MEMBER NEWS
July Chamber Forum Review State of the City Address at the Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Forum Virtual Forum with Medford Mayor, Randy Sparacino & Medford City Manager, Brian Sjothun. Sponsored by: City of Medford, July Forum
and aquatics facility, scheduled to open in August 2023. It will include indoor recreational and competitive pools, basketball courts, and be a multi-purpose event center,” he explained. Sjothun then addressed a serious issue for many citizens — livability in Medford. He started by playing a video about the Homeless System Action Plan.
The nearly 18-mile bike and walking path extends from Ashland to Central Point and has long been a haven for transient activity. Photo courtesy of KOBI5 News.
D uring the July Forum, Mayor Randy Sparacino & City Manager Brian Sjothun provided an overview of the 2021 State of the City for Medford. Mayor Sparacino began by stating the previous year had been unlike any other to precede it. “But our community has come together and overcome the pandemic and wildfires,” he said. Sparacino then explained the City Council has been working on items for the 2021-2023 biennium and setting new priorities. These include a revitalization of the city center, a focus on community engagement, economic development, health and safety, housing, and public infrastructure. Each priority set by the council also has different goals associated with it. “As mayor, I’m the presiding officer for council meetings, and a conduit for the citizens. I am the voice of the people in our city, and in this way, I help the council achieve the goals they have laid out,” he explained. Sparacino then directed the presentation to Medford City Manager Brian Sjothun, who discussed the State of the City in further detail. Sjothun began by noting that the City Council had allocated $500,000 to COVID-19 relief fund programs, which helped more than 130 Medford businesses navigate this difficult time. He then spoke about upcoming milestones for Medford, including the new Rogue Credit Union Community Complex. “A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for September,” he said. “The complex will be a 160,000 sq. ft. events
The video explained the goals of the plan are to help increase development of housing, address unsheltered homeless encampments along the Greenway, and fund tools that will help prevent homelessness. Additionally, the city is leveraging funds and working with nonprofits to provide services for those seeking help. In the next year, the city is working with community partners to create a navigation center, which will provide unhoused community members with low barrier, 24/7 shelter. “It will be a temporary place for people to stay. We can then move them to a tiny house village, a supportive housing program, or connect them with services. We hope to have it up and running by July 1, 2022,” Sjothun said. Sjothun expanded on the actions of the Livability Team regarding the camps on the Greenway. He explained that camps were identified, and the Livability Team spent three days working with the individuals residing there to connect them with the proper services. “It’s going to take a lot of time to clean up the Greenway,” he said. “But with the efforts of the Livability Team, we’re making good progress.” Sjothun ended the presentation by explaining Medford’s 2040 Community Vision, which focuses on fostering economic growth and resiliency, enhancing hometown, connecting community, fostering safety and wellness, and promoting recreation opportunities. “It’s the vision of what we want Medford to be,” said Sjothun. n
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July 2021 | The Business Review
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