Medford Appointed New Deputy City Manager
The city consolidated two key department roles into a single position that will oversee local economic development.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
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Medford has selected DawnMarie Buckland to serve as its second Deputy City Manager. The new position combines the responsibilities of the Urban Renewal Agency Director and the Economic Development Director.
Why it matters
The consolidation reflects a structural shift in how Medford manages local growth and urban renewal. By merging these oversight roles, the city aims to streamline its approach to economic development initiatives.
The city identified its finalist pool from a recruitment process consisting of 3 candidates. This selection follows the retirement of the previous Urban Renewal Agency Director and the departure of the Economic Development Director.
The players
DawnMarie Buckland
A native of Medford and former Executive Director and Chief Deputy Assessor for Maricopa County, Arizona.
Martha Bennett
The incoming City Manager for Medford who will oversee the new administrative structure.
City of Medford
A municipal government in Oregon that manages local urban renewal and economic development policy.
The details
The City of Medford created this deputy role by folding two previously separate leadership positions into one. Incoming City Manager Martha Bennett conducted interviews for the role before the final selection was made. Buckland brings experience from her prior tenure as Executive Director and Chief Deputy Assessor for Maricopa County, Arizona.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: City Council to formally ratify the appointment.
November 30, 2026: Incoming City Manager Martha Bennett begins her role.
January 4, 2027: DawnMarie Buckland officially assumes the Deputy City Manager position.
Market Landscape
The city’s decision to consolidate leadership roles follows a documented trend of administrative efficiency across municipal government structures. This move aligns with broader efforts to streamline oversight of economic development and urban renewal initiatives.
Operators in Medford should monitor whether this structural change leads to faster approval processes for urban renewal projects. The consolidation of development and renewal oversight suggests a shift toward a more centralized point of contact for local businesses.
The takeaway
The merger of development and renewal roles is a significant signal that the city is prioritizing a unified economic strategy. Business owners should prepare for a potential change in the department's standard operating procedures when the new leadership begins in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, read our coverage of Medford People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDRV - TV.
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