What’s Going On: Why Local Businesses Are Feeling the Strain

Ashland’s small businesses are the heartbeat of the community — our restaurants, shops, galleries, and service providers give the town its charm and keep local dollars circulating. But many are struggling to stay open.

Costs for rent, wages, utilities, and supplies have all climbed, while visitor spending has dropped since the pandemic. Downtown foot traffic hasn’t fully bounced back, and fewer locals are shopping in town due to higher prices and online competition. Some business owners say city fees and red tape make it even harder to thrive.

When businesses close, we lose more than jobs — we lose gathering spots, community connections, and the unique character that makes Ashland, Ashland.

What You Can Do and What to Ask of City Leaders

Actions Every Resident Can Take

Shop and eat local whenever you can
Every purchase made in town supports local jobs and helps keep Ashland’s economy alive. Even small choices add up.

Spread the word
Share favorite spots with family, friends and visitors. A simple recommendation can make a difference for a struggling shop or restaurant. Think twice before posting negative reviews on social media. Yelp history tells us it only takes one bad review to take down an establishment. Try discussing your onsite experience with a business first. They will appreciate the chance to make you a repeat customer.

Ask about local products and services first
Before ordering online or heading to Medford, check if you can get what you need right here.

Attend local business events and forums
Support Chamber gatherings, First Friday Art Walks, and markets. Showing up helps keep these efforts going strong.

Encourage collaboration
Help connect local businesses with one another — shared promotions, cross-advertising, and events bring more people downtown.

What to Ask from City Administration

Simplify rules and permits
Request a streamlined approval process for signage, outdoor seating, and small business expansions so owners spend less time on paperwork and more time serving customers.

Review fees and taxes on small businesses
Ask that city leaders evaluate whether certain license or utility fees could be adjusted to ease pressure without cutting essential services.

Invest in South Ashland and Downtown vitality
Encourage continued improvements to parking, walkability, lighting, and beautification projects that draw residents and visitors.

Provide clear communication and support
Ask for regular updates from the city’s Deputy City Manager, Economic Development staff and for business resources to be easy to find online.

Support flexible zoning and creative use of space
From pop-up shops to seasonal events, encourage policies that let entrepreneurs test ideas without jumping through unnecessary, regulatory hoops.

Why It Matters

When small businesses thrive, the whole city benefits — jobs are created, affordable housing is created, and Ashland keeps its lively, creative spirit. When they falter, we all feel it in fewer services, darker storefronts, and less community connection.

We can protect what makes Ashland special by standing behind our business owners, demanding city policies that make sense, and keeping our dollars close to home.

Your support keeps Ashland’s business community — and our town — strong and vibrant.