Initiative Fund to support the EID and downtown revitalization.

In October 2025, the Council directed staff to begin the EID process based on a draft plan, the first step in a three-part formation process. The final plan was adopted in January 2026, followed by notifications to property owners and Council approval after the public hearing.

For more information, visit the DMA's website.