City e-News

September 25, 2025—Issue No. 6

Minute with the Manager, Monthly Video Feature

WATCH NOW!

Don’t miss our all-new monthly video series, Minute with the Manager! This month’s quick feature highlights how YOU can engage and connect with your City. #BetterTogether

Ashland Earns GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for 2025–2027 Biennium


The City has received Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, recognizing excellence in budgeting and the City’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.


Fire Station Open House;

How We Keep Ashland Safe, Together

Join Ashland Fire & Rescue on Friday, October 10, 2 to 6 p.m. at Fire Station No. 2 for tours, fire safety education and community connection during Fire Prevention Week!

Permanent Fire Chief Selected for

Ashland Fire & Rescue


Marshall Rasor has been named permanent Fire Chief of Ashland Fire & Rescue after serving as interim chief since March, continuing over 20 years of service to the Ashland community.



Your Taxes at Work


Your Taxes at Work: Ashland’s 5% Food & Beverage Tax helps fund parks, streets and community projects, showing we’re truly Better Together when we support our city!


Read about the F&B Tax


Photo of the Japanese Garden courtesy of Bob Palermini

GET INVOLVED: Serve on an Ashland Committee or Commission


Want to make a difference in Ashland? We are currently seeking volunteers to serve on several Committees and Commissions. Opportunities include the Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee, the Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee and more.

Fire Danger in Ashland is HIGH


Due to recent rain and cooler temperatures, the Oregon Department of Forestry is lowered the fire danger level to HIGH as of September 10, 2025.


Restrictions ease on the use of gas-powered machinery in areas of dry vegetation. Fire season is still active, and fire danger can increase in just a couple days of hot and dry weather.  View restrictions

Building Better Together

City Project Highlights

The Federal EV Rebate is Expiring Soon!


If you're considering an electric vehicle, there's still time to act — but don’t wait too long. The Federal EV Tax Credit ends September 30, 2025. Check out additional rebates below that are not expiring.


Those who qualify based on their income can receive the Oregon Charge Ahead Rebate, which is NOT expiring:

  • $7,500 for NEW electric vehicles
  • $5,000 for USED electric vehicles


City of Ashland Rebate, which is NOT expiring:

  • $1,000 for NEW or USED electric vehicles


Purchase by September 30 to Qualify for the Federal Tax Credit:

  • $7,500 for NEW electric vehicles
  • $4,000 for USED electric vehicles


Don’t Delay

You must lease or buy a NEW or USED EV from a dealership or purchase a USED EV from a private party by September 30, to receive the Federal credit. Some online services act as intermediaries to help private-party sales qualify for the federal used EV tax credit. While we can’t endorse a specific provider, try searching: “services that enable private EV sales to qualify for the used EV tax credit.”


Help Ashland meet its climate goals — switch to an EV and take advantage of these limited-time savings!


Upcoming City Council Meetings

STUDY SESSION


The October 6, 2025, Study Session has been canceled so Council can attend the John A Powell Community Event. Learn more


REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING


October 7, 2025, highlights:

  • Annual update on the Climate and Energy Action Plan
  • Finance update for 4thQ FY25
  • Enhanced Law Enforcement Law Area - Ordinance amendment

Stay informed and engaged with Ashland’s local government. The 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 watch meetings live or on demand through RVTV.

Office Hours for the City Council & City Manager

Meet your City Councilors and City Manager during regular office hours at City Hall to discuss issues, ask questions and share concerns.

Curious about Something?

Just ask!

Let curiosity be your guide! Submit your question and see what others in the community are curious about.


Events

Silent Disco in Lithia Park is the 1st and 3rd Fridays through the end of Oct, from 6 to 11 p.m.

Learn More

The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink will open in November. See you on the Ice!

More at ashlandoregon.gov/IceRink.

Together around Town

Recology Recycling Programs as of July 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the initial phase of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) went into effect. This means Recology Ashland will adhere to the new Unified Statewide Collection List (USCL) for curbside recyclables. Some NEW items that can be included in your blue recycling cart include:


  •  Nursery pots
  •  Plastic pails and buckets
  •  Aseptic and poly-coated cartons (e.g., milk cartons and “Tetra Pak” shelf-stable
  • cartons)
  •  Egg cartons and other molded pulp packaging
  •  Scrap metal (e.g., kitchen pots and pans)


Visit the Oregon DEQ website to learn more about this landmark legislation.

Learn more about Recology Ashland

Better Together: Recycling Meets Reuse


Ashland Recology and Goodwill have teamed up to bring Ashland a mobile Goodwill donation trailer, now open at the Ashland Recycling Center! You can now drop off gently used clothing and home goods during regular recycling hours.


Tue through Sat,

9 am. to 5 p.m.


With this new addition, the recycling center becomes an even greater resource for reducing waste and supporting our community.

Thank you for reading our e-News!

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