City e-News
October 16, 2026—Issue No. 30
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Beaver Rescue at the Wastewater Plant
A beaver took an unscheduled dip in one of our wastewater clarifiers on October 14. With help from Project Beaver, our Public Works staff got it safely home to Ashland Creek. No one was hurt. Thank you City staff Ben Russell, Katie Root and Nate McLennan!
Picture above is Jakob Shockey of Project Beaver, a non-profit that partners closely with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
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An update to our Transportation System Plan
We are updating the Transportation System Plan, a 20-year roadmap for how we walk, bike, roll, drive and take transit around town. Our first survey is open and we want to hear from you! Learn more, sign up for alerts, make public comment and more at ashlandoregon.gov/TSP.
Watch for pop-up events where you can give us feedback in-person! We will be at the Rogue Valley Grower's Market at ScienceWorks on Tuesday, October 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Market is located at 1500 East Main Street in Ashland.
Photo by our Director of Community Development, Brandon Goldman.
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We are seeking a partner for 2200 Ashland Street and working to secure severe weather shelter
We have released a Request for Proposals for 2200 Ashland Street, including a year-round severe weather shelter, and are talking with nonprofits about shelter options this winter.
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Building Better Together
Major project highlights - All project pages are updated monthly
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The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink is slated to open in November - See the event section below to learn more, or visit ashlandoregon.gov/IceRink.
The Ashland Strategic Plan is in the Final Draft stage and will be presented to Council for adoption on December 1, 2026, at the regular business meeting. There is still time to provide feedback. Review the draft at ashlandoregon.gov/StrategicPlan and share your thoughts with us! Public Comment is always welcome during the meetings.
More at ashlandoregon.gov/MajorProjects.
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Refurbished tennis courts in Hunter Park - Ribbon Cutting
You’re invited! Join us on Thursday, November 5, at 2:30 p.m. for the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Hunter Park Tennis Courts (1699 Hunter Court, Ashland).
Stop by to check out our freshly refurbished courts, brand-new fencing, and new practice hitting wall. Special thanks to the State of Oregon's Local Government Grant Program for partially funding this community improvement.
| Park projects are funded by grants and Capital Improvement Funds, and are one example of how the Food & Beverage tax supports Parks and Streets projects for our City. See the link below to learn more. | | | |
"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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A fall fashion statement at the Upper Duck Pond
Our turtle friend at the Upper Duck Pond in Lithia Park is dressed for autumn. Travis Reeder caught the stylish moment, complete with a leaf for a hat.
Photo by Travis Reeder, our Senior Customer Service Assistant in Public Works.
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CERT drill and upcoming Hosler Dam exercise
At a recent drill our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) trainees tackled search-and-rescue, building-collapse triage, and hazmat drills, aided by Scout Troop 112 members who played injured victims in a realistic final exercise.
Pictured is former City Councilor Paula Hyatt, aka Scout Troop 112 MOM! Read the full story in Ashland.news.
Speaking of emergency drills, watch for details next week on the City website, ashlandoregon.gov, about our upcoming Hosler Dam exercise later this month... yes, we will be sounding the siren! Better Prepared. Better Together.
Photo courteous 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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Tree of Hope
The Tree of Hope, a Fremont cottonwood on Clay Street, has joined the City’s Heritage Tree list and has been nominated for Oregon’s Heritage Tree Program.
Photo courteous of Kevin League.
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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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Inter-tribal crew rebuilds umma at North Mountain Park
Lomakatsi’s inter-tribal crew has rebuilt the umma, a traditional bark-covered structure, at North Mountain Park. The original umma was built in the early 2000s in the park’s Natural Area, which spans about 14 acres and includes Bear Creek.
North Mountain Park is located at 620 N. Mountain Avenue.
We are grateful to Lomakatsi! Read the full story in Ashland.news.
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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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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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It's official! Rachel Dials is our new Parks & Rec Director
We would like to extend our congratulations to longtime City employee, Rachel Dials, who is officially our new Parks & Recreation Director. She's pictured here with the Ashland Park Commission. Well deserved!
(Photo courtesy Bob Palermini of Ashland.news. L to r: Rick Landt, Dan Weiner, Justin Adams, Jim Bachman, Mike Gardiner)
Read more in Ashland.news.
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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 19, 5:30 p.m. - View the Agenda
- Project prioritization for remainder of Fiscal Year 2027.
Regular Business Meeting, October 20, 6 p.m. - View the Agenda
- Public hearing on variances for flag and driveway grades - second reading.
- 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.
- Renewal of financial management policies.
- Approval of a contract for Phase 2 of the Water Treatment Plant, for the installation of the programmable logic controller and human machine interface upgrade project.
- Discussion of City Hall use and repair.
- Approval of Phase 1 implementation for a pavilion of the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, which is an amendment to the Parks Capital Improvement Plan.
- Discussion for the designation of the Gateway District on the southside of Ashland.
| | 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: What time does the Halloween Parade in Ashland start?
A: 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, led by the Ashland Middle School Band, with all ghosts and goblins welcome to join in behind them. Learn more
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 at the corner of Winburn Way and Nutley Street in Lithia Park. The first skate will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a 8 to 10 p.m. session. On Sunday, November 1, there will be four sessions: 10 a.m. to Noon, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Note: the session from 10 a.m. to Noon is Sensory Skate where families can rely on softer music and dimmer lighting.)
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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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Stop by and see City of Ashland Staff at the Winter Ready Fair!
Better Prepared. Better Together.
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Ice skating lessons at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink
We are happy to announce that we are partnering with Southern Oregon Figure Skating Club to teach Learn to Skate programming!
Learn To Skate is a national program with standardized curriculum endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and U.S. Speedskating.
- Youth Ice Skating Lessons: Ages 5-12 | $42 per session
- Drop-In Beginning Hockey: Ages 5-13 | $5 per day or $30 per session
- Drop-In Intermediate Hockey: Ages 8-13 | $5 per day or $30 per session
Enrollment does require a membership fee of $20 dollars paid to Learn to Skate, which allows skaters to keep track of their progress and move between Learn to Skate certified rinks to continue their education.
Enrollment is required prior to the lessons. Visit Learn To Skate USA to enroll.
Students are encouraged to bring personal protective equipment and helmets for safety. Helmets are available at the ice rink for purchase.
If you have any questions please call 541.488.5340 or email us!
More on the Ice Rink at ashlandoregon.gov/IceRink.
| | Together around Town - Events & more! | | |
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, led by the Ashland Middle School Band, with all ghosts and goblins welcome to join in behind them. Learn more
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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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