Medford Holds Forum on Housing Challenges to Address Rent Burden

Medford, Oregon- The City of Medford recently hosted an in-person community forum to address key housing issues, including rent burden, fair housing, landlord-tenant relationships, and rental assistance opportunities. The event provided residents and stakeholders an opportunity to discuss housing challenges and explore potential solutions.

Feedback gathered during the forum will help shape the City’s housing initiatives aimed at addressing rent burden. Meeting minutes, attendance records, and public input will be shared with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to support statewide housing efforts.

The City also completed a housing survey that collected data on the number of permitted and completed residential units across various categories. The survey results will be submitted to OHCS and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).

A panel of housing experts and advocates participated in the forum, including:

• Sheila Giorgetti, Grants Manager

• Bill Ihle, Executive Director & CEO, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Oregon

• Jamie Gatewood, Education & Outreach Assistant Director, Fair Housing Council of Oregon

• Jacob Ghena, Broker, Team Jacob.Realtor Coaching

• Kathy Keesee, Program Coordinator, Unete

• Jennifer Jennings, Housing Choice Voucher Program Director, Housing Authority of Jackson County

• Noah Werthaiser, SSD Program Compliance Manager, ACCESS

• Cole Smith, Housing Partnership Manager, ACCESS

Panelists discussed a range of topics, including Medford’s housing conditions, fair housing laws, financial counseling services, grant and voucher programs, and the impact of housing challenges on migrant workers. They also highlighted programs aimed at improving housing stability, such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program and services offered by ACCESS.

This forum was held in accordance with HB 4006, a state law requiring public meetings in cities with populations over 10,000 where more than 25% of renter households spend over 50% of their income on rent. The law is designed to address rent burdens and identify solutions for affected communities.

City officials emphasized their commitment to using the information gathered from the forum and survey to develop strategies that support affordable housing and promote community stability.