Medford Planning Department Describes Significant Growth During Year-End Report

Medford, Oregon- The Medford Planning Department presented its draft year-end report for the Public Involvement Program during a Planning Commission review on Monday, March 10. The report highlights substantial growth, development, and increased community participation in the city’s land use and planning activities over the past two years.

The draft report outlines how residents can engage with the city’s land use and planning projects, providing detailed descriptions of different land use categories and explaining the roles of key decision-making bodies, including the Planning Commission, City Council, and various advisory committees.

Growth and Development Metrics

The overview, covering both 2023 and 2024, reflects significant progress in residential and commercial development:

• 1,288 new dwelling units were approved.

• 998 residential building permits were issued.

• 433 new hotel rooms were approved.

• 849 lots were created for residential and commercial use.

• 553,743 square feet of new commercial and industrial building space were approved.

Community Engagement and Program Achievements

The Planning Department underscored its commitment to public involvement through a variety of outreach initiatives:

• Hosted annual meetings on Rent Burden to discuss housing affordability and access.

• Organized Open Streets events to foster community interaction and promote alternative transportation.

• Delivered presentations at two Citizen Academy meetings to educate residents about the city’s planning processes and encourage participation.

Affordable Housing and Shelter Investments

The department made notable strides in supporting affordable housing and social services:

• Awarded $137,837 in grant funding to the Kelly Shelter and the Crossings to support housing and transitional services.

• Managed the ongoing remodel and expansion of the Medford Navigation Center to enhance support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Allocated $1.4 million through the Housing Opportunity Fund, supporting the development of 82 affordable housing units and 8 transitional housing beds.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, the Planning Department plans to continue building on this momentum with several key projects:

• Hosting another Open Streets event to further community engagement.

• Updating the city’s Economic Element to reflect current market trends and growth opportunities.

• Developing and providing permit-ready plans to streamline the construction of middle housing, promoting increased housing diversity and availability.

Report Availability

Once finalized, the year-end report will be made available to the public on the Planning Department’s website.

The Medford Planning Department’s achievements underscore a period of robust development and growing public involvement, positioning the city for continued growth and enhanced community engagement in the coming years.