MEDFORD, Ore. (Sep. 28, 2026) — The City of Medford is considering the creation of a new urban renewal district that could direct future tax increment revenues toward redevelopment, infrastructure and other projects across portions of the city.
The proposed MURA 2.0 would replace the existing Medford Urban Renewal Agency district, known as MURA 1.0, which is winding down after reaching the end of its tax increment collection period. The city is developing a new urban renewal boundary and plan and is seeking public input before moving forward.
The city held its first MURA 2.0 community open house Monday, Sept. 28, at the Medford Police Department. A second open house is scheduled for Nov. 9. Residents can also submit comments to the city regarding the proposal.
What is MURA 2.0?
Urban renewal allows a city to establish a defined area for redevelopment and use tax increment financing to fund eligible improvements. As property values within the district increase, a portion of the resulting increase in property tax revenue can be directed toward urban renewal projects rather than being distributed through the regular property-tax system.
Medford’s existing MURA district has reached the end of its tax increment collection period. According to the city’s budget documents, approximately $20 million in remaining indebtedness was authorized in 2018, with collection of that remaining tax increment completed in 2025. MURA is now completing projects and winding down the existing district.
The city is now considering whether to establish a new district with a new boundary, plan, projects and financial capacity.
Proposed areas include South Medford, Bear Creek and Rogue Valley Mall Area
Earlier MURA 2.0 planning documents identified several areas for potential inclusion in the proposed district, including legacy industrial areas, South Downtown, the Bear Creek corridor and the Rogue Valley Mall area.
The Citizens Advisory Committee reviewing the proposal has discussed redevelopment opportunities, incompatible land uses, environmental cleanup and housing, including affordable housing. The committee has also considered the size of the proposed district in relation to the amount of revenue it could generate and the effect urban renewal financing could have on other taxing districts.
The proposed boundary and list of projects remain subject to the city’s ongoing planning process and public input.
Potential connection to major Medford projects
MURA 2.0 has also emerged as one potential funding source for several large-scale projects being discussed by the city.
One example is the proposed professional baseball stadium associated with the Creekside Quarter concept. City officials have identified MURA 2.0 tax increment revenue as one potential source that could help repay financing for a stadium, along with other potential revenue sources.
The city has been studying a stadium concept for Hawthorne Park, with Harry & David Field identified as an alternative site. Preliminary estimates have varied substantially, and city officials have emphasized that additional engineering and due diligence are needed before determining the project’s feasibility or final cost.
In April, MURA approved up to $500,000 toward an initial stadium feasibility study, with a potential $250,000 matching contribution from Elmore Sports Group. The study is intended to examine engineering, costs and other due diligence rather than authorize construction of the stadium.
Public input remains part of the process
The city describes MURA 2.0 as a proposal still under development. Residents are being asked to review the proposed boundary and potential projects and provide feedback before the plan advances.
The Medford Urban Renewal Agency is governed by the Medford City Council and mayor.
A second MURA 2.0 open house is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Prescott Room at the Medford Police Department, 219 S. Ivy St.
The creation of a new urban renewal district would require additional steps before it could become operational, meaning the current MURA 2.0 proposal is not itself an authorization for the projects discussed as potential uses of future urban renewal revenue.
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