Medford, Oregon- The Medford City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution directing city staff to formally begin the Economic Improvement District (EID) formation process in partnership with the Downtown Medford Association (DMA).
An EID is a public-private partnership that allows property and business owners within a designated area to contribute collectively to the maintenance, development, and promotion of their district. More than 1,000 EIDs currently operate across North America, including in Bend, McMinnville, Albany, and Astoria.
In Bend, EID funds support sidewalk cleaning, graffiti and snow removal, holiday decorations, and marketing of downtown events and businesses. McMinnville’s EID funds public landscaping, business recruitment, and parking improvements.
Medford’s resolution marks the first of three steps required to formally establish an EID and does not guarantee that the district will be formed. The next steps include creating an Economic Improvement Plan, notifying affected property owners, and holding a public hearing before the council makes a final decision.
Under state law, the proposed district cannot move forward if more than 33% of impacted property owners submit written opposition.
EID Formation Process
The approved resolution includes a Preliminary Economic Improvement Plan and authorizes staff to begin the formal formation process.
Step 1: Council approval of the preliminary resolution (completed). Step 2: Council consideration of a final plan through ordinance, including mailed notices to property owners. Step 3: A public hearing, allowing property owners within the proposed district to provide input before the council’s final vote.
City Support and DMA Partnership
To assist with downtown revitalization and EID planning, the city has awarded several Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF) grants to the DMA:
• Nov. 17, 2022 – $75,000
• Sept. 19, 2024 – $125,000
• Sept. 3, 2025 – $150,000
The EID proposal originated from the DMA’s prior presentations to the council requesting funding to support planning and development efforts for the downtown area.
Proposed Boundaries and Budget
The proposed district would encompass approximately 125 properties located between Bear Creek and Oakdale Avenue, and between Sixth and Eighth streets.
The draft annual budget totals $89,618.50, with property owner contributions calculated at $0.10 per square foot of parcel size. Nonprofit organizations are expected to receive a discounted rate.
According to the proposal, EID funds would be allocated as follows:
60% for beautification and development 28% for advocacy 12% for administration and contingencies
If approved, the district would operate for three years, with the option to renew for an additional three years. The City of Medford and DMA aim to complete the formation process by March 31, 2026.
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