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In this episode of Medford Happenings, host John Petrola sits down with Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn and Milva McDonald, chair of the Neighborhood Ambassador Task Force, to discuss the launch and goals of this new civic engagement initiative.
Key Highlights of the Discussion:
Carr Park Ribbon Cutting: The episode opens by celebrating the completion of the Carr Park project (1:19), a five-year effort featuring a new splash pad, basketball courts, and solar-powered lighting, made possible through federal and local funding.
Purpose of the Neighborhood Ambassador Task Force: The program was created to bridge the communication gap between City Hall and residents (2:53). It serves as a “two-way street” where ambassadors act as conduits for sharing city information and relaying community feedback back to the city (6:28).
Ambassador Selection Process: The team sought a politically diverse group of volunteers to represent different neighborhoods (8:47). Milva McDonald was selected as chair due to her extensive experience with the city’s charter review process (10:18).
Goals and Outreach: Early goals include getting the team established, hosting open houses (21:30), and attending community events like the Farmer’s Market (21:12) to make the city government more accessible to all residents, including those who may not rely on social media or digital platforms (29:04).
Collaborations: The task force is already partnering with the Friends of the Medford Public Library for a September card drive (23:01) and working with the health department to address neighborhood-specific concerns like pest management (23:38).
This volunteer-based initiative is not mandated by ordinance but represents a dedicated effort to ensure that all residents—from long-term citizens to new arrivals—stay informed about the services and events shaping their community.
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Medford Happenings 
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