Please note: These are previous goals. For the CURRENT City Council Goals, please click here.
PUBLIC SAFETY GOAL Public safety and other city agencies, along with the community, collaborate effectively to ensure security for all and improve overall livability.
Objectives:
Increase safety and security downtown
Review the Emergency Preparedness Plan to include food security and other shortages of necessities
Mitigate fire hazards in the urban interface
Reduce risks of fire in the city via weed abatement and Firewise landscaping and building practices
Improve public communication and community partnerships re: public safety policies and best practices
Provide modern, fully equipped facilities and equipment for city public safety functions
MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE GOAL Collaborate with the community to ensure safe, cost-effective, and sustainable public services, facilities and utilities to meet the urgent, immediate and future needs of Ashland.
Objectives:
Examine the anticipated impacts of climate change on city infrastructure
Evaluate all city infrastructure regarding planning, management, and financial resources
Implement the conservation plan for water and complete the 10-year plan for electric
Promote conservation as a long-term strategy to protect the environment and public utility needs and implement a conservation program over the next three years to reduce water and electric usage by 5 to 10%.
Maintain existing infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements and minimize life-cycle costs
Deliver timely life-cycle capital improvement projects
Maintain and improve infrastructure that enhances the economic vitality of the community
Develop a fee/rate structure that encourages conservation and pays the bills
COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE GOAL Anticipate and identify opportunities to provide for the physical, social, economic, and environmental health of the community.
Objectives:
Minimize the incidence and impacts of homelessness
Provide opportunities for those who are struggling to thrive and not just survive in Ashland
Increase the number of internet-based businesses by 50% in two years
Investigate land-use and funding strategies that provide affordable and workforce housing units
Support and assist foundational relationships with community partners
Establish a permanent jobs commission
Implement Level I implementation strategies of the Economic Development Plan as approved by Council
Review the Downtown Plan including zoning of areas around downtown and create a roadmap for the future planning of downtown
Encourage private development of affordable housing options
Analyze the impacts of increased preservation of historic buildings in Ashland
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE GOAL Provide high quality and effective delivery of the full spectrum of city service and governance in a transparent, accessible and fiscally responsible manner.
Objectives:
Examine and improve communication tools used to communicate with the public
Improve budget and financial reports to be clear, realistic, and effective
Review and evaluate current commissions for their mission and feasibility
Improve communication between commissions and Council
Ensure the efficient and effective use of technology to enhance customer satisfaction
Ensure the availability of front-line personnel for customer contact during business hours
PARKS AND RECREATION GOAL Maintain and expand park, recreational, and educational opportunities; provide high quality, efficient and safe services with positive experiences for guests and other participants while maintaining community participation in the decision-making processes and protecting the environment.
Objectives:
Evaluate current conditions of facilities and identify deficiencies that need correction.
Provide neighborhood park facilities within ¼-mile of every home.
Provide opportunities for community members to interact and improve health and social well-being for our community.
Contribute to the economic viability of our community.
Preserve natural areas, protect and enhance our environment.
Incorporate community input into planning processes for parks and recreation programs, activities and facilities.
Ensure continued safety within the parks and recreation system.
Support education related to environmental issues.
Provide ongoing evaluation of recreation programs to ensure current and future relevance.
