MEDFORD, Ore. (Apr. 30, 2026) — Illegal encampments in Medford have dropped dramatically over the past three years as the city’s specialized police unit focused on homelessness, neighborhood safety and quality-of-life issues has expanded staffing and deepened partnerships with service providers, according to an update presented to the City Council this month.
At the April 15 Medford City Council meeting, the Medford Police Department reported that the number of illegal encampments identified during its latest citywide survey fell to 13 in March 2026, down from 186 recorded in March 2023.
City officials said the reduction reflects the combined impact of enforcement, outreach and collaboration between police, local government agencies, nonprofit organizations and community members.
The update centered on the department’s Livability Team, a unit established in 2019 to address growing concerns over homelessness, public disorder, illegal camping and related neighborhood impacts across Medford.
When the team was first launched, it consisted of three officers. Police officials said it has since grown substantially and now includes a sergeant, corporal, six sworn officers, five Community Service Officers and a records specialist.
The city said the staffing increase was made possible through revenue generated by Medford’s public safety fee, which has been used to support police, fire and other public safety services.
Police described the Livability Team as a hybrid response model that combines enforcement of city ordinances and criminal laws with direct outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Officers and civilian staff work to connect individuals with services including shelter placement, housing assistance, mental health treatment, substance use recovery programs and other support systems.
Officials said the citywide encampment survey is conducted twice each year to measure trends and guide enforcement and cleanup efforts. The decline from 186 encampments in March 2023 to 13 in March 2026 marks one of the clearest indicators yet of changing conditions in the city.
Authorities said the reduction is not solely the result of police activity, but also broader cooperation among service providers, neighborhood groups and regional partners.
In addition to addressing illegal encampments, the team regularly responds to complaints involving trespassing, disorderly conduct, abandoned property, illegal dumping and public safety concerns in parks, greenways and commercial districts.
The department said a key part of the program is relationship-building with individuals living unsheltered. Rather than relying only on citations or arrests, officers often attempt to connect people with resources that may help stabilize their situation and reduce repeat contacts with law enforcement.
The Livability Team also includes an Outreach Coordinator who serves as a liaison between the police department and community-based organizations.
That coordinator leads the CONNECT group, which stands for Collaboration, Outreach, Navigation, and Networking to Empower Community Transformation. The group was previously known as CHOP and includes service providers and community partners who meet monthly to coordinate responses and discuss long-term solutions.
Officials said the meetings focus on both systemic barriers — such as limited housing availability or treatment capacity — and individual cases involving people with complex needs who require coordinated assistance.
Police said the team also works closely with the Downtown Medford Association, business owners and residents to address recurring concerns related to safety and livability in the city center.
Two officers are assigned specifically to the downtown corridor, where they focus on visibility, rapid response and problem-solving efforts intended to support businesses and improve conditions for visitors and residents.
City leaders praised the unit’s work during the council presentation.
Councilor Nick Card said the program reflects a balanced approach to public safety and compassion.
“This is what effective policing and real compassion look like in action,” Card said during the meeting. “We’re proud of the work being done to support a safer, healthier community for everyone.”
Medford, like many Oregon cities, has faced years of pressure related to housing affordability, homelessness, addiction and behavioral health challenges. Communities across the state have struggled to balance public camping regulations, neighborhood concerns and the need for services for vulnerable residents.
The city’s Livability Team has become one of Medford’s most visible responses to those pressures, emphasizing a coordinated strategy that city officials say seeks both accountability and assistance.
While officials celebrated the latest encampment numbers, they indicated the work remains ongoing as the city continues to address the root causes of homelessness and maintain public spaces.
Police said continued progress will depend on sustained funding, strong partnerships and ongoing access to treatment, shelter and housing resources throughout the Rogue Valley.
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