Medford, OR. — The Medford City Council approved more than $1 million in grants for 22 projects ranging from downtown revitalization and homelessness prevention to community events, public safety improvements and youth scholarships.
Councilors awarded $1,045,100 from the Council Community Initiative Fund during their Aug. 5 meeting. The fund receives revenue from local and state marijuana taxes.
The largest share—$582,000—will support economic revitalization, housing, homelessness prevention and community stabilization programs.
The Downtown Medford Association received the largest individual award, with $160,000 designated for downtown revitalization and storefront activation. Consumer Credit Counseling Services received $150,000 for counseling intended to help prevent homelessness.
The council awarded $100,000 to establish a one-year Livability Court pilot program and another $100,000 to the Rogue Valley YMCA to renovate a YMCA-owned house for temporary workforce housing and youth support.
Other awards in this category included $38,000 for Golden Rule Reentry’s COMPASS program, which coordinates services and tracks outcomes for formerly incarcerated people; $30,000 for ordinance-compliance grants; and $4,000 to help Spartan Boxing Club obtain a conditional-use permit as it seeks a safer facility.
Youth, recreation and cultural programs receive $169,000
The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon received $100,000 for museum and preschool scholarships serving children and families.
The Rogue Rapids Swim Team was awarded $25,000 for scholarships, while the Rogue Valley YMCA received $10,000 for water-safety education and programming.
Three other programs received $10,000 each: Calli Casa de Culturas for a free Día de los Muertos celebration, Teen Musical Theatre of Oregon for scholarships for students from low-income households, and the city’s Community Art Contest for Medford high school students.
The Holly Theatre received $4,000 for safety and production equipment upgrades.
City events, communications and public safety receive $244,100
The council directed $80,000 toward Medford’s 2026 and 2027 Fourth of July celebrations. Another $50,000 will fund community event sponsorships, and $50,000 will support a citywide biannual print publication covering local programs, services and community updates.
Fire Station 16 will receive $45,000 for fencing and security improvements. The city also allocated $8,500 for a permanent memorial at Fire Station 15 honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty.
The Medford Police Department received $7,600 for a lobby display featuring awards, certifications and historic equipment. Another $3,000 will establish the Mayor and Council Community Impact Awards to recognize local leadership and community contributions.
Animal-welfare initiative receives $50,000
The Southern Oregon Humane Society received $50,000 for its Community Pet Wellness Initiative. The program rescues animals considered at risk and provides pet food and supplies to families in need.
The latest awards represent an increase of $433,350 from the $611,750 distributed through the fund in 2025. Since 2020, the council has approved more than $6.2 million in Council Community Initiative Fund grants.
Separately, the council began committing $300,000 annually from the fund in 2024 to cover debt payments on the new Fire Station 15. That commitment is scheduled to continue for 20 years, while construction of the station is in its final phase.
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