Planning Department Report Shows Growth and Development
Published on March 12, 2025
Medford Planning Department's draft year-end report for the Public Involvement Program showcased growth, development, and community involvement during a Planning Commission review on Monday, March 10.
The report outlines how the public can be involved in land use and planning projects, provides descriptions of different land use types, and highlights the roles of committees, commissions, and the City Council.
The overview, covering both 2023 and 2024, shows 1,288 new dwelling units were approved, 998 residential building permits were issued, 433 new hotel rooms were approved, 849 lots were created, and 553,743 square feet of new commercial and industrial building space were approved.
Accomplishments include conducting annual meetings on Rent Burden, hosting Open Streets events, and presenting at two Citizen Academy meetings to educate participants about planning.
Additionally, the department awarded $137,837 from grants to the Kelly Shelter and the Crossings, and continued managing the remodel and expansion of the Medford Navigation Center.
The department also allocated $1.4 million to fund the development of affordable housing through the Housing Opportunity Fund, which will result in 82 units of affordable housing and 8 beds for transitional housing.
Upcoming projects include hosting another Open Streets event, updating the City’s Economic Element, and providing permit-ready plans for middle housing.
Once finalized, the report will be made available to the public on the Planning Department’s website