City e-News
May 15, 2026—Issue No. 20
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Fire. Water. Get Ready.
Oregon's 2026 fire and drought season is here. Find out how Ashland is responding and what you can do. Better Prepared. Better Together. (Photo courtesy of Bob Palermini)
| | | Fire Season is here: Know your responsibilities | | | As of May 15, Oregon Department of Forestry has officially declared fire season, and now’s the time to act. Ashland residents must clear dry vegetation and reduce fire hazards to protect homes, neighbors and our community before June 1. | | | | |
Free Home Water Audit
We offer free water efficiency checkups year-round, including a comprehensive assessment of your overall water use. Our trained staff will offer guidance on reducing water use. We can focus on the sprinkler system, indoor fixtures or both!
If you are unsure why your water bill is higher than last year, want help watering your yard efficiently or are just interested in conserving water, schedule a checkup!
To sign up for a water efficiency checkup use our SeeClickFix app, a citizen reporting (request) tool for non-emergency issues.
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City and ODFW launch "Save Our Wildlife"
Ashland and ODFW are urging residents to help keep deer and bears wild by securing trash, avoiding feeding wildlife and giving animals space during the Save Our Wildlife campaign. In this case, We are Better Apart.
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Early Childcare Affordability Grants
Funding is available through Ashland’s Early Childcare Affordability Grant Program, helping local providers expand access to affordable early learning for working families. The deadline is June 19.
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Call for artists: 2026 Traffic Signal Box painting project
The Public Arts Advisory Committee is seeking artists for the 2026 Traffic Signal Box Painting Project, transforming spaces near Fire Station 1 and Ashland Library through community inspired public art. The deadline is June 12.
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Now Hiring: Someone who manages RISK so the rest of us don't have to
We are looking for a Risk Coordinator to lead the City's risk management programs — from workplace safety and insurance claims to ADA and Title VI coordination. If keeping people safe and organizations compliant is your thing, this one's for you.
| | | Take our survey and share your voice for the future of Ashland! | | Additional opportunities to make Your voice heard | | Walk-in hours at the Community Center end | | | May 14 was the final day for walk-in hours at the Community Center before administrative staff relocate to the Community Development Building. The Community Center will again be available to rent for events in early to mid-summer 2026. | | |
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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! | |
Building Better Together
Major Project Highlights - All project pages are updated monthly
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Railroad property cleanup near A Street has begun
Environmental cleanup of Ashland's former 16-acre Union Pacific railyard north of A Street is now underway and expected to continue through June 2026, under Oregon DEQ oversight.
| | | The Garfield Park Splash Pad will open for the season May 25, operating seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | | |
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.
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UPCOMING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
May 18, 2026, 5:30 p.m., City Council Study Session:
- Camping Ordinance and addressing issues related to the unhoused population in Ashland
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May 19, 2026, 6 p.m., City Council Regular Business Meeting:
- Public hearing on ordinance language change (first reading)
- Miscellaneous fees adoption for FY 2027
- Personal Services Contract for Ashland Chamber of Commerce/Travel Ashland for destination marketing activities
- Review of wayfinding signs
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Did you know RVTV (Rogue Valley Television) has an APP? Stream meetings LIVE or watch on-demand anywhere, anytime! Get the RVTV App on your desktop, mobile or TV streaming device. Enjoy fast access, captions and keyword search capability! More at ashlandoregon.gov/WatchMeeting.
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Stay Informed and Engaged with Ashland’s 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 - NEW LOCATION
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. Check out our most recent question:
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Q: Does the City have a Fire Weather Alert System?
A: Yes, the City has a Fire Weather Alert System! See the infographic below or visit ashlandoregon.gov/FireWeather to learn more, including how to set up Smart Weather alerts through Jackson Alerts, our emergency alert system. Let's get ready!
| | Preparing for Wildfire, Protecting our Community | | |
This short film highlights the work of Ashland Fire & Rescue and our Emergency Management Coordinator, Kelly Burns, to help keep Ashland safe. Learn how the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, wildfire preparedness efforts and the Single Role EMT program support our community’s safety and resilience. We are Better Prepared, Together!
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. We also thank our Community Wildfire Preparedness Volunteer, Charisse Sydoriak. Portions of the drone footage were filmed by our GIS Department. View the complete Accomplishments Short Film.
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Thank you for reading our e-News!
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Stay Connected with the City
From the City Manager’s Report or videos 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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