Understanding Measure 15-238: Visitor-Funded Plan for Creekside Quarter

Measure 15-238 would raise visitor tax to fund new conference center, jumpstart downtown redevelopment

Downtown Medford, Oregon- A proposed redevelopment project known as Creekside Quarter is drawing attention across southern Oregon as city leaders, local businesses, and community advocates promote a vision to revitalize downtown Medford along Bear Creek.

The project’s first phase would be funded through Measure 15-238, a November ballot measure seeking to increase Medford’s transient lodging tax (TLT) by up to 2 percent. Supporters say the modest increase — paid only by visitors staying overnight in local hotels — would help launch the redevelopment by financing a new conference and events center.

Creekside Quarter is envisioned as a connected district combining a conference center, hotel, retail and dining spaces, offices, residences, and a multi-purpose stadium that could become the new home of the Eugene Emeralds minor league baseball team. Plans also include green spaces, enhanced public parks, and restoration efforts along Bear Creek.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform downtown Medford into a thriving center of connectivity, commerce, and community pride,” supporters said in a statement. “Nearly 90% of Creekside Quarter is funded by private investment. Measure 15-238 is the first step to make sure our community benefits—by funding the conference center through a small visitor tax, not residents.”

Visitor-Funded, Not Resident-Funded

Proponents emphasize that Measure 15-238 would not create a property, sales, income, or utility tax for local residents. Instead, it would be funded entirely by visitors.

A professional feasibility study estimates that the conference center and hotel alone could generate $1.69 billion in total economic impact and $752 million in local wages over time.

“This is a responsible and forward-thinking way to fund essential infrastructure and community development,” supporters state.

Public-Private Partnership

Project leaders describe Creekside Quarter as a public-private collaboration, with approximately 90% of costs covered by private investment. Public funds generated through the transient lodging tax would serve as a catalyst for the initial phase, helping to attract additional private capital.

The city’s approach follows the model of other recent successful developments such as Rogue X, Lithia & Driveway Fields, One West Main, the downtown Element Hotel, and the SOU/RCC Higher Education Center, which combined public planning with private funding.

“Such private sector engagement signals confidence in Medford’s long-term value and momentum,” supporters remark.

More Than a Stadium

While some attention has focused on the proposed stadium component, supporters emphasize it would serve as a year-round venue for more than just sports — hosting concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. The facility is also expected to promote youth athletics, regional tournaments, and tourism while supporting small businesses downtown.

“The stadium will serve as a community centerpiece for events, sports, and connectivity,” the project team stated. “It will act as a catalyst for local business growth and offer resources for families and youth.”

Broader Community Benefits

Advocates say Creekside Quarter will create local jobs, support small businesses, attract new visitors, and enhance community spaces along Bear Creek and Hawthorne Park.

“This initiative will turn downtown into a vibrant hub for families, businesses, and visitors,” the support statement reads. “No new taxes for residents. Visitors are funding this vision.”

Medford Alert News’ Editorial Endorsement

At Medford Alert News, we believe Creekside Quarter represents a generational opportunity for Medford’s downtown, its residents, and the greater Rogue Valley. For the first time in our 14+ year history, we are officially endorsing a ballot measure and supporting a YES vote for Measure 15-238.

The urban energy this project is expected to bring is exactly what downtown has needed for decades. The proposed combination of public investment, private funding, and thoughtful redevelopment has the potential to reshape the city’s downtown economic and cultural landscape.

Medford is on the cusp of an exciting new era—one that has the potential to reshape the heart of our community and strengthen its role as the cultural and economic core of all Southern Oregon. This measure provides the opportunity to build a thriving, vibrant, and sustainable urban downtown that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

With no increase in property taxes and nearly 90% of total costs covered by private partners, this proposal reflects the type of smart, sustainable development that can move Medford forward. In our view, Measure 15-238 and the Creekside Quarter project together represent a home run for our city, downtown, and greater overall region.

City Councilor Kevin Stine Voices Support for Creekside Quarter Proposal

In an interview with Medford Alert News, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine shared his support for the proposed Creekside Quarter development, calling it a major step forward for downtown Medford.

“This is an exciting development in an area, in and around downtown, that Medford residents have continually expressed interest in positive redevelopment,” Stine said. “This is a huge path forward on achieving that.”

Stine highlighted the proposed conference center as a potential cornerstone for economic growth in the city’s core. “When you look at the potential conference center, you are looking at the ability to have an asset that will drive tourism and create jobs,” he said. “We had a feasibility study completed that showed that a conference center in the downtown would be an absolute winner for Medford.”

As Election Day nears, Stine said he wants voters to recognize the scale of opportunity before them. “The big thing is that these opportunities do not come along often,” he said. “We haven’t had any proposal come close to the economic impact that the Creekside Quarter can do for our city.”

He also clarified how the associated funding measure would work. “We are asking voters to approve an increase to the TLT, not a property tax,” Stine explained, referring to the transient lodging tax. “This is a tax of visitors and one supported by hoteliers.”

Stine concluded by reaffirming his support for the proposal. “I highly encourage a ‘Yes’ vote for ballot measure 15-238 this November,” he said.

More information about the proposal and Measure 15-238 is available at www.creeksidequarter.com.