November 28, 2025

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Former Ashland City Councilor files complaint over bike trail

Former Ashland City Councilor and Trails Advisory Committee member Stefani Seffinger has filed ethics complaints with both the city and the state, arguing the committee acted unlawfully when it voted Nov. 19 to recommend a new beginner bike trail on the uphill side of Lithia Park. The city issued a 50-page rebuttal Monday, disputing her claims and forwarding the response to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. The proposed 1-mile Dormouse Trail would be the first designated bike trail through the park.

November 26, 2025

City Government

Ashland winter shelter to open Friday, Dec. 5, at 2200 Ashland St.

The city’s severe weather winter shelter at 2200 Ashland St. will open at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, four days later than originally planned, to allow for a final cleanup and safety walk-throughs of the renovated facility. A severe weather shelter will be open Friday through Sunday nights, Nov. 28 through 30, at the OHRA facility at 2350 Ashland St.

November 26, 2025

Business

Open house scheduled for Ashland Mill project

Derek Severson, Ashland’s planning supervisor, now faces more than 600 pages’ worth of an application from Townmakers, the developer of Ashland Mill, the largest project ever proposed in the city. Understandably daunted, he also acknowledges the rare opportunity this provides for him and other planners in a city of Ashland’s size.

November 24, 2025

City Government

Ashland receives approval for $73 million federal loan to replace aging water treatment facility

Ashland has been approved for a federal loan of up to $73 million to replace its 76-year-old water treatment plant, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday. The low-interest financing will allow the city to draw funds as construction progresses.

November 21, 2025

City Government

Permitting snag delays Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink opening

The opening of the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink has been put on hold due to unexpected permitting complications tied to the canopy that covers the outdoor rink across Winburn Way from Lithia Park.

November 21, 2025

City Government

Ashland reviews camping enforcement as council seeks clearer data

The Ashland City Council on Monday reviewed how the city enforces its prohibited-camping ordinance, updated earlier this year to comply with state law, as Police Chief Tighe O’Meara presented an overview of the city’s current regulations and citations.

November 19, 2025

City Government

Ashland selects ‘night lawn’ operator to manage winter shelter

Ashland’s winter shelter is on track to open on Dec. 1, as the Ashland City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 18, selected the nonprofit that already operates the city’s designated camping area to manage the facility. The winter shelter will be open nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees.

November 19, 2025

City Corner

City Corner: Ashland’s residential electric rates — lowest in Southern Oregon

Councilor Bob Kaplan: While the cost of delivering kilowatt-hours to our homes has risen, Ashland Electric has been able to hold our rates steady with just one increase of 5.1% in 2021. I’m sorry to say we’re due for an increase, but fortunately it’s not likely to match recent increases elsewhere.

November 18, 2025

City Government

Ashland City Council to consider winter shelter, union contracts, and city finances

The Ashland City Council will review a proposal from a potential provider to oversee its extreme weather shelter during its regular business meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

November 14, 2025

Business

Formal application filed for former Croman Mill site development

Plans for Ashland Mill — the largest development proposal in Ashland’s history — are now in the hands of the city. In early October, Townmakers LLC filed a formal application to build what the developers call a “complete community” on 61 acres of Ashland’s southeast side.

November 9, 2025

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Former Ashland City Councilor files complaint over bike trail

November 26, 2025

Former Ashland City Councilor and Trails Advisory Committee member Stefani Seffinger has filed ethics complaints with both the city and the state, arguing the committee acted unlawfully when it voted Nov. 19 to recommend a new beginner bike trail on the uphill side of Lithia Park. The city issued a 50-page rebuttal Monday, disputing her claims and forwarding the response to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. The proposed 1-mile Dormouse Trail would be the first designated bike trail through the park.

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