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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A special message from Ashland Fire & Rescue

March 1, 2026, marks the beginning of the Outdoor Burn Season in Ashland and the Rogue Valley. Inside the Ashland city limits (make SURE you are a City resident!) the Ashland Municipal Code lays out specifics for when, what, who and how open burning is allowed.

The City's page on Outdoor Burning contains all the details, restrictions and a digital form that you submit ON THE DAY OF YOUR BURN (not before) to let us know you are burning. Burning can only be done on a declared Burn Day in Jackson County.

ONLY native vegetation and noxious weeds (as defined by the Oregon Department of Agriculture) for the purpose of wildfire fuels reduction are allowed to be burned. Yard debris and anything that's close to access points to be chipped or hauled away should not be burned.

PLEASE NOTE that we partner with Recology Ashland each May to provide FREE debris drop off. Specifics will be posted on the City's website in April, but you can save up your debris rather than burning it...a much safer and healthier choice!

The recent rain and snow have temporarily alleviated some of the fire danger we were experiencing after many weeks with no precipitation earlier this year. However, if dry conditions return, we may close outdoor burning at any point. Updates will be available on the City’s website and on social media.

Learn more, including how to know if it’s a burn day and more, at ashlandoregon.gov/OutdoorBurning. We are Better Together!

Are you prepared for Fire Season? Check out our Emergency Better Prepared pages at ashlandoregon.gov/BetterPrepared. 

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Ashland City Hall, located at 20 East Main Street, has served the community for more than a century. The property was deeded to the City of Ashland in 1884 by John R. and Mary Helman. In 1891, the original City Hall was built, and major additions were added in 1913 and 1995. 

Over time, City Hall has experienced increasing wear and deferred maintenance that now requires significant attention. Today, those accumulated needs have reached a turning point. In the coming months, City Council will evaluate the future of City Hall and determine the most responsible path forward.

The 2024–2025 Facilities Master Plan identifies the building as being in critical condition and recommends divestment and adaptive reuse. The Plan supports consolidating City services into a unified civic campus to improve public access, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen long-term stewardship of public resources.

Building Issues

Since the mid-1990s, multiple studies have identified significant problems at City Hall, including seismic vulnerabilities, deteriorating unreinforced parapets, inadequate shear walls, knob-and-tube electric, end-of-life roof and HVAC systems and ADA accessibility limitations. These issues affect safety, functionality and long-term usability.

As of February 17, 2026, staff vacated the City Hall building due to newly found structural concerns with the building’s roof following a commercial code inspection. Under the Fire Marshal’s guidance, the building has been temporarily vacated while a licensed engineer conducts a structural assessment. 

The forthcoming engineering assessment will help inform future decisions about City Hall. For now, potential approaches include moving City Hall functions to a new location with consolidated city services, rebuilding or significantly redeveloping City Hall where it is currently or maintaining the existing building with bare-necessity improvements. Each option carries financial, operational and logistical considerations, which the City Council will review carefully before making a final determination.

Options for the Future

Consolidating City Services at a modern civic campus

Consolidating City services and staff into a modern, publicly accessible civic campus at a different location could improve operational efficiency, enhance accessibility and support long-term cost control. This option would likely lead the City to lease or sell the current City Hall building without making any major improvements.   

Restoration and Reconstruction

This option brings the building up to current standards and improves the usability and functionality of the space. This would likely require partial demolition and reconstruction for seismic upgrades, along with major mechanical, electrical, plumbing and accessibility improvements. As a designated historic resource, such work would require review under the City’s Historic Rehabilitation and Design Standards, including oversight by the State Historic Preservation Office, the City’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and potentially the City’s Planning Commission. 

In 2020, restoration and partial reconstruction were estimated at $7.2 million; adjusted to 2026 dollars, costs exceed $10 million. A bond to finance the construction needed went before the voters in 2020 but was voted down.

Perform Minimum Maintenance (continue current approach)

To keep using City Hall “as is” will require some immediate maintenance needs estimated between $756,500 and $1,346,000 over the next five years. These figures do not include ADA compliance, seismic upgrades, mechanical, electrical, plumbing improvements or repair items under $1,000. Deferring these other critical upgrades could lead to system failure within a year or significantly higher repair costs down the line.

Complicating the conversation, before City Council determines the long-term direction for City Hall, the City must first secure clear title to the property. It would not be fiscally responsible to make a major taxpayer-funded investment in the building without confirmed ownership.

Current Status of City Hall Title

Before the City makes any major investments into City Hall, the City is seeking a “clean title” to ensure City ownership well into the future. The City of Ashland owns City Hall; however, the property deed includes a reversionary clause stating that if City Hall and the adjoining Plaza cease to be used as a public square, town hall and jail, ownership of the property may revert to the Helman heirs. As a result, the title is encumbered, limiting the City’s flexibility to use, renovate or sell the building. 

Although the City Hall contains a historic jail, it has not been used as a jail since the 1970s. This non-use is potentially misaligned with the conditions outlined in the deed. For this reason, the City has initiated a lawsuit and the City Attorney’s Office has been in communication with the Helman heirs and is working with their legal counsel to resolve the title issue. Clearing the title would eliminate the associated deed risk and allow the City to consider infrastructure investments or program changes with greater certainty and flexibility.

The business of the City continues

It is important to remember that City Hall is both a building and a function. While the historic structure has long symbolized local government, the business of the City continues, ensuring that services, operations and public engagement move forward regardless of location.

While the building’s future is under evaluation, the business of the City continues, focused on providing services, maintaining infrastructure and supporting the residents of Ashland. For updates on City Hall or to leave questions or comments, please visit, ashlandoregon.gov/CityHall. You can also stay tuned by attending/watching City Council Regular Business meetings, which take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month; Study Sessions take place the first and third Monday of each month. 

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City Councilors are available to meet with their constituents. In addition to impromptu meetings, some hold regular meetings or office hours, currently hosted at The Grove in Ashland.

1. Councilor Jeff Dahle: 3rd Monday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
2. Councilor Bob Kaplan: 1st Monday of each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
3. Councilor Gina DuQuenne: 1st Thursday of each month from Noon to 1:30 p.m.

At this time, office hours for City Manager Sabrina Cotta is by appointment only. Please email the City Manager's Office  to make an appointment. 

These office hours provide an additional opportunity for residents to voice concerns, ask questions and engage with their City Councilors or the City Manager on important issues. The Grove is located at 1195 East Main Street. 

Office hours exclude holidays. 

Questions or Comments:

• Email the City Manager's Office 
• Contact City Council

City Hall administrative staff have temporarily vacated the building following findings from a January Commercial Building Code inspection report  and the Fire Marshal’s General Fire Inspection (PDF) conducted this week. While the facility had previously been closed to the public, except for limited City Manager and Council office hours, it has now been deemed unsafe for employee occupancy until an evaluation can be completed by a licensed structural engineer.

As of February 17, 2026, administrative staff are working remotely while the City’s Leadership Team identifies temporary office locations. 

City Manager and Council office hours have been canceled this week. Updated location information will be posted on the City website as it becomes available. 

To learn more about City Hall and to stay up-to-date, visit ashlandoregon.gov/CityHall. 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.

The Ashland Parks Foundation, with the City of Ashland’s permission, will lead a project to recreate the historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain in Lithia Park, preserving its beauty and structural integrity for generations to come.

The Butler-Perozzi Fountain, originally carved in Italy for the 1915 Panama-pacific International Exposition, was installed in Lithia Park in 1916. Since then, it has served as a beloved park landmark. Due to the soft nature of the original marble and Southern Oregon’s weather conditions, the fountain has suffered significant deterioration over time and undergone several restoration efforts over the last century. 

Today, the fountain has severe weathering, cracking, and mechanical issues, marking the need for another major restoration effort. The Ashland Parks Foundation, through generous community support, has raised approximately $800,000 to bring the fountain back to life, and is preparing to break ground on the project.

As a part of their planning, the Ashland Parks Foundation formed a Construction Steering Committee made up of local builders, architects, planners, and historic preservation experts to determine how to most effectively use the donated funds.  Based on recommendations from the Steering Committee and with support from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, the project will create an exact replica of the 1915 fountain, using marble selected for its strength and ability to withstand Ashland’s climate.

“Once we fully understood the condition of the fountain and the limitations of the original marble, it became clear that repeated repairs would not provide a lasting solution,” said Mike Gardiner, President of the Ashland Parks Foundation and Construction Steering Committee member. “Creating an exact replica of the 1915 fountain allows us to honor the original design while ensuring long-term durability.”

The fountain will be reproduced by local sculptors Jack Langford and Kevin Christman in their Southern Oregon studio, using marble quarried in Vermont. The project also includes reconstruction of the surrounding terrace, stairs, plumbing, and electrical systems, which will be performed by local firm Outlier Construction. The bottom pedestal of the basin – the only remining component of the original historic fountain – will be displayed alongside the new fountain. 

Construction is expected to begin March 1, 2026, weather permitting, with completion anticipated by Fall 2026. Prior to construction, two maple trees near the fountain will be removed as their roots have caused significant structural damage to the fountain and its concrete foundation. Replacement landscaping is planned as part of the overall project, including trees to replace lost canopy within the park. The project is fully funded by the donations raised by the Ashland Parks Foundation.

“This project reflects the power of partnerships in creating a legacy for generations to come,” stated Sabrina Cotta, City Manager. “I want to thank the Parks Foundation for their tireless efforts in making this project happen.” 

Once complete, the Butler-Perozzi Fountain will continue to be a centerpiece of Lithia Park, honoring its historic origins while ensuring its continued presence as one of Ashland’s most cherished landmarks. For updates and additional information, visit ashlandparksfoundation.org/Butler-Perozzi-Fountain or email the Foundation. 

To learn more about Ashland’s parks and community, visit ashlandoregon.gov. We are Better Together.

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Explore what’s underway across Ashland: ice rink upgrades, safer streets, strategic planning, a new water plant and more. Follow progress, timelines and how these projects shape our future!

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.

Pilot Program Runs Now through May 7, 2026

We have launched a pilot Home Energy Score program to help residents find and prioritize opportunities to save money on their energy bills. During the program, Ashland Electric customers will be eligible to receive a free Home Energy Score for their homes. Getting a Home Energy Score is a simple way to better understand how your home uses energy so you can make informed decisions that help you lower energy costs and improve efficiency and comfort in your home. Free scores will be available through May 2026. Contact a certified assessor to get the process started today. 

The Ashland pilot program is the first Oregon Home Energy Score to incorporate carbon emissions and emissions reductions into customized home energy upgrade recommendations. Our first home score in this pilot helps demonstrate how Ashland’s clean electricity helps this home produce 10 times fewer emissions than an average U.S. home. Furthermore, by implementing the suggested improvements - going to a 100% electric heat pump space and hot water heating along with some weatherization upgrades - this house could emit 37.5 times fewer emissions than an average U.S. home! 

How it Works: An assessor will come to your home to evaluate its energy systems and structure and provide you with your score report. The report includes:

• Your home’s current score, along with estimated energy costs and emissions.
• A list of recommendations for improvements you can make to increase your score in the future, which will help you save money on your utility bills. 
• Information about locally available incentives that can help make the cost of improvements or upgrades recommended in your Home Energy Score report more affordable. View available incentives. 

Eligibility: All single-family homes, including side-by-side townhomes, are eligible to receive a Home Energy Score. Stacked duplexes, triplexes and smaller multi-unit homes are eligible if the property owner and residents grant permission for the entire structure to be scored. Alternative assessment methods may be available for multifamily buildings. 

Please contact us with any questions about program eligibility

Chad Woodward, Climate & Energy Analyst; email; 541.552.2085. 

We are Better Together! 

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We are pleased to share an update for local business owners: the Pilot Program for Portable Business Signs, such as sandwich boards placed in the public right-of-way, has been officially extended through August 31, 2026.

Originally launched following a Council resolution in October 2024, the pilot program began in November 2024 as a way to explore whether portable signage could support commercial districts. In early December 2025, the Ashland City Council voted to extend the program, giving businesses additional flexibility and visibility while the City evaluates potential long-term code changes.

Over the next six months, we will review the pilot’s performance and consider permanent updates to Ashland’s sign regulations. Business owners can expect ongoing communication, including a post-holiday survey, to share feedback on how portable signs have impacted foot traffic, sales and overall visibility.

Portable signs have proven to offer economic value by helping customers discover local shops, restaurants and services. We encourage all eligible businesses to take part.

How to ParticipateSmall business owners who are not yet enrolled are invited to join the pilot program by completing the online Participation Agreement: Portable Business Sign Program. Approved participants will receive guidelines outlining allowable sign sizes, materials and placement locations. View the guidelines (PDF). 

If you own a small business in Ashland and haven’t yet taken advantage of this opportunity, sign up today! It’s a simple way to increase visibility and attract more customers while helping shape the future of signage in Ashland. We are Better Together! 

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Never miss what's happening in Ashland! The Storytown App is your personalized portal to the city's entire event landscape. Download on iOS (Update: Android coming soon).

Looking for quick updates from City Hall? City Manager Sabrina Cotta shares what’s happening in Ashland through two engaging video series.

Minute with the Manager 

Don’t miss Minute with the Manager! Each month, City Manager Sabrina Cotta shares quick updates on key City news, projects and upcoming events to keep Ashland residents informed.

• Video No. 2. November 10, 2025. Nominate someone for the annual James M. Ragland "Volunteer Spirit" Community Service Award. Nominations are due by November 16, 2025 and will be presented at the 2026 Town Hall gathering on January 21, 2026. 
• Video No. 1. September 25, 2025. How to Engage with the City.  

3 Things to Know 

Stay connected with 3 Things to Know! Every other month, City Manager Sabrina Cotta highlights the top three things happening in Ashland, from Council actions to community projects.

• Video No. 2. October 24, 2025 
  1. Clean Title for City Hall Building
  2. BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) Contract
  3. CEAP (Climate and Energy Action Plan) Incentives for Residential Homes
• Video No. 1. October 10, 2025
  1. City Council Retreat on December 1, 2025
  2. Public Art on Traffic Signal Boxes
  3. Regional Fire Service Planning and Capacity Study

Each year the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) hosts the, “If I were Mayor…” student contest. The contest takes place on a local and state level. Ashland Mayor, Tonya Graham, is encouraging Ashland’s youth to apply! 

“This contest offers students in the 4th through 12th grades the chance to learn more about civic engagement and use their voice in local government,” stated Mayor Graham. “Last year local fifth-grader, Nadia McGrady from Bellview Elementary, received second place in the statewide entries.” (Read about it in Ashland.news.) 

The contest is divided into three categories: 

• Elementary School (grade 4-5) - Poster Contest (Photo of poster can be PNG, JPEG, or PDF files)
• Middle School (grade 6-8) - Essay Contest (Word, PDF, PowerPoint or online essay format)
• High School (grades 9-12) - Digital Media Presentations (Videos only, MP4 or online video format)

The Ashland City Council will assist Mayor Graham in selecting one winner from each category. All contestants will be recognized for their entries and the winners will be presented with awards at a City Council meeting. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 13, 2026. 

The local winning entries will be submitted to the state contest for a chance to win a cash prize and recognition. First place statewide winning students in each of the three categories will win $500, second and third place winning students win $300 and $100 respectively. 

Visit ashlandoregon.gov/OMAcontest to learn how and where to send your entries, and view examples. “We are better together!” 

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As part of Ashland City Council’s Economic Development vision, the City has relaunched our Event Partnership Grant program to help support local events that help boost overnight travel, increase spending at local businesses and promote Ashland as a premier tourist destination. Last year, we were able to support 22 events with $100,000 in grants. This fiscal year, we have $150,000 to award.

If you know of any event organizers or have your own communication channels, please point folks to our website to apply ashlandoregon.gov/EconomicDevelopmentGrants.

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