City e-News
August 3, 2026—Issue No. 25
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Public art comes to life on Ashland's Playwrights Walk
Two Playwrights Walk bronze plaques were created by people you may know, our Community Development Director Brandon Goldman, pictured above, and Public Arts Advisory Committee chair, Susan MacCracken Jain. See their creations and more on our Story Map!
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Red Flag Warning Issued:
Fire Weather and Extreme Heat expected through August 5
A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Wednesday evening at 9 p.m., August 5, for gusty winds, low humidity and extreme heat.
Get prepared now:
- Pack go-bags
- Fuel or charge vehicles
- Connect with with neighbors andfamily
- Sign up for emergency alerts
Read the news post, learn about Fire Weather and more via our Fire. Water. Get Ready., public awareness campaign at ashlandoregon.gov/GetReady and on Facebook and Instagram.
Let’s get ready! Better Prepared. Better Together.
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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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Cooling Center activated this week due to extreme heat
Extreme heat is in the forecast this week. We have partnered with OHRA (Opportunities for Housing, Resources and Assistance) to open a Cooling Center Tuesday, August 4 through Friday, August 7. Here is what you need to know (see City News on our Homeless Services page)...
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Know your ZONE with Genasys Protect
Whether on the go or on a desktop, residents can use the Genasys Protect app or website to view evacuation zones. Genasys Protect is a zone-based evacuation management platform that helps residents find their zone, check zone status and stay informed during emergencies such as wildfires, floods and earthquakes. Zone information comes from local emergency services, updates every fifteen minutes and lets you know which zones are impacted, and what actions to take. Download at the App Store or Google Play. Learn more about evacuation zones at ashlandoregon.gov/EvacuationZones.
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Updates to youth outdoor activity guidance for wildfire smoke
New OHA guidance lowers the smoke exposure threshold for canceling or limiting youth outdoor activities, reflecting growing evidence that children are harmed at lower air pollution levels than previously thought. Learn more.
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It's time for an EV!
EV Rebates are back and bigger than ever! The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program reopens August 25, and you can combine it with our City EV incentive for savings up to $9,500 on a qualifying new electric vehicle.
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Fire Danger for Ashland is EXTREME
Here’s what you need to know...
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Don't feed the bears!
It sounds harsh, but it’s true: A fed bear is a dead bear. When bears associate humans with food, they become habituated – A public safety issue that often ends in the bear’s euthanasia. And it’s illegal – feeding bears violates Oregon law (ORS 496.730).
Please don’t leave food, trash (like pizza boxes) or attractants outside. You could be saving a bear’s life.
When it comes to wildlife, We are Better Apart.
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Report a Problem for a Better Ashland with SeeClickFix
Discover SeeClickFix… This platform allows you to submit non-emergency requests and reports, which are then automatically routed to the appropriate department for review and action. Report a variety of issues, including graffiti, pothole, streetlight outages, abandoned vehicles, intersection, water leaks, park facility concerns and more. You can even request a water audit through SeeClickFix.
Empowering you to help make Ashland a Better Place, Together!
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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. Learn what's new across our energy programs.
Thank you, Chad Woodward, for the work you do bringing these conservation programs to the citizens of Ashland! Chad is our Climate & Energy Analyst. Have a question? Email Chad at chad.woodward@ashlandoregon.gov.
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Water. Water. Water.
We are in a drought, and water is on everyone's mind. Here's what you need to know.
Reeder Reservoir Dashboard. View the Reeder Reservoir Dashboard and see Ashland’s water data in real-time! Also learn about the different types of data sets used on the dashboard. Complete info at ashlandoregon.gov/ReederReservoir.
Residential Backflow Prevention. Protecting Ashland's drinking water is a shared responsibility. A backflow prevention device acts as a one-way gate, keeping contaminated water, chemicals or sewage from flowing backward into your home's clean drinking water supply. Oregon Administrative Rules and Ashland Municipal Code require annual testing of these devices by a certified and licensed tester to help preserve the high water quality we all rely on. To find more information on backflow devices, testing requirements and how to keep your household protected, visit ashlandoregon.gov/ResidentialBackflowPrevention. Have questions? Email us at PublicWorksInfo@ashlandoregon.gov.
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Supplemental water. We started supplementing our water supply with TAP (Talent-Ashland-Phoenix) on June 16. We also started using TID (Talent Irrigation District) water to supplement our drinking water on June 25. We are currently using approximately 2.1 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) from TAP, 0.8 MGD, and 2.8 MGD from Reeder Reservoir. Using TAP and TID water helps us preserve our local reservoir for later in the summer.
Get a free water audit. Want to lower your water bill or water your landscape more efficiently? Our Water Resource Specialist, offers free water efficiency checkups year-round — covering sprinkler systems, indoor fixtures or both. Schedule yours through SeeClickFix, our non-emergency reporting tool.
Keep your water meter clear. Spring growth can creep over water meters fast. Water meters need at least one foot of clearance behind the box and two feet on each side. Fire hydrants need three feet on all sides. A quick trim now helps utility workers — and keeps your neighborhood safe. Questions? Contact Water Quality/Distribution Supervisor at 541-552-2326 or dean.lebret@ashlandoregon.gov.
Questions about TID ditch water? The City maintains the TID (Talent Irrigation District) canal within city limits but does not operate the system. For water availability, outages and delivery questions, contact TID directly at talentid-or.gov or visit ashlandoregon.gov/TID.
We are in a drought. Every drop counts. Let's work together. Better Prepared. Better Together. More at ashlandoregon.gov/GetReady.
| | Lithia Park at the Butler Memorial Bandshell during a summer concert. This nearly 100-acre, 100-plus-year-old park is one of 19 parks in Ashland, overseen by the Ashland Park Commission. Picture courtesy of Epic Ashland. | | | |
The Margaret Mead Moment
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
Ashland's parks, trails and open spaces don't happen by accident. They're shaped by residents who step up to serve. Right now, three seats are open on the Park Commission, and one of them could be yours.
"Now is the time to not only invite, but strongly encourage citizen participation in local elections," says former City Councilor Paula Hyatt.
Filing closes August 18 for new candidates. The incumbent deadline is August 11.
Better Together Starts with You. Learn more at ashlandoregon.gov/Elections.
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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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Building Better Together
Major project highlights - All project pages are updated monthly
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More at ashlandoregon.gov/MajorProjects.
Pilot Rock Excavation continues public improvements within the East Main Street right-of-way, including road widening, new sidewalks, a bike lane, streetlights and Park Row improvements. Once complete, Outlier Construction will begin work on the park itself later this fall.
The North Mountain Avenue Overlay project enters its final phase with work continuing August 10-21. As part of this phase, green bike lane markings will be installed. Expect road closures, parking restrictions and delays. See link above to learn more.
Crews working on the Sewer Main Rehabilitation project have returned to Ashland through August 14. Click the link above to learn more about this project. If you have questions, email derek.huizingaBell@ashlandoregon.gov or call 541.552.2026.
ODOT Projects
Looking ahead, the week of August 24 through 27, ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) will be grinding and patching asphalt downtown and on Lithia Way. Details will be posted at ashlandoregon.gov/MajorProjects.
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Ashland City Council, Park & Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and City Budget 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 | | |
August 4, 2026, 6 p.m., City Council Regular Business Meeting:
- Second reading of an ordinance establishing notice of sale, opportunity to purchase and tenant protections for manufactured home park residents
- Resolution governing recording, ownership, retention and access of public meeting videos
- Resolution with language modified to permit inflationary increases up to the CPI-West without voter approval, to exclude franchise fees and to exclude fees imposed by outside jurisdictions
- Review of Parks Integrated Pest Management Policy
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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.
Starting in July 2026: Council, Park Commission, Planning Commission and 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.
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Public input on proposed Lithia Bike Trail
Public Input is being taken on the proposed Lithia Park East Hillside Mt. Bike Trail. More information on how to give public input and review the proposal at ashlandoregon.gov/Parks.
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Ashland Fiber Network node upgrade project is underway
AFN has begun its node upgrade project, starting with node 21 near Ashland Mine Road. By mid-September, over 60 percent of Ashland will have access to symmetrical gigabit speeds!
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The Daniel Meyer Pool is open for the season!
More at ashlandoregon.gov/Swim. Please check the online schedule before heading out.
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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, August 25, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at North Mountain Park Pavilion (Mayor Graham and Park Commissioner Mike Gardiner will be in attendance)
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Wednesday, September 23, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Enders Shelter in Lithia Park (Councilor Bob Kaplan will be in attendance)
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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)
We hope to see you there!
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DIY Air Filter making class
Be more ready for wildfire smoke by building your own DIY Air filter! Join Sara Jones with Smokewise Ashland at the Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library on Saturday, August 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is free and made available with funding from a Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network grant. Registration is required. Register Today!
Better Prepared. Better Together. We hope to see you there!
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Community Service Fair - Save the date!
A Community Resource Fair will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bellview Grange in Ashland. Save the date – Details will be posted at ashlandoregon.gov/CommunityResourceFair.
| | Together around Town - Events & more! | | |
Summer Concerts in the Park are back at the Butler Memorial Bandshell in Lithia Park on Winburn Way!
A huge thank-you to our community partners, Epic Ashland and Ashland Folk Collective, for bringing live music to Ashland all summer long. You rock!
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Community Concerts in Lithia Park
This short film celebrates community concerts in Lithia Park through collaboration with Epic Ashland, Ashland Folk Collective and the Parks and Recreation Department. We are Better Together!
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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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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