Council Approves Start of Economic Improvement District Process
Published on October 22, 2025
The Medford City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution directing City staff to formally begin the Economic Improvement District (EID) formation process in partnership with the Downtown Medford Association (DMA).
An EID is a public-private partnership in which property and business owners choose to contribute collectively to the maintenance, development, and promotion of their district.
More than 1,000 EIDs currently exist across North America, including established districts in Bend, McMinnville, Albany, and Astoria. In Bend, EID-funded services include sidewalk cleaning, graffiti and snow removal, holiday decorations, and marketing of downtown events and businesses. McMinnville’s EID supports public landscaping, business recruitment efforts, and improvements to parking systems and enforcement.
Medford’s resolution marks the first of three steps required to formally establish an EID and does not guarantee that the district will be formed. Following the creation of the Economic Improvement Plan, affected property owners will be notified and given the opportunity to provide feedback before a final decision is made.
Under law, the proposed district will not move forward if more than 33% of impacted property owners submit written opposition.
Steps to Establish the EID
The resolution is the first of three steps required to establish an EID under state and city code. It includes a Preliminary Economic Improvement Plan and authorizes staff to begin the formation process.
The second step will involve Council approval of a final plan through ordinance, including mailing notices to affected property owners.
The third and final step will be a public hearing, during which property owners within the proposed district will have an opportunity to provide input before the Council makes its final decision.
City Grants Supporting DMA and the EID
To support the EID and continued revitalization of downtown, the City has awarded several Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF) grants to the DMA:
- Nov. 17, 2022: $75,000
- Sept. 19, 2024: $125,000
- Sept. 3, 2025: $150,000
The proposed EID formation was initiated through the DMA’s presentations to Council seeking CCIF funding, which led to formal grant agreements to support district planning and development.
Proposed District Boundaries and Budget
The proposed district would include 125 properties located between Bear Creek and Oakdale Avenue, and between Sixth and Eighth streets.
The proposed annual budget is $89,618.50, with contributions calculated at $0.10 per square foot for each parcel’s actual size. The final plan is expected to include a reduced rate for nonprofit organizations.
According to the proposal, EID funds would be allocated as follows:
- 60% for beautification and development
- 28% for advocacy
- 12% for administration and contingencies
If approved, the EID would be established for three years, with a one-time option of renewing for an additional three years. The City and DMA aim to complete the EID formation process by March 31, 2026.
For more information on the EID, visit DMA’s website here.