Medford will hold the first of a series of community forums to gather input on the future of Medford Square at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at City Hall. The city's Office of Community Development is working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to develop a master plan, which is intended to guide future economic development and physical improvements in the square. Major areas of focus will include spurring business growth, land use, promoting a sense of place, transportation, open space, and quality of life. The $90,000 cost of the study is being met through a state technical assistance grant and funding from the Barr Foundation.

John Laidler can be reached at laidler@globe.com.