The City of Medford recently hosted an in-person community forum aimed at tackling critical housing issues, with a particular focus on rent burden, fair housing, and rental assistance. The event, which gathered residents, housing experts, and local leaders, is part of ongoing efforts to address the pressing need for affordable housing and support for renters in the region.
The forum brought together a diverse panel of experts who offered valuable insights into various aspects of housing, including the current state of the housing market, tenant rights, financial counseling, and assistance programs. Panelists also discussed the unique housing challenges faced by farm and migrant workers, as well as the resources available to help residents navigate these challenges.
The expert panel included Sheila Giorgetti, Grants Manager; Bill Ihle, Executive Director and CEO of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Oregon; Jamie Gatewood, Education & Outreach Assistant Director at the Fair Housing Council of Oregon; and local professionals from organizations like ACCESS, the Housing Authority of Jackson County, and Unete. These experts shared a wealth of information on topics such as housing stability programs, fair housing laws, financial counseling services, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which offers rental assistance to qualifying individuals and families.
One of the central issues discussed at the forum was the rising rent burden in Medford, where many renters are spending more than half of their income on housing. This problem has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in cities with populations over 10,000, as defined by Oregon’s House Bill 4006. The law mandates that such cities, where more than 25% of renter households are rent-burdened, must host public meetings to discuss the causes of rent burden and potential solutions. The City of Medford is currently in compliance with this legislation, as a significant portion of its renters are affected by high housing costs.
In addition to the forum, the City of Medford recently conducted a housing survey to assess the demand for housing in the area. The survey, which includes data on newly permitted and completed residential units, will be submitted to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) for further analysis. This data will help inform future housing policies and initiatives in Medford.
During the forum, participants also learned about the various housing programs and services available to residents, including free financial and credit counseling, which can help renters manage their finances and access grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans. Experts emphasized the importance of understanding fair housing laws and tenants’ rights, ensuring that all community members have equal access to housing opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
The discussion also highlighted the impact of housing instability on farmworkers and migrant workers, who often face additional challenges in securing affordable housing. Representatives from Unete, an organization focused on supporting Latino farmworkers, shared insights into the specific needs of this population and the barriers they encounter when seeking housing in Medford.
Jennifer Jennings, Housing Choice Voucher Program Director at the Housing Authority of Jackson County, explained how the Housing Choice Voucher Program provides critical support to low-income families by helping them pay rent in private-market housing. Jennings also touched on the Jackson County Continuum of Care, a network of local organizations working to prevent homelessness and provide services to individuals and families in need.
The forum served as a platform for open dialogue between residents and housing experts, allowing participants to voice concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback on potential solutions to the rent burden problem. The City of Medford will use this feedback, along with meeting minutes and attendance records, to guide its housing initiatives and share with OHCS for future policy development.
As Medford continues to grapple with housing challenges, forums like these play an important role in fostering community engagement and collaboration to create more affordable housing options and reduce the financial strain on renters. With ongoing support from local organizations and government agencies, Medford aims to build a more equitable and sustainable housing future for all residents.