City of Ashland, Oregon City Newshttp://www.ashland.or.us/news.aspCity of Ashland, Oregon​Maximize incentives on electric vehicle purchase or leasehttp://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5733Rebate ProgramsA message from our Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee...



If you are planning to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) soon, you might consider holding off until after April 2, 2024. Beginning April 3, you could get up to $7,500 from the State of Oregon, $7,500 in dealer pass through Federal credits and $1,000 from the City of Ashland! This is a total of $16,000 off the purchase price if you qualify for the Charge Ahead program ($11,000 if you do not quality).



The Charge Ahead rebate program is available to low- and medium-income Oregon residents, or nonprofit low-income service providers. The program is for used or new EVs and includes leased vehicles. More information at evrebate.oregon.gov. You can also email the City's Climate & Energy Analyst if you have questions.



Released March 18, 2024]]>
3/18/2024Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Uncovering Oregon's Black Historyhttp://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5729


The event is free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, please go to: ashlandtogether.org/event/uncovering-oregons-black-history/.



Ashland Sunrise Project is an Ashland Together initiative in partnership with the Oregon Remembrance Project.



Released March 12, 2024 







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3/12/2024Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Severe Weather Shelter activated for Mar 12 and 13 http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5730Due to cold temperatures in the forecast, the Severe Weather Overnight Shelter will open for the NIGHTS of March 12 and 13. The shelter is located at 2200 Ashland St.



The facility will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. each day. This is a low barrier, no frills, overnight shelter for anyone needing to get out of the cold. The doors close and lights out by 10 p.m. - Limited space is available.



This shelter is managed by OHRA, Opportunities for Housing Resources and Assistance, who will coordinate and staff with OHRA employees and volunteers. OHRA can be reached at 541.631.2235.



If you would like to receive notifications for shelter activations in Ashland, please text 97520SHELTER to 888777. To learn more about emergency preparedness and sign up for emergency alerts, visit ashland.or.us/BetterPrepared



Released March 12, 2024 

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3/12/2024Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Telecommunications Ordinace Amendment, public comment deadline has passed - view commentshttp://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5726The opportunity to review and provide comments for the Ordinance Amending AMC Title 16 Telecommunications has closed. The amended ordinance will establish standards for telecommunications facilities in the City of Ashland. 

This resolution outlines design standards for small cell facilities, dictating guidelines for public rights-of-way design. Unlike ordinances, resolutions like this can swiftly adapt to legal and technological changes. Tailored to implement the new changes to the Telecommunication Ordinance, this resolution ensures safety and aesthetics and are crafted to coordinate with the city's geography and planning laws.They also offer flexibility, including deviations when compliance is technically unfeasible. These rules also accommodate federal "shot clock" time limits for application approval, ensuring adherence to federal legal requirements while avoiding violations.


The citizens of Ashland are invited to provide public comment, which will be accepted through Thursday, March 14, 2024. The first reading of the ordinance will be presented to City Council on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The second reading will be presented to Council on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

 

The ordinance and public comments are available at ashland.or.us/Telecommunications

 

"We are Better Together."

  
#end



CONTACT: 



Sabrina Cotta, Interim City Manager/Deputy City Manager

City of Ashland

541.552.2106

Email 


Released March 8, 2024 

Updated March 15, 2024


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3/8/2024Fri, 8 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Wildfire Risk Assessment LiDAR Flights to begin March 7http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5724Ashland Wildfire Risk Assessment Update.



For additional information on upcoming work in the Ashland Watershed, see the Forest Adaptation Project page



Released March 6, 2024 ]]>
3/6/2024Wed, 6 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0800
March 2024 City Newsletter http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5722March 2024 Newsletter


The March 2024, "City News" is now available online and an abbreviated version will be included in all City Utility bills that go out during the month. The newsletter contains April events.

 

The City would like to hear from you:





This newsletter will help you stay connected and keep you informed as, "We are Better Together!" View the current and past newsletters on our communications page at ashland.or.us/Communications. In addition to the City News, the page contains live streams, the Inside the City Reports, links to sign up for emergency and advisory alerts or ask a question.

 
#end



Released March 1, 2024 ]]>
3/1/2024Fri, 1 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Community Connect software will help build a safer community http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5711Community Connect Ashland Community Connect...Together, building a safer community through prevention, preparedness and response

 

The City is continually looking for ways to better serve residents and business owners in Ashland. For this reason, the City is rolling out a new program called Community Connect to help protect residents and their property.

 

Community Connect is a free, secure and easy to use platform that allows citizens to share critical information about their household or business that will aid emergency response personnel when responding to someone in need. The platform is already being used successfully by other fire departments in Southern Oregon.

 

By providing household or business information that is important for First Responders to be aware of, the City can help ensure residents that the things they care about are protected to the best of the City's ability. Visit communityconnect.io/info/or-ashland and enter the information that matters most in an emergency situation.  Examples of information that can be entered include:


  • Critical property information

  • Emergency contact information

  • Special needs

  • Information regarding pets 


Data provided to Community Connect is secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving citizens of Ashland during emergency situations. Personal information is never used for any other purpose. All logins are password protected with bank level encryption and security.

 

Sign up today at communityconnect.io/info/or-ashland. It is easy and takes minutes to do! If you have questions about Community Connect, call 541.482.2770.

 

Please note: The Community Connect software is separate from the City's Citizen Alert system that notifies citizens of an emergency. For emergency alerts and preparedness visit ashland.or.us/BetterPrepared.



If your Ashland address is outside of City limits, please sign up for Community Connect with Jackson County Fire District No. 5 - communityconnect.io/info/or-jackson5





 "We are better together!"

 

#end



Ashland Fire and Rescue badgeCONTACT: 

Mark Shay, Fire Marshal

City of Ashland

541.552.2217

Email 


Released February 12, 2024 

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2/12/2024Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Town Hall 2024 - Accomplishments, Goals and Ashland favorites!http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5704Ashland Town Hall 2024


Thank you to all who attended our 2nd Annual Town Hall Gathering on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the Rogue River Room in Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University (SOU).



View the DOT VOTING RESULTS on your Ashland favorites! 

View the Mayor's 2024 State of the City Address that highlights our accomplishments for 2023 and our goals for 2024... script and presentation



"We are better together!" Learn move about our Town Halls at ashland.or.us/coaTownhall



Released January 25, 2024 ]]>
1/25/2024Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0800
Stay informed... know evacuation routes, sign up for alerts and morehttp://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5612 ashland.or.us/BetterPrepared.



The City of Ashland uses Everbridge Citizen Alert (formerly Nixle) to notify folks in real-time for localized emergency situations, plus relevant community advisories like power outages and smoke advisories. Register today! (This online link is the best way to sign up; however, you may also text "97520" (message field) to "888777" (recipient field). 



Released August 21, 2023 ]]>
8/21/2023Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0800
City Council Adopts Top Priorities http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5510Council photo


The Council adopted the below statement at the March 21, 2023 Council Meeting, and will be using these adopted priorities to help guide the 2023-2025 Budget process and into the next six years:

  • Wildfire risk reduction and CEAP (Climate Energy Action Plan) execution

  • Economic Development including development of eco-tourism like trails, ensuring City processes such as planning are supportive of attracting new business and supporting those already here

  • Affordability including attainable housing, and review of our rate structures for progressiveness in their livability


All with the underlying supporting principles of equity of access, and strong supportive City services with a customer service focus.



Read the full story on Ashland.News





Photo by Bob Palermini of Ashland.News 

Released March 26, 2023 

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3/26/2023Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0800
City Adopts Vision and Value Statements http://www.ashland.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=5425 
City of Ashland Logo




City of Ashland Adopts Vision and Value Statements and Looks

Toward Aspirational Goals for the 23-25 Biennium




In the summer 2022, the Ashland City Council adopted Vision and Value Statements for the City. The statements will be the foundation for biennium aspirational goals, as the City plans for each budget cycle and sets strategic initiatives for achieving goals.

 

"The Vision and Values statements will serve as the guiding principles to help Ashland create a value brand to unite citizens and staff and continue to be a draw for visitors. We see Ashland becoming a basecamp for tourists who want to stay, eat and play, in and around Ashland--- Exploring all that Southern Oregon has to offer," stated City Manager, Joe Lessard.

 

"The Vision and Value statements will also serve as a launch pad for developing aspirational goals for the 23-25 Biennium."

 

In January 2023, the Ashland City Council will begin the process of formulating aspirational goals for the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Biennium. This will be a community process, achieved through a series of public participation opportunities:

  • Public meetings (held hybrid, with in-person or virtual public input options)

  • Opportunities to share opinions throughout the process


In the coming weeks watch for information on City's website, ashland.or.us, via a platform called OpenGov. This software has been utilized by the City since 2017 and serves as a tool for budget reporting that is transparent and offers a rich narrative and multimedia that will help to inform the public on budget and aspirational goals. OpenGov and a subsidiary called, Community Feedback, will serve as an interactive means for the community.

 

VISION STATEMENTS for Success:


  • Ashland is a resilient, sustainable community that maintains the distinctive quality of place for which it is known

  • We will continue to be a unique and caring city that stresses environmental conservation, fosters artistic expression, and is open to new ideas and innovation

  • We will plan and direct our efforts to fulfill this Vision for the long term with a constant view toward being an open, welcoming community for all with a positive economic future


 

VALUE STATEMENTS for Success that Support the Vision:



COMMUNITY

  • Community affordability, including in available housing and childcare

  • Belonging through mutual respect and openness, inclusion and equity

  • Quality of life that underpins the City's economic vibrancy

  • Environmental resilience, including addressing climate change and ecosystem conservation

  • Regional cooperation, including in support for public safety and homelessness


 

ORGANIZATION

  • Respect for the citizens we serve, for each other, and for the work we do

  • Excellence in governance and city services

  • Sustainability through creativity, affordability and rightsized service delivery

  • Public safety, including emergency preparedness for climate change risk

  • Quality infrastructure and facilities through timely maintenance and community investment


 

#end

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11/18/2022Fri, 18 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0800