Council Fund Builds Community Through Art, Youth, and Senior Programs

Published on August 20, 2025

The City of Medford continues to invest in community well-being through the Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF), directing resources toward public art, youth services, and senior support. Funded by local and state marijuana tax revenue, the CCIF aims to support projects that enhance quality of life, improve public spaces, and expand educational and cultural opportunities.

Recent CCIF-supported initiatives include: 

RogueX Public Art Sculpture

A $75,000 grant supported the creation of the 15-foot-tall RogueX sculpture, now a signature feature of the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex. The 680-pound welded aluminum piece was designed by local muralist Melissa Ghiglieri and coordinated by Phil Ortega, executive director of LifeArt, a Medford-based youth art collective. 

RogueX Swim Scholarships

Another $50,000 from the fund was allocated to provide swim scholarships at RogueX, benefiting 136 children to date. The program helps families facing economic barriers by offering 50% off eligible aquatics programs. Learn more here. 

Santo Community Center Security Upgrades 

To support youth programming, $50,000 was invested in security upgrades at the Santo Community Center. As part of a multi-phase building improvement project, access-controlled doors were installed to provide a safer environment for children, families, and staff attending childcare and after-school programs.

Medford Senior Center Improvements

The Medford Senior Center received a $20,000 grant for essential facility upgrades. The funding supported repairs to a waterline and improvements to a restroom that serve the center’s rentable classroom space. The nonprofit organization provides resources that help adults aged 50 and older stay active, healthy, and engaged in the community.