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.
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.
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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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.
Mountain Top Village
A 199-unit apartment complex in 11 three-story buildings on the flanks of Roxy Ann Peak in Medford. The Planning Commission approved the project February 26, 2026, but the developer (Pacific Rental Properties) filed a writ of mandamus on April 14 after the City Attorney conceded a city noticing error caused neighbors to miss the 120-day appeal window. The writ hearing is set for 2:00 PM May 18 before Judge Benjamin Bloom in Jackson County Circuit Court. Neighbors organizing as "No Mountain Top" are pursuing every available appeal route, including LUBA. Wildfire risk on the WUI hilltop and the unexplained reversal from the 2017 two-story plan create strong land-use challenges.
Sunny Valley Gravel Mine
Rogue Advocates, WaterWatch of Oregon, Rogue Riverkeeper, and Friends of Country Living have sent a joint letter to Governor Tina Kotek opposing former Josephine County Commissioner Andreas Blech's proposed Sunny Valley Sand and Gravel mine — a 210-acre deep-pit operation that would dig 80–90 feet down within 50 feet of Graves Creek, a tributary of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. The coalition warns the mine threatens endangered coho salmon and steelhead, domestic drinking-water wells in Sunny Valley, and already-strained instream flows, and they have asked state agencies to reject approval as DOGAMI nears completion of its mine plan review.
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.”
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