MEDFORD, Ore. – Medford held its first Council Town Hall of 2025 on April 30 at the Medford Police Headquarters, with a primary focus on emergency preparedness. The event aimed to equip residents with essential resources and provide a platform for questions about the city’s readiness for fire season and other emergencies.
City Councilors Jessica Ayres, Mike Kerlinger, Kevin Stine, and Garrett West, along with Mayor Michael Zarosinski, were in attendance to host the event. The town hall provided a unique opportunity for residents to hear directly from key city leaders about the plans and measures in place for wildfire mitigation, fire season preparation, and emergency response coordination.
Throughout the event, a range of topics were addressed, including Jackson Alerts, the importance of emergency preparation, and funding for fire fuel reduction. City officials provided attendees with valuable guidance on creating comprehensive emergency kits, identifying evacuation zones, and ensuring that they are signed up for timely updates in case of an emergency.
In addition to providing practical advice, the town hall allowed for an open dialogue between residents and city leaders, with several questions raised concerning the local response to potential emergencies and the resources available to residents.
Looking ahead, the City of Medford has scheduled the second town hall of the year for May 15, which will take place at the Smullin Health Education Center. This upcoming event is expected to continue the conversation on emergency preparedness and offer further insights into the city’s strategies for addressing seasonal challenges.
As wildfires continue to pose a significant risk to the region, local leaders are prioritizing preparedness efforts to help ensure the safety and well-being of Medford residents in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.