Council Priorities, Vision & Values

Ashland Logo

In the summer of 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.

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

Community

  • Community affordability, including 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

Council Priorities

The 2025-2027 Budget aims to address the City Council’s budget priorities within current resources as outlined at the City Council retreat on March 1, 2025.

  • Livability, including a focus on Community character and community amenities, reliable utility services, progressiveness in rate structures and support for attainable housing;
  • Risk Reduction, including Wildfire risk reduction and CEAP (Climate Energy Action Plan) execution;
  • Economic Development, including development of eco-tourism related accomplishments like trails, and ensuring City processes such as planning are supportive of attracting new business and supporting those already here;
  • Efficient and Effective Government, including equity of access, customer focus, transparent and frequent communication, strong regional partnerships, use of technology, execution of maintaining City facilities and public infrastructure.

These Council adopted priorities provide staff the direction needed to ensure resources are directed to meeting community expectations over the next biennium.