During the Medford City Council meeting on February 19, 2025, significant discussions centered around the annexation of two parcels of land into the city, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage urban growth and housing needs in the region.

The council approved a resolution to set a public hearing date for March 19, 2025, regarding the annexation of a 4.75-acre lot located on the east side of Springbrook Road. This property, currently zoned as Jackson County R-R 5, will transition to the city's S-400 single-family residential designation, allowing for one dwelling unit per existing lot. This change also entails the removal of the property from Rural Fire Protection District Number 2, indicating a shift in the governance and services applicable to the area.

In a related discussion, the council addressed a larger annexation proposal involving a 61.32-acre parcel located east of Cherry Lane and south of Hillcrest Road. This property is currently designated for exclusive farm use and will also be re-zoned to the city's SFR-00 single-family residential holding zone. The annexation is part of a broader strategy to expand Medford's urban growth boundary, which has been in place since 2018, and to accommodate increasing housing demands.

City staff highlighted that the annexation process includes specific criteria that must be met, such as the property being contiguous with city limits and the owners' consent to the annexation. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has stipulated that mitigation measures must be implemented due to the land's designation as a winter deer and elk habitat. This requirement underscores the city's commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship.

The council's discussions also emphasized the procedural aspects of the annexation hearings, including rules for public participation and the importance of adhering to established criteria for land use decisions. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of moving forward with the annexation proposals, reflecting a collective agreement on the need for growth and development in Medford.

As the city prepares for the upcoming public hearing, the implications of these annexations will likely resonate throughout the community, influencing future housing availability and urban planning strategies. The council's actions signal a proactive approach to managing Medford's growth while considering environmental impacts and community needs.