City e-News
October 2, 2026—Issue No. 29
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Our very own Director Rachel Dials named 2026 ORPA David E. Clark Professional Honor Award recipient
Interim Parks Director Rachel Dials, center, receives ORPA's highest honor (left to right: Lonny Flora, City of Ashland Recreation Supervisor; Amber Shroy, City of Ashland Administrative Assistant; Regan Trapp, City of Ashland Permit Clerk II and Rachel's twin sister; Kathryn Teige, Rachel's mom; John Dials, Rachel's husband; Toren Dials, Rachel's son; Sulaiman Shelton, City of Ashland Volunteer & Event Coordinator; Greg Jaquette, City of Ashland Park Technician I)
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ORPA (Oregon Recreation and Park Association) bestows this award on those who have have demonstrated leadership, inspired others and made lasting contributions to the Parks & Recreation profession over time.
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Above, watch as friends, family and colleagues honor Rachel!
Below, watch as Rachel gives her acceptance speech!
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What happens after you report an issue on SeeClickFix?
Does a "Closed" status mean the problem has been fixed? Not necessarily. A report may be closed once it has been reviewed and added to the appropriate department's work process or schedule, even if the physical work isn't complete yet. SeeClickFix is one part of a larger process, and your reports help the City understand where needs exist in our neighborhoods. Submit your non-emergency issue today!
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OHRA to manage the
Dusk to Dawn Lawn
Beginning September 28, 2026, Opportunities for Housing, Resources and Assistance (OHRA) will manage the City's Dusk to Dawn Lawn at 1175 East Main Street during a six-month pilot.
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Building Better Together
Major project highlights - All project pages are updated monthly
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Streets -
Upcoming street safety improvements include Oak, Van Ness, Water and Granite Streets.
Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink -
The snow load kit was successfully installed on the cover of the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, and improvements to the hard surface and electrical systems are being made. The Rink will be open in November for the 2026-2027 season! More at ashlandoregon.gov/IceRink.
Imperatrice Property -
The Imperatrice Property is located within Jackson County's land use jurisdiction and zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU). The 846-acre property was purchased in 1996 to support wastewater treatment plant operations, specifically to spray effluent on the hill and create sludge ponds. However, the City later chose a different approach, upgrading the treatment plant to a tertiary system. The property is no longer needed for wastewater applications. The property has been appraised at approximately $2.4 million for the lower section and $1.4 million for the upper section. Any proceeds from sale will return to the Wastewater Fund. The City Council will review options for the property at a future meeting.
Looking ahead -
We are updating the Transportation System Plan, a 20-year vision for how people move around Ashland. The first survey for the update will launch on Monday, October 12. Learn more and sign up for project alerts at ashlandoregon.gov/TSP.
More at ashlandoregon.gov/MajorProjects.
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Council-Initiated Code Amendments Draft Ordinance No. 3310
Making it easier to build housing in Ashland - Proposed code changes: Draft Ordinance 3310 would amend Ashland's land use code to reduce barriers to housing development. Review the draft, staff summary and meeting schedule
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"If I Were Mayor..." contest
Ashland students in grades 4–12 are encouraged by Mayor Tonya Graham to enter the Oregon Mayors Association’s “If I Were Mayor…” contest and share their ideas for the community. Details and entry form at ashlandoregon.gov/OMAcontest. The deadline to submit your entry is Friday, March 12, 2027.
Artwork by Ember from 2024 when she was in 4th grade.
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Utility Bill help is available!
We offer two ways to ease the cost of utility bills: a 30% discount for income-qualified households, plus one-time bill relief to help make ends meet. Learn more and apply at ashlandoregon.gov/UtilityAssistance.
Also, learn about ways you can help your neighbors in need!
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Fire Danger for Ashland is MODERATE
As of September 3, our fire danger has dropped to MODERATE. Please stay vigilant. Better Prepared. Better Together.
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Compost & scented items
Here’s one most people don’t think about — your compost pile and scented items left outside can attract bears! Never compost meat, bones, fruit, dairy or grease. Add lime to reduce odors. And bring scented candles, soaps and suntan lotion inside — bears have an extraordinary sense of smell. Let’s not make it easy for them!
Report bear and cougar sightings through our Wildlife Tracker — every report helps the City and ODFW build an accurate picture of wildlife movement and respond where needed. See something? Say something! Full info at ashlandoregon.gov/Wildlife.
When it comes to wildlife, We are Better Apart.
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Fire. Water. Get Ready. - Community Thanks
As we head into fall, a heartfelt thank you to every Ashland resident who conserved water, created defensible space, packed a go-bag, attended a preparedness event, learned fire weather terminology, checked on a neighbor, and showed up for this community all summer. This is what Better Together looks like. We face real challenges — fire, drought and the unexpected — and we face them as a community. Stay prepared as we move into fall. We are proud to be in this with you. Better Prepared. Better Together.
Pictured is Paul Collins and Mike Connolly, City of Ashland CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers. Photo courtesy of Bob Palermini of Ashland.news.
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City Energy Programs: Powering Ashland
From staying cool in the summer heat to charging up your EV, Ashland has new ways to save energy, save money and live more comfortably.
Our Conservation Division, which is part or the City Electric Department, offers incentives and services for both residential and business customers, including:
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Home Energy Score – a free assessment of your home's energy features (while funding lasts, through October 20, 2026)
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Electric Ready! – panel and circuit upgrade incentives to help electrify your home or vehicle
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Heat pumps – incentives for space heating and water heating, doubled if you are income qualified
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Electric vehicles – incentives up to two thousand dollars, plus free Level 2 charging at five sites around town
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Electric bikes – three hundred dollars for standard e-bikes, six hundred dollars for cargo e-bikes
- Weatherization, solar virtual net metering, smart thermostats, induction cooktops and more
Not sure where to start? Visit our website, get a free Home Energy Score or reach out to the Conservation Division at climate@ashlandoregon.gov or 541.488.5306.
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Ashland voters to elect City Councilors and Park Commissioners at-large in November Election
Ashland's November 3 ballot looks different: City Council and Park Commission candidates are elected at large, with no position numbers. Vote for four Councilors and three Commissioners.
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Nominate Ashland's Tree of the Year
Do you have a favorite tree in Ashland? Nominate it for the 2026 Tree of the Year and help continue a tradition that has honored our community's most beloved trees since 1988.
Pictured is the 2025 Tree of the Year - Giant Sequoia; Latin name: Sequoiadendron giganteum; located at 1282 Old Willow Lane in Ashland.
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Ashland's Playwrights Walk Featured in The Oregonian
The Oregonian's Allison Barr highlights the Ashland Playwrights Walk, a self-guided tour of about a mile that celebrates playwrights from throughout history. Each stop features a locally made bronze plaque, and the walk is a joint effort among several southern Oregon organizations.
If you have an Oregonian subscription, read the full story here! If you don't, explore the walk on our Story Map here!
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You belong here
Ashland is committed to being a welcoming and safe community for all, regardless of immigration status. As a sanctuary city, Ashland fully complies with Oregon's Sanctuary Promise laws. Our immigration resources page connects community members to hotlines, legal aid, local advocacy organizations and information on how to report violations. Shout out to our Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee for advising City Council on policies and actions that help turn these values into practice.
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Investing in Ashland’s Future
From streets and utilities to essential public infrastructure, the City of Ashland continues to invest in the systems and services that keep our community running. This video highlights some of the City’s infrastructure investments and the work underway to maintain and improve Ashland for years to come.
The video was made possible through the dedication and expertise of Postscript Strategy and the SOU Digital Media Center, who helped capture interviews with City leaders and community partners over four days of filming in Ashland. From more than five hours of interviews, this high-level piece was crafted to intentionally showcase the breadth of work underway across the City.
We are deeply grateful to David Sommers and Brandon Dowling of Postscript Strategy, and Brandon Givens and Jack Hannon of the SOU Digital Media Center, for producing, filming and bringing this project to life.
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Jackson County honors Wastewater Treatment Plant Staff with Community Partner Appreciation Award
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners honored Ashland's Wastewater Treatment Plant Staff with a Community Partner Appreciation Award for weekly sampling that supports public health. Congratulations to Plant Manager Ben Russell, Plant Operator Katie Root and staff! Learn more about the Wastewater Treatment Plant at ashlandoregon.gov/Wastewater.
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Storytown Community Calendar
Have you checked it out yet?
Discover theatre, live music, foodie festivals, Mt. Ashland adventures and more – all for free. Visit Storytownashland.com, or download on Apple or Google Play, and start exploring or sharing Ashland events!
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Ashland City Council, Park & Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and Citizens' Budget Committee meetings take place in Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street in Ashland. You can attend in person, stream live or watch on demand! More info below.
| | UPCOMING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS | | |
Study Session, October 5, 5:30 p.m.
Regular Business Meeting, October, 6 p.m. - View the Agenda
- National Guard presentation on emergency preparedness in Ashland.
- Public hearing on variances for flag and driveway grades.
- Renewal of the Parks & Recreation fee. You are encouraged to comment in person at the meeting or submit a public comment online beforehand. More information on the fee can be found at ashlandoregon.gov/ParksFee.
- City Hall discussion.
- City Manager discussion.
| | Online public comment forms must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting to be on record. If you wish to speak to Council in person at a meeting, you must fill out a Speaker Request form available in Council Chambers - do not use the online form. | | |
Did you know RVTV (Rogue Valley Television at Southern Oregon University) has an APP! Stream meetings live or watch on demand anywhere, anytime on your device. Enjoy fast access, captions and keyword search capability! More at ashlandoregon.gov/WatchMeeting.
Council, Park Commission, Planning Commission and Citizens' Budget Committee Meetings are viewable on the City's YouTube Channel. The meetings can be viewed on demand within 48 hours of the meeting by selecting the appropriate playlist.
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Stay informed and engaged with our local government
Our Public Meetings page, ashlandoregon.gov/PublicMeetings, provides easy access to City Council agendas and minutes, meeting schedules, public comment options and information about commissions and committees. Explore archived City records, learn about Oregon’s public meeting laws and more!
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Office Hours at The Grove
Meet your City Councilors during regular office hours now at The Grove. Office hours for the City Manager are by appointment.
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Curious about something? Just ask!
Let curiosity be your guide! Submit your question and see what others in the community are curious about.
Here is our latest Curiosity Question!
Q: How does the City use SeeClickFix reports and what happens after I submit a report?
A: A few questions can help explain what happens after you report an issue.
What is SeeClickFix used for?
SeeClickFix is a public service-request tool that allows residents to report issues to the City. It helps the City receive, review and route reports to the appropriate department. Once a report is received, the responsible department handles it through its established work processes. SeeClickFix is one part of that larger process.
Check out the remaining questions at ashlandoregon.gov/Curious.
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Fall for something new!
Our Parks & Recreation Department has something for everyone this fall! Explore the Fall PlayGuide, discover new activities and register today. Find your next activity.
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Coffee & Conversation — 2026 Schedule
Stop by, say hello and chat with elected officials and City leadership at one of our upcoming gatherings:
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Tuesday, October 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Oak Knoll Golf Course Clubhouse (Mayor Graham and Councilor Bob Kaplan will be in attendance, as well as our Public Works Director Scott Fleury to talk about the Transportation System Plan update. More at ashlandoregon.gov/TSP).
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Travel Ashland's Mystery Festival!
Calling all mystery lovers! The 4th Annual Ashland Mystery Fest returns October 8–11 with four days of cozy mystery fun throughout Ashland. Meet 15 acclaimed cozy mystery authors and two audiobook narrators, enjoy author panels, workshops, pop-ups, mystery dinners, interactive experiences and much more. With 60+ events and more than 50 participating local businesses, there’s something for every mystery fan.
Many events are free and open to the public, with registration available for special festival events, author panels, receptions and the coveted deluxe swag bag. Explore the full schedule and get your tickets at ashlandmysteryfest.com. Tickets are available until sold out - Day passes for the Friday and Saturday panels at the Historic Ashland Armory will be available at the door until sold out.
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Halloween Events - Saturday, October 31
The Ashland Chamber of Commerce invites families to downtown Ashland for the Children’s Halloween Celebration! Kids and parents will gather at Gresham and East Main Street at 3:45 p.m. to kick off the Halloween procession, with all ghosts and goblins welcome to join in behind them.
Enjoy Rogue Samba on the Plaza, the Witches’ dance at Treehouse Books and trick-or-treating at participating businesses with pumpkins in their windows. After the parade, keep the fun going with a pop-up roller skating with Rollin' Stones Mobile Roller-Skating, in the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink Parking lot, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (more details coming soon).
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Stay Connected with the City
From the City Manager’s Report to live streams to emergency alerts, stay connected to all things Ashland, because we’re always Better Together, ashlandoregon.gov/StayConnected.
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