Housing Affordability & Homelessness in Ashland

Rising housing costs and limited supply are pressuring many Ashland residents, while city leaders debate strategies to support those without stable housing.

Ashland is a beautiful city with lots of heart. But lately, more people are saying housing is unaffordable. Rents and home prices have been rising, while the supply of housing has not kept up. This makes it difficult for renters, first-time buyers, seniors, and lower-income families to find safe, stable places to live. In turn, some residents are at risk of losing their homes or being pushed into homelessness.

One key challenge is that Ashland’s buildable land is limited. The city’s recent inventory shows there are only a few sites available for new housing, especially for multi-unit or denser housing. Developers often face high costs and regulatory barriers, which make building affordable units harder. The city has tried to address this by letting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) be built more easily, giving fee waivers for affordable housing projects, and requiring that some new developments include affordable units. But more needs to be done.

What We Can Do (Policies to Explore)

1. Expand ADU support
Make it easier and less costly for homeowners to add additional dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. The city already offers free pre-approved plans and building guides for property owners. We can go further by reducing permit time, offering low-interest loans, and promoting ADUs as flexible housing choices.

2. Inclusionary zoning for new development
Require that a share of units in new housing projects be affordable. For example, Ashland already requires 25 % of units in annexed developments to be affordable under certain conditions. Strengthening this rule or applying it more broadly could increase the number of low-cost homes.

3. Land banking & land trusts
The city or a nonprofit could buy or reserve land for future affordable housing. Land trusts can keep that land permanently dedicated to housing and reduce costs over time. Ashland is already studying land banking and trusts. 

4. Incentives & fee waivers
Lower or waive fees, reduce taxes, or speed up approvals for projects that include affordable units. Ashland already offers some waivers for system development, engineering, and community development fees on qualified units. These incentives could be expanded.

5. Protect existing affordable housing
Some homes and rental units already help people with modest incomes. We should avoid losing these units to market pressures. This might include support for repairs, help for mobile home parks, and rules that prevent conversion of affordable rental units into expensive ones.

6. Expand financing and partnerships
Work with nonprofits, state and federal programs, and private partners to get funding. Ashland already receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and the city regulates affordable units under its housing program. Strengthening these partnerships can unlock more resources.

7. Improve homeless support & wraparound services
Helping people stay housed often requires more than just housing. Services like mental health care, job training, and emergency rental aid are essential. At the state level, Oregon’s Rehousing Initiative offers rental help and support services. 

What We Can Achieve

If Ashland residents or local leaders champion these policies, Ashland could become a place where housing is not a barrier to belonging. People should be able to stay in this town they love—whether they work here, grew up here, or are just trying to make it work. With smart plans, honest collaboration, and community energy, Ashland can grow in a way that includes everyone, not pushes some away.