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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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.

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.

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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We are making it easier than ever for property owners to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to their residentially zoned property. We offer seven free, pre-approved ADU designs that meet all local building code requirements, saving time and simplifying the permitting process.

By streamlining ADU development, Ashland aims to expand housing options, promote affordability and meet the diverse needs of its residents. ADUs within Ashland’s single-family zones are not permitted for use as travelers’ accommodations, ensuring that these units serve as much-needed housing for full-time residents. These initiatives reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth and to maintaining the character of Ashland’s neighborhoods.

To explore the available design options and learn more about building an ADU, visit ashlandoregon.gov/ADU or contact the Community Development Department via email. 

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