The year saw growth in the Ashland Fiber Network and the issuance of 1,100 building permits
By Sabrina Cotta
The 2024 city of Ashland list of accomplishments highlights numerous advancements and initiatives across various departments. Following is a summary of the key achievements. A complete list of achievements for 2024 can be found at ashlandoregon.gov/Accomplishments.
Ashland Fiber Network
- AFN expanded fiber-optic infrastructure and reached a new customer milestone of 4,264.
- Processed more than 1,600 connections and disconnections.
Communications and outreach
- Launched a new website with increased traffic and expanded social media presence.
- Awarded over $255,000 for beautification and events and provided childcare subsidies supporting 38 children.
Community Development
- Issued over 1,100 building permits and processed numerous land use applications.
- Major projects included new affordable housing, the Midtown Urban Lofts and Ashland High School renovations.
- Advanced planning for future developments, including affordable housing and new parks.
Conservation
- Supported sustainability with initiatives such as electric vehicles, solar installations and energy efficiency loans.
- Helped Ashland residents install 171 energy-saving measures, including heat pumps and insulation.
Electric
- Assisted Springfield, Oregon, with mutual aid and responded to numerous outage calls.
- Successfully passed safety inspections and completed a master plan.
Finance and IT
- Streamlined financial processes, reducing manual work and increasing efficiency.
- Enhanced network security, launched new ticketing systems and improved business continuity with upgraded software.
Fire and Rescue
- Responded to over 5,900 calls, including 1,000 fire-related incidents.
- Focused on wildfire prevention through thinning and controlled burns.
- Provided over 90 assists to Mercy Flights.
Housing and Social Services
- Awarded $350,000 in Affordable Housing Trust Funds for projects supporting affordable housing and homelessness prevention.
- Provided $134,000 to local nonprofits for essential social services.
Human Resources
- Onboarded 43 new employees and kept turnover at 8%.
- Launched a compensation and classification study, with updates to city policies.
Municipal Court
- Appointed a new judge and implemented an online records system.
- Managed over 1,900 cases, including 324 warrant resolutions.
Parks and Recreation
- Totaled 37,960 restroom cleanings and held over 250 programs.
- Secured grants for park improvements, including a $1 million grant for East Main Park.
- Hosted expanded community events such as Summer Sounds concerts and the Bear Creek Salmon Festival.
Police
- Managed nearly 25,000 calls for service and investigated over 2,500 cases.
- Transitioned to a paperless system, saving significant costs.
- Hired seven new officers and reinstated the School Resource Officer program.
- Expanded officer wellness programs and opened a second satellite office.
Public Works
- Improved Ashland Street with bike lanes and pedestrian safety features.
- Completed the wastewater treatment plant outfall relocation and UV system upgrades.
- Started major rehabilitation projects for the Community Center and Pioneer Hall, expected to reopen in 2025.
- Completed improvements to Briscoe School and Hosler Dam assessments.
These accomplishments reflect the city’s continued commitment to improving infrastructure, public safety, sustainability and community well-being. “We are better together!”
Sabrina Cotta is the city manager of Ashland. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Email letters to the editor and Viewpoint submissions to [email protected].
