In November 2024, the citizens of Ashland will elect a Mayor, four City Councilors and two Parks Commissioners.
Thinking about running for elected office?
Elected officials are key leaders who listen to the community, set the vision for the future, and adopt policies to help make that vision happen. What do elected officials do? What positions are open? How do I run for Office?
If you are interested in running and have questions after reading this, please set up an appointment via email with our City Recorder. We’re here to help.
What does the City Council and Parks & Recreation Commission do?
Mayor / City Councilor
The City Council decides which policies the City will implement. This includes setting tax rates, distributing resources (i.e. setting the annual budget), approving large-scale projects and designing local laws and policies that fall within the categories below. The City Council also selects and oversees the City Manager and City Attorney who are responsible for implementing the policies the City Council adopts.
- Public Safety – police, fire and ambulance services
- Utilities – water, sewer, electricity
- Land Use – planning, zoning, code enforcement and other regulatory activities
- Transportation – street construction and maintenance, traffic safety
- Legal – public health, safety and welfare of the community
- Intergovernmental Relationships – relationships with other local governments
Parks Commissioner
The Parks Commission decides which policies Parks & Recreation will implement. This includes distributing resources (i.e. setting the annual budget), approving large-scale projects and designing local laws and policies that fall within the categories below. The Parks Commission also selects and oversees the Parks & Recreation Director who is responsible for implementing the policies the Commission adopts.
- Park Safety
- Park Maintenance and Operations
- Open Space
- Recreation Programs
What part does the Mayor / Councilor / Parks Commissioner play?
Mayor – The mayor serves on council and is the presiding officer during council meetings and as the City’s ceremonial head for events, media and other community-engagement activities. The mayor engages in discussion as council members deliberate on decisions, but only votes to break a tie during council meetings.
City Councilor – The City Council acts as a whole to develop City policy and legislation. There is little to no authority vested in any individual councilor. Instead, individual councilors bring their unique skills and learned experience to the table and must work with other councilors to decide on City policy and legislation. The City Council also appoints and oversees the work of the City Manager and City Attorney, but no other staff members. When making decisions, each City Councilor has one vote.
Parks Commissioner – Here in Ashland, our public parks are overseen by a board separate from the City Council. Parks Commissioners design policy and legislation that impacts parks – and no other aspect of City services. The Parks Commission also appoints and oversees the work of the Parks & Recreation Director.
What is the time commitment?
Mayor/City Councilor
The Mayor and City Councilors report spending on average anywhere from 10-25 hours per week on City business. This includes reading information packets, attending various meetings, and staying engaged with the committees and commissions they support. The more time you put into preparing for meetings, the smoother and more effective meetings tend to be.
- 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. – Study Sessions (typically 2.5 hours)
- 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. – Council Business Meetings (typically 3.5 hours)
- Meeting one-on-one every other week with the City Manager (typically 1 hour)
- Committee/Commission assignments
- Quarterly retreats
Parks Commissioner
Parks Commissioners report spending anywhere from five to ten hours per week on Parks business. This includes reading information packets, attending various meetings and staying engaged with the committees they support. The more time you put into preparing for meetings, the smoother and more effective meetings tend to be.
- 1st Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. – Commission Study Session (typically 2 hours)
- 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. – Commission Business Meetings (typically 2 hours)
- Committee assignments
- Additional meetings as needed
Do I get paid for my time?
The Mayor and City Councilors receive a $900 stipend every month.
Parks Commissioners do not receive a stipend – they are considered volunteers.
If elected, are there specific rules I must follow? How will I get up-to-speed?
Yes! If you are elected to the role of Mayor, City Councilor, or Parks Commissioner, there are specific rules you must follow. Those rules include public meeting laws, public record laws and ethics requirements. If elected, the City will host a series of trainings so you know clearly what is permissible and not permissible in your roles.
As for getting up-to-speed, before you are sworn into your role, the City will host an orientation where you will learn about core services, meet department heads, and get some basic training on public meeting law, public records and ethics. And that’s just the beginning! Over the next few months, your check-ins with City staff will focus on core issues, City processes and anything else you feel like you need to best fill your role.
How can I learn more?
Open Positions for the November 5, 2024, General Election
| Mayor | Tonya Graham | four-year term |
| City Council Position 1 | Paula Hyatt | four-year term |
| City Council Position 2 | Dylan Bloom | two-year term* |
| City Council Position 3 | Jeff Dahle | four-year term |
| City Council Position 5 | Gina DuQuenne | four-year term |
| APRC Position 1 | Stefani Seffinger | four-year term |
| APRC Position 2 | Jim Lewis | four-year term |
*City Charter Article III Section 4 - The appointee's term of office shall begin immediately upon appointment and shall continue until a successor, elected at the next biennial election, takes office for the unexpired term.
Eligibility Requirements
- Registered to vote in Ashland. Verify your voter status.
- Live within Ashland’s city limits.
To Learn More
Visit: Elections | Ashland, OR (ashlandoregon.gov/Elections)
“We are Better Together!”
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CONTACT:
Sabrina Cotta, Acting City Manager
City of Ashland
541.552.2106
Email