Medford mayor seeks $15M for minor league stadium relocation and community investment

In a recent meeting of the Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction, local leaders presented critical funding requests aimed at addressing infrastructure needs and fostering economic growth in their communities.

One of the most pressing issues discussed was the need for a new water reservoir in Rogue River. Local representatives highlighted plans for a 1,000,000-gallon reservoir, which is nearly shovel-ready and could be completed by 2027, contingent on securing funding. The total cost of the project is estimated at $6.9 million, with a request for just over $3 million from the state. This project is deemed essential to support the town's growth and prevent a moratorium on future commercial and residential developments. Currently, the community, which has a significant senior population and a low workforce participation rate, is poised to create additional jobs through increased development, but this hinges on enhancing water storage capacity.

In a parallel discussion, Medford's Mayor Mike Saraczynski advocated for a $15 million investment to develop a new stadium for a minor league baseball team relocating from Eugene. This initiative aims to create a vibrant entertainment and cultural district in Southern Oregon, leveraging state and city funds to stimulate local economic development. The mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining the state's long-standing relationship with the sports team and the potential benefits of this investment for the region.

Additionally, Darla Linker from the City of Stanfield shared insights about her community's rapid growth, projecting an increase in population from 2,100 to over 3,300 residents by 2044. This growth signals a strong demand for infrastructure improvements to accommodate the rising population.

The discussions during this meeting underscore the urgent need for state support in funding local projects that not only address immediate infrastructure challenges but also lay the groundwork for future economic development. As these communities seek to enhance their capacities, the outcomes of these funding requests will be pivotal in shaping their growth trajectories.