Grants Pass and Josephine County map property swaps, discuss housing, parking and trails

On April 28, 2026, Josephine County commissioners and leaders from the City of Grants Pass met in the Board of Commissioners Conference Room to review city and county parcels and explore potential joint development opportunities aimed at supporting housing and economic growth.

Mayor Clint Schierf opened the meeting with maps showing City-owned properties located in County jurisdiction and County-owned parcels within the city, saying the materials were intended to begin or continue conversations about possible land swaps, joint ventures and future development to support housing and jobs. Chair Ron A. Smith and other commissioners participated in the discussion.

The county and city discussed the anticipated Dimmick property transaction and the effect on County operations. Commissioners said several county departments will likely relocate after the transaction; Facilities, Community Development and Public Health were named as needing new space. Commissioners indicated most relocations would remain within Grants Pass for operational reasons and proximity to existing county services.

City leaders described interest in expanding downtown parking through a potential multi-level parking structure, including partnership opportunities with local businesses and long-term planning tied to increased commercial activity. Commissioners acknowledged longstanding parking challenges and referenced prior parking studies and a parking task force effort as background for future planning.

The group reviewed the County-owned Dollar Mountain parcel, noting past auction attempts and assessed-value discussions. City representatives and commissioners said new Bureau of Land Management partnerships and expanded trail initiatives may have altered the parcel's strategic importance and urged further appraisals or presentations to evaluate future uses.

Commissioner Colene M. Martin raised future School District 7 property needs, saying demographic projections could eventually require additional school acreage on the south side of the river. She suggested coordinating City parks and County land to preserve potential expansion while balancing recreational and community use.

Participants agreed that Grants Pass and Cave Junction are likely to host most housing and economic development activity in Josephine County because of existing infrastructure and water and sewer capacity. The attendees emphasized cooperative planning across jurisdictions to help meet housing and workforce growth.

Mayor Schierf distinguished between low-income and workforce housing needs, expressing support for prioritizing workforce housing to aid industrial and manufacturing recruitment. Commissioners stressed the need for continued coordination between planning departments to address future housing demand.

Council and County leaders also discussed a possible youth community center using existing Fairgrounds facilities and expressed interest in community-centered recreational projects. Separately, the group brainstormed coordinated decorations and events for the Nation's upcoming 250th anniversary, including courthouse lighting and downtown-themed flower baskets.

The board and City representatives agreed to continue conversations on property collaboration opportunities, relocation planning tied to the Dimmick property transition, appraisal and review of the Dollar Mountain parcel, and coordination on housing, parking and long-term economic development. The meeting record also notes the agenda reference ORS 192.640(1) for additional subjects. The session adjourned at 12:04 p.m.