Michael Zarosinksi for Medford Mayor

Medford’s Mayoral Choice For:

Experience
Vision
Leadership

“With over a decade of volunteer city leadership experience, as well as professional experience leading public sector departments, I will provide stability and guidance to move Medford through the multiple challenges we face.”

Back To Top

Priorities

Leadership

With over a decade of city volunteer experience serving the city as both an appointed and elected official, and as serving on non-profit boards serving multiple needs in the community, I have had the privilege of helping our community through various challenges and triumphs. My extensive background in community leadership uniquely positions me to provide the stability and continuity our city needs with four new councilors, mayor, and a city manager in 2025.
Safety

During my time on council, we invested in law enforcement, facilities, and programs to address the increasingly complex issues associated with crime. Moving forward we will work closely with law enforcement to ensure they have the resources and training needed to protect our community effectively. In addition, we will support effective and right-size infrastructure improvements to ensure that offenders have accountability to both the victims and the community.
Housing

In Medford, housing availability presents a challenge. As a city councilor, I advocated for the more and improved housing options for all income levels, aiming to keep Medford's prices below the Oregon median. Leadership from the mayor's office ensures the local government facilitates rather than hinders private investment in our community. Moreover, it is essential to champion housing solutions tailored to Medford's unique needs, as opposed to one-size-fits-all state regulations.
Addiction/Mental Health

Addiction and mental health issues are largely impacting our community and more work is needed. Michael believes the most effective approach is through strong partnerships with the county, state, and other stakeholders to create a support network. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these partners and providing support for accountability and transformational facilities, we can make a difference in the community.
Homelessness

Medford has been a leader in the Rogue Valley in supporting both outreach and sheltering options and those policies have helped in a 70% reduction of illegal campgrounds with the community. However, more coordination needs to be done with service providers for transitional housing options to help people on the steps from homelessness to housing, as well as more effective solutions for dealing with those resistive to outreach.
Rising Costs

We are faced with the reality that even funding core services are becoming more of a challenge to maintain due to rising costs of compensation and infrastructure. While this issue is not isolated to Medford it does demand prudent management and we must prioritize efficiency and explore cost-saving measures to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to strike a balance between fair compensation and fiscal responsibility

Back To Top

Experience

Meet Michael

Raised in the rural agricultural community of Malin in south-central Oregon, my sense of service was deeply influenced by my upbringing. Childhood shaped my perception of community—a unique blend of individualism and a genuine commitment to helping one’s neighbor with an underlying expectation that one must contribute to benefit. Taking advantage of opportunities to explore other parts of the country broadened my perspective and taught me the importance of understanding people with different values and recognizing common ground. Thirty years ago, I relocated to the Rogue Valley to begin my career in civil engineering and have been lucky enough to call this community my home ever since.

Back To Top

Endorsements

Michael is pleased to have the support of esteemed community members and local leaders who recognize the value of his leadership and vision for Medford's future.