Medford is one of many cities dealing with rising numbers of people living on the streets. And along with them come rising complaints about trash and a general decline in cleanliness downtown.
The city government and Rogue Retreat, which works to house homeless people, are working together on a concept in which people seeking shelter would take part in cleaning up the streets. Similar programs already exist in Washington, DC and other cities.
Medford City Manager Brian Sjothun wears an additional hat as the board chair of the Continuum of Care in the Rogue Valley. He joins us to talk about the "Street Sweep" concept and other ideas for addressing homelessness issues in the community.
