Protecting What We Love
Your support helps protect farmland, rivers, and urban centers through advocacy, education, and action.
Rogue Advocates is dedicated to cultivating livable and sustainable communities in southern Oregon's Rogue Valley region.
Through advocacy, education, and outreach around local land use issues, we work to preserve productive rural lands and to promote vibrant urban centers.
Talent View Investments v. City of Talent
A developer secured a $7 million jury verdict against the City of Talent after the city failed to honor a 1977 railroad crossing agreement tied to a proposed 49-home development on 26 acres. This case highlights how decades-old municipal commitments can create unexpected financial liability for taxpayers when cities fail to follow through on infrastructure agreements.
Medella Bison Ranch Solar Installation
Jackson County approved a large solar installation on the Medella Bison Ranch property off Highway 99. The hearing officer decision raised questions about the balance between renewable energy development and agricultural land preservation in the Rogue Valley. Rogue Advocates monitored the process and responded to community inquiries about the approval.
Track Proposals Early
We track land use proposals in Jackson and Josephine counties and share plain-English summaries and key dates.
See current prioritiesMake the Process Clear
We break down Oregon's land use process so people can comment and testify effectively.
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Lower River Road Non-Farm Dwelling
A non-farm dwelling application has been filed for Exclusive Farm Use zoned land along the Rogue River corridor in Josephine County. The application tests the standards for allowing residential development on protected agricultural and riparian land. Public comment is open — Rogue Advocates is encouraging community participation in the review process.
Ashland Mills — Croman Mill Site Redevelopment
The Ashland Mills project proposes transforming the former 61-acre Croman Mill site into a mixed-use development with 538 housing units. The project requires rezoning and raises concerns about affordable housing commitments being backloaded in later phases. Rogue Advocates is monitoring the planning process to ensure public participation requirements are met and housing affordability promises are enforceable.
Creekside Quarter — Medford Stadium District
Creekside Quarter is a proposed $500 million mixed-use redevelopment in Medford featuring a stadium, conference center, and hotels. Ballot Measure 15-238 sought a transient lodging tax increase to help fund the project, potentially placing taxpayers on the hook for approximately $50 million. Rogue Advocates is tracking the public financing mechanisms and accountability structures surrounding this major development.
Monument Drive EFU Rezoning
Josephine County approved rezoning 45 acres of Exclusive Farm Use land to residential through a Goal 3 exception. The application claims insufficient water for farming, but satellite imagery reveals an active reservoir and wetland vegetation on the property — directly contradicting the water availability argument. Rogue Advocates identified this evidentiary conflict and is monitoring for potential LUBA appeal grounds.
Defend the Public Interest
Since 2006, Rogue Advocates has pushed for lawful decisions and challenged actions when needed.
Donate to defendProtect rural lands.
Keep our towns livable.
Your monthly gift powers land use monitoring, public education, and advocacy in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Help defend rural communities and natural resources.
“We make Oregon’s land use process understandable and actionable, so communities can participate effectively and land use decisions protect the public interest.”
Partnered for the Planet
We collaborate with global organizations to maximize our impact.