Medford Council Advances Lodging Tax Ballot Measure to Help Fund Creekside Quarter Project

Medford, Oregon- Aiming to support a transformative redevelopment in the heart of downtown, the Medford City Council voted unanimously on July 16 to place a proposed increase to the City’s Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) on the November 2025 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would raise the maximum allowable TLT rate from 11% to 13%, potentially unlocking a new source of funding for the envisioned Creekside Quarter project.

The Council’s vote does not change the current tax rate or enact the increase—it solely refers the question to Medford voters. The TLT is applied to hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays and is commonly used to fund tourism-related facilities and marketing.

Councilor Nick Card also introduced a companion motion—approved unanimously—that outlines next steps should the ballot measure pass. Chief among them is the preparation of a resolution establishing a 1% conditional increase to the actual TLT rate. The increase would take effect only if voters approve the measure and would be earmarked specifically for a conference center or similar facility within the Creekside Quarter or comparable downtown development. The resolution will also include a sunset clause limiting the duration of the increase.

Additional directives include a study of differential TLT rates—such as a district-based model rather than a flat citywide rate—and a future Council study session to evaluate findings and finalize policy details.

Creekside Quarter Vision

The proposed tax adjustment is a key component of the City’s strategy to fund Creekside Quarter, a major $500 million redevelopment concept intended to bring new life to downtown Medford. Plans under consideration include a convention center, public gathering spaces, and a multi-use stadium.

The stadium, if built, could host a variety of events and potentially become the new home of the Eugene Emeralds, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the San Francisco Giants. City leaders say the facility would also be used for concerts, sports tournaments, and year-round community programming, helping to drive tourism and economic activity.

City officials describe the TLT proposal as a fiscally responsible step toward making the Creekside Quarter vision a reality while maintaining flexibility and transparency in how any new revenues are used.

The effort aligns with Medford’s 2040 Vision and Biennial Goals, which call for enhancing public spaces, attracting private investment, and strengthening the city’s role as a regional destination.

More information on the Creekside Quarter concept and the Eugene Emeralds’ potential relocation is expected later this year as planning efforts advance.