City e-News
May 30, 2026—Issue No. 21
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Fire. Water. Get Ready.
A recent OregonLive story put a spotlight on Ashland — not on a fire, but on how we're preventing one. Experts from across the country came here to learn from our forest restoration model. It's work worth being proud of. And it's a reminder that protecting this community is everyone's job — in the forest and on your own property. This summer, Fire. Water. Get Ready. find out what you can do: ashlandoregon.gov/GetReady. (Read the story)
Better Prepared. Better Together.
Chris Chambers (left), our Forestry Officer for Ashland Fire & Rescue, pictured with Department of Agriculture Under Secretary, Dr Homer Wilkes, in Siskiyou MT Park, in the spring of 2023.
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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.
| | | Know your water: Conservation audits & TID | | | |
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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Questions about TID (ditch) water?
The City of Ashland 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.us or visit ashlandoregon.gov/TID for local FAQs.
| | More information on Water Conservation via our public awareness campaign, Fire. Water. Get Ready. | |
Honk if you love me!
Did you know hazing wildlife is actually encouraged? If a deer wanders into your yard, honk your horn, clap your hands or run your sprinklers to encourage them to move along. It keeps them wild — and it’s not cruel, it’s kind. Do your part to keep wildlife WILD. In this case, We are Better Apart!
Seen a bear, cougar or aggressive deer lately? Report it via our Wildlife Tracker — your sighting goes directly into a live map that helps us and ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) spot patterns, focus outreach and keep wildlife wild (and out of lethal removal). Takes 2 minutes. Makes a real difference.
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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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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.
| | | Take our survey and share your voice for the future of Ashland! | | Additional opportunities to make Your voice heard | | | |
Ashland by the MAP
From forest trails to public art, Ashland's Story Maps bring our community to life through interactive maps, photos, video and text. Explore Lithia Park's flora and fauna, the Climate Action Plan, historic landmarks and more — then go outside and see it for yourself. Questions? Many thanks to our GIS Team for bringing these maps to life!
PIctured is American playwright, Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote, "A Raisin in the Sun," and is featured in the Ashland Playwrights Walk Story Map.
| | | The deadline to apply for Park's Youth Conservation Corps is June 5. | |
Ashland Municipal Airport at Sumner Parker Field
Airport Day is back on June 6, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the kids and come celebrate the world of flight at Ashland Municipal Airport! From skydivers and smokejumpers to radio-controlled planes, drones, ScienceWorks and kid's activities — there's something to spark curiosity in every young explorer. Free admission, free parking and food trucks on site. Learn more at ashlandoregon.gov/Airport or call Skinner Aviation at 541.482.7675.
Taking care of you airport
Our airport runway is getting repaired this summer. A contractor has been selected and construction is expected to begin in August 2026. The project is largely funded through federal FAA grants, covering up to 95% of costs.
Read Senator Jeff Merkley's news release about federal funds (Including a quote from our very own Kaylea Kathol, Senior Project Manager with Public Works, who is overseeing this project.)
Pictured (right) is City Councilor Jeff Dahle with our friends from the Amigo Club and reps from our Sister City Guanajuato, on a plane tour, circa 2023.
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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
| | The Garfield Park Splash Pad is open for the season, 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
June 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m., City Council Study Session:
- Update on State-mandated Land Use Ordinance Amendents
- Community Wildfire Resilience Bond
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June 2, 2026, 6 p.m., City Council Regular Business Meeting:
- Public art presentation for the Elks' building mural
- Public hearing and possible adoption of resolutions setting the tax levy, certifying city services, and electing to receive state revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027
- Second reading of Ordinance Language Changes
- Wastewater and Storm Drain Rate Study acceptance
- Property Surplus direction on North Mountain and Hardesty properties
- Wildfire Season readiness
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June 3, 2026, 5:30 p.m., City Council & Park Commission Joint Meeting:
- Declaration of 2026 as the year of Public Art in Ashland
- Third Quarter FY 2026 update and forecast
- Parks Fee discussion
- Food & Beverage Tax renewal process
- Median Maintenance and Herbicide use
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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 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. 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!
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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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The Daniel Meyer Pool opens June 3!
View the schedule, register for swim lessons and more at ashlandoregon.gov/Swim.
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Emergency Preparedness Tips for Seniors
Join Kelly Burns, our Emergency Management Coordinator, for Emergency Preparedness Tips for Seniors. This informative class will take place Monday, June 15, 1 p.m. at the Ashland Senior Center, 1699 Homes Avenue. This is a free program, but registration is required. Call 541.488.5342 to register.
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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:
- Tuesday, June 23 | 1–2:30 p.m. | Railroad Park
- Wednesday, July 29 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Garfield Park
- Tuesday, August 25 | 5–6:30 p.m. | North Mountain Park Pavilion
- Wednesday, September 23 | 3:30–5 p.m. | Enders Shelter, Lithia Park
- Tuesday, October 13 | 1–2:30 p.m. | Oak Knoll Golf Course Clubhouse
We hope to see you there!
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We are excited to welcome you back to the 50th Annual 4th of July Run!
Registration is now open for the 2-mile fun run or the competitive 10K. All ages are welcome.
This year’s t-shirt celebrates 50 years of running through the decades—and it will be the final t-shirt ever produced for the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Order your shirt today!
The final race t-shirt features a nostalgic throwback design—bringing together elements from past favorites, with a front inspired by the 1984 shirt (shown above) and a back design showcasing the iconic shoes from the 2000 shirt (see on the registration site).
Celebrate 50 years with us—lace up, show up and rep the legacy for only $25!
| | On Thursday, June 4, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce will present a Business Emergency Preparedness Workshop, Take One Step Today-Protect Your Business Tomorrow. This free workshop is designed to help Southern Oregon businesses prepare for wildfire, smoke and emergency disruptions and will include presenters from the City of Ashland! The event is free but space is limited and registration is required. Learn more and register today! | | |
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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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