The PLan | PART 1

Let’s Fight for More Housing

Medford is facing a cost-of-living crisis, and the lack of affordable housing is at the heart of the problem. We need urgent, focused leadership to tackle this challenge, and Garrett is ready to bring the energy and solutions required to meet it head-on.

Garrett is a local land use attorney who works daily with homeowners, builders, and state officials to reduce barriers and build more homes in Medford. As a partner at O’Connor West, LLC, he specializes in housing and real estate development, focusing on creating long-term solutions to Southern Oregon’s housing challenges.

With deep expertise in real estate law, Garrett understands the complexities of zoning, development, and how to streamline the process to get more homes built.

THE GOAL: MAKING HOUSING ATTAINABLE FOR EVERYONE

The connection between housing supply and affordability is clear: when there aren’t enough homes, prices go up. Medford is currently experiencing a shortage of homes, particularly those affordable to lower- and middle-income families. To address this crisis, our city needs to build around 13,000 new homes over the next 20 years to meet current and future demand.[1]

The Details: How We Get There

The solution to this challenge lies in many small but meaningful policy changes that together will create significant results. Here’s how we can tackle the housing shortage and increase homeownership in Medford:

1. Fully Implement the Medford Housing Production Strategy:

Medford has a strategic plan to tackle the housing crisis. This strategy includes increasing housing supply, especially for those who need it most. Garrett will work to ensure the City follows through on these goals to keep housing production on track.

2. Setting a Goal for Homeownership:

Not enough Medford residents own their homes. Garrett wants to set an ambitious goal of increasing homeownership for Medford’s families so we can create strategies to expand home ownership. This includes encouraging homeownership earlier in life and expanding access to more affordable homes.

3. Help Young People Enter the Housing Market:

Garrett will work with the state to cut the red tape that discourages developers from building and selling condo units. By lobbying the Legislature to make it easier for people to buy and sell individual apartment units (condos), we can open up homeownership opportunities to younger people and those looking for alternative (and more affordable) housing options in Medford.

4. Pre-Approved Building Plans:

To speed up housing construction, Garrett supports offering pre-approved building plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other housing types. This would reduce the time and costs involved in the design and permitting process, allowing more homes to be built quickly.

5. Public-Private Partnerships:

Garrett will foster collaboration between the City, private developers, and nonprofit organizations to streamline the building process and ensure that more housing gets built. These partnerships are key to leveraging resources and cutting red tape.

6. Expand Housing Options for Everyone:

Not everyone is ready or wants to live in a single-family home. Garrett will work with the city to collect and provide developers with market demand data for different types of housing, such as apartments, townhomes, and condos. This will ensure that developers can know what types of homes people in Medford want and can afford.

A City That Works For All Of Us

Medford deserves a future where housing is affordable for diverse income classes, attainable, and available to all. Whether it’s by cutting red tape, promoting homeownership, or increasing the housing supply, Garrett is ready to deliver solutions that make a difference.

 

[1] https://www.rv-times.com/localstate/study-medford-needs-more-than-13-000-new-houses-over-next-20-years/article_5eeff19e-1d0f-11ee-bd20-1bc8f8aba67d.html; https://www.medfordoregon.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/planning/documents/planning-projects/medford-housing-capacity-analysis-september-2022-update_cleanversion.pdf

Endorsed By...

TRAVIS SNYDER, owner snyder creek development & managing partner Precision electric

“We would be fortunate to have Garrett West on our Medford City Council. His expertise on land use and housing issues in Medford is vital for the future of our city. We’re fortunate he is willing to step into this role. A vote for Garrett to Medford City Council is a win-win for everyone.” 

THE PLAN | PART 2

Ensuring Effective Local Government and a Prosperous Future for Medford

 

With a new mayor and city manager coming in, Medford stands at a pivotal moment of change. As the city navigates this transition, it’s crucial that the City Council remains united, stable, and focused on delivering results for the community.

Garrett is committed to providing the leadership necessary to keep the city government effective, ensuring that the new city manager has the tools, resources, and support needed to manage successfully. By fostering a cohesive and collaborative environment, Garrett will help guide Medford toward a more prosperous future for all.

THE GOAL: FOSTER A COLLABORATIVE AND COHESIVE CITY COUNCIL

1. Encourage Open Dialogue:

Garrett will push for regular, open debate at city council meetings and work sessions to foster understanding, encourage diverse perspectives, and maintain alignment on shared goals.

2. Focus on Common Ground:

Garrett will prioritize initiatives that unite the City Council across political or ideological lines, focusing on issues such as public safety, housing, and economic development, where common objectives can be pursued.

3. Ensure Transparency in Decision Making

Garrett will advocate for clear and transparent decision-making processes, with frequent public meetings, regular townhalls, and consistent communication with residents. This approach will help maintain trust and cohesion within local government.

THE GOAL: GIVE THE NEW CITY MANAGER THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO SUCCEED

4. Foster Regular Council Feedback:

Garrett will advocate for regular feedback and check-ins between the City Council and the new city manager to ensure a smooth transition, adjust priorities as needed, and cultivate a close working relationship.

5. Establish Clear Performance Metrics:

Garrett will help set measurable performance goals for the city, tied to priorities such as housing, public safety, and infrastructure, to ensure accountability and a clear roadmap for success.

6. Provide Adequate Staffing and Resources:

Garrett will work to ensure the city manager’s office is properly resourced, allowing the manager to focus on strategic initiatives and efficient city operations.

THE GOAL: PROMOTE STABILITY AND CONTINUITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

During this period of leadership transition, it is vital to maintain continuity in key policies and programs. Garrett will work to ensure that our local government remains stable, focused, and able to deliver effective services.

7. Preserve Successful Initiatives:

Garrett will continue supporting effective programs, such as the Livability Team and Medford’s Homeless System Action Plan, ensuring that existing progress is not disrupted. 

8. Use Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Garrett will promote the use of solid data and evidence in shaping policy decisions, helping the City Council make informed, strategic choices that lead to long-term benefits for the city.

9. Maintain Budgetary Responsibility:

Garrett will work to ensure fiscal responsibility, balancing the budget while prioritizing funding for critical services and programs, and making thoughtful decisions about resource allocation.”

Endorsed By...

Tim Alvarez, President oregon home builders association, president claudio alvarez restoration and construction

“I have worked closely with Garrett at Oregon Home Builders Association in Salem. He offers great insight and works hard to make things happen. I am most impressed with his ability to sort through issues and work collaboratively with a diverse group of people. His voice in Salem is exponentially important to what we are accomplishing – just as it would be in Medford.”

The Plan | part 3

TACKLING HOMELESSNESS AND ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY

Homelessness is a complex and deeply rooted issue that impacts Medford’s quality of life, public safety, and economic vitality. As one of the top concerns voiced by residents and visitors alike, it affects our local businesses, parks, and public spaces.

The Medford Police Department, Fire Department, and Parks and Recreation staff dedicate significant resources to addressing the consequences of homelessness, from encampment cleanups to public safety interventions. While homelessness is influenced by various factors—such as federal, state, and local policies, market forces, mental health challenges, and addiction—there are concrete actions we in Medford can take to improve the situation.

Garrett is committed to providing the leadership needed to address homelessness and public safety in Medford by working with law enforcement, city services, and social service organizations to implement balanced, humane, and effective solutions.

THE GOAL: MAKE MEDFORD LIVABLE FOR ALL ITS RESIDENTS

 

The Details: How We Get There


Fully Implement Medford’s Homeless System Action Plan

Medford’s Homeless System Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce homelessness by addressing its root causes. However, successful implementation requires commitment, coordination, and resources. Garrett will prioritize fully implementing this plan, ensuring the city follows through on its promise to address homelessness in a systematic way.

Expand the Liberty Park Neighborhood Plan to Other Parts of Town

The Liberty Park Neighborhood Plan has shown that targeted, neighborhood-based interventions can make a significant impact on both the impacts of homelessness and public safety. By improving specific infrastructure, increasing community engagement, and fostering development, the Liberty Park initiative has helped transform the neighborhood into a safer, more livable area. Garrett believes that this approach should be expanded to other parts of Medford.

  1. Neighborhood Revitalization:

Implement targeted neighborhood revitalization plans that focus on improving safety, housing, and public services in the areas that need it most. This approach should include better lighting, increased patrols, and investment in public spaces to create safer environments for residents and visitors.

  1. Community Engagement Programs:

Foster stronger community engagement in neighborhoods by encouraging local residents, business owners, and community organizations to participate in discussions and decisions around neighborhood safety and development. Local input is key to crafting solutions that reflect the unique needs of each neighborhood.

Creating Safer Public Spaces

Homelessness often affects Medford’s public spaces, including parks, the Greenway, and other recreational areas. While compassion for homeless individuals is essential, the city must also maintain the intended use of these public spaces to ensure they remain accessible and safe for all residents. Not doing so often damages public property and reduces compassion for unhoused persons.

  1. Invest in More Dedicated Camping Areas:

Expand the number of dedicated urban camping areas where homeless individuals can stay temporarily with access to sanitation facilities, outreach services, and security. This will allow the city to enforce restrictions on camping in inappropriate locations while providing a safe and dignified alternative.

  1. Ongoing Encampment Cleanups:

Provide the Medford Police Department and Parks and Recreation with the necessary resources to manage and clean up encampments in a humane, organized way. Regular cleanups ensure public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all residents.

  1. Support the Medford Police Department and the Livability Team

The Medford Police Department and its Livability Team play an essential role in bridging the gap between enforcement and outreach. The nationally recognized Livability Team works to connect homeless individuals with vital services, helping reduce the homeless population in Medford. Garrett will prioritize continued support and investment in this team as a cornerstone of the city’s homelessness strategy.

Endorsed By...

Current Mayor and City Councilors

Mayor Randy Sparacino, Medford City Councilor Chad Miller, Medford City Councilor Sarah Spansail, Medford City Councilor Zac Smith and Medford City Councilor Nick Card.

Thank You For Your Vote.

 

Paid For By Friends of Garrett West Medford | PAC ID #23833