ECONOMY

Adopt a comprehensive economic development strategy to: diversifying the economic base of the community; support businesses that use and provide local and regional products; increase the number of family-wage jobs; and leverage Ashland’s tourism and repeat visitors

Adopt an action plan to ensure City programs and activities support the overall strategic direction by June 30, 2011.

Complete the feasibility study for urban renewal and tax increment financing as a method of funding infrastructure, public facilities, and economic development programs for the Croman Mill District, the railroad district, and the downtown.

Increase the clarity, responsiveness, and certainty of the development process.  Develop a specific action plan to respond to the recommendations of the 2006 Zucker and Seiegl Reports

ENVIRONMENT

Adopt land use codes, building codes, green building standards, and fee structures that creates strong incentives for development that is energy, water, and land efficient and supports a multi-modal transportation system.

Develop a strategy to use conservation and local renewable sources to meet Tier 2 power demands.

Implement specific capital projects and operational programs to ensure that City facilities and operations are a model of efficient use of water

Develop a concise sustainability plan for the community and for City operations.

SOCIAL EQUITY

Decide whether to develop or sell the remaining land on Clay Street.

Appoint an ad-hoc committee to make recommendations to the City Council by December 31, 2011 about how the City and partner organizations can work together in the long run to address the needs of homeless people and to reduce homelessness in the community.

ORGANIZATION

Develop plan for fiscal stability, manage costs, prioritize services, and insure key revenue streams.  Adopt policies and targets to use surpluses in ending fund balances to fund longer-term reserves.  Implement 2010 Council direction on Ending Fund Balance targets.

Adopt a plan to increase the City’s ability to afford the cost of employee benefits while ensuring that employee benefits remain a tool for recruiting and retaining a high quality work force.

Recognize and affirm the value of the contribution of volunteers to the City and the Community.

Move to a biennial budget, with adjustments and policy discussion in the second year, with the first two year process for Fiscal Years 2012-2013 and 2013 -2014.

Evaluate the need to revise the powers, duties, and membership of the Tree Commission, Housing Commission, Conservation Commission, Public Arts Commission, and Planning Commission.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Adopt an integrated land use and transportation plan to increase the viability of transit, bicycles, walking and other alternative modes of transportation; reduce per capita automobile vehicle miles traveled; provide safe walking and bicycling routes to home, work, shopping and schools; implement environmentally responsible design standards, and minimize new automobile-related infrastructure.

Adopt an integrated Water Master Plan that addresses long-term water supply including climate change issues, security and redundancy, watershed health, conservation and reuse, and stream health.

Complete a feasibility and financing plan regarding renovating the Grove for the Ashland Police station.  Evaluate use of the existing police station for other City office needs.