I’m Chanda Gowen, a resident of Medford, Oregon, and I’m asking you to sign this petition to demand accountability from our city leaders.

While City of Medford officials claim they are proactively addressing homelessness and public safety, our community tells a different story — one of growing crime, declining neighborhood livability, and millions of tax dollars misused with little to no measurable improvement.

Here are the facts:
Medford’s property crime rate is more than 3 times the national average, and violent crime is 43% higher than in other Oregon cities of similar size.
(FBI Uniform Crime Report, 2024)
Despite claims of “record-low encampments,” visible homelessness is increasing — especially in parks, school zones, and public corridors.
Medford and Jackson County have received over $12 million in homelessness-related funding from HUD, ARPA, and Project Turnkey in recent years.
Unhoused individuals may receive up to $1,000/month in benefits, while disabled residents on SSDI receive only $900–$1,100/month, often without housing assistance.
According to Oregon Housing & Community Services (2025), only 32% of homelessness funds go to permanent housing — the rest is spent on administration and “temporary services.”
We are not against helping people. We want solutions that work — for everyone. That starts with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and public safety.

 🧾 What We’re Asking For:
A public audit of homelessness-related spending in Medford and Jackson County
Transparency on how much funding is allocated per person and for what services
Comparison of benefits for the unhoused versus disabled residents
Public forums where residents can directly question elected officials
More vigorous enforcement of public safety policies while upholding compassion
 
🗣️ Why This Matters:
Our parks aren’t safe.
Crime is rising.
Local businesses are suffering.
Families don’t feel secure.
The people of Medford deserve answers and action. Sign this petition to stand for truth, safety, and fairness in how homelessness is addressed in our community.

 📣 Petition Creator:
Chanda Gowen
Medford, Oregon Resident
Working for a safer, more accountable city for all