News Flash

In our latest e-News, check out details about Outdoor Burning, the latest on City Hall and more!

Are you looking to make a difference in Ashland? Civic engagement might be your next step. The City of Ashland currently has vacancies on the following Committees:

• Citizens’ Budget Committee – 1 vacancy
• Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee – 3 vacancies
• Historic Preservation Advisory Committee – 3 vacancies
• Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee – 4 vacancies
• Public Arts Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy
• Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee – 3 vacancies

Discover how these volunteer groups help guide City Council decisions on everything from housing to public art. Learn more and apply at ashlandoregon.gov/Serve. Applicants must reside within Ashland city limits. (Important note: The Citizens’ Budget Committee has a different application. Apply here for the Budget Committee.) 

Qualified candidates will be appointed by the Ashland City Council. Questions? Contact the City Recorder’s Office via email or call 541.488.5307. We are better together!

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Learn about City Hall’s history, costs, building conditions & legal constraints, then take the survey and share your vision to help shape our future together. This and more in the latest edition.

Thank you to everyone who joined Town Hall 2026, in person or via livestream, we appreciate your participation. If you missed it or want a rewatch, here’s our 2023–2025 Accomplishments short film.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has announced that the City of Ashland is the recipient of GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current City budget, 2025-2027 Biennium. The award represents a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. 

In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

• A policy document
• A financial plan
• An operations guide
• A communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

There are over 1,900 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 25,000 members and the communities they serve. For more information visit gfoa.org, email or call 312.977.9700.

View the City of Ashland adopted budget at ashlandoregon.gov/BudgetProcessResources. We are Better Together! 

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New Utility Payment Drop Box Installed on Ashland Street

We have installed a new secure drop box at our recently opened location at 2245 Ashland Street. This drop box is available 24/7 and can be used to submit utility payments, applications for assistance programs and other utility-related documents. It provides a convenient and contact-free option for residents.

Ongoing Utility Assistance Programs

The City of Ashland continues to offer support for residents facing financial hardship through two utility assistance programs.

Low-Income Utilities Discount

This program provides a 30% discount on electric, water and sewer charges for income-qualified households. The discount is available year-round, with a maximum annual benefit of $400.

Participants must reapply each year by July 1.(For example, to receive a discount on invoices for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the deadline is July 1, 2026.) First-time applicants are also required to complete an Energy and Water Audit through the City's Conservation Department within the first two years of receiving assistance. The audit remains valid for three years.

How Residents Can Help

Ashland utility customers can also contribute to local assistance efforts in two ways:

• Round-Up Program – Voluntarily round up your utility bill to the nearest dollar. Funds are used to support both low-income and temporarily struggling households.
• Donate to HEAT – Make a one-time or recurring donation to the Emergency HEAT Assistance program by including a check with your utility payment or mailing a contribution to:

City of Ashland Utilities 20 E Main StAshland, OR 97520

For more information or to apply for assistance, visit ashlandoregon.gov/UtilityAssistance or email. We are Better Together!

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