City Strategic Goals

STRATEGIC PLAN

With the combined efforts of City Council members and City Department Heads, a Strategic Plan was developed in the Summer of 2025.

Downtown Ashland

City of Ashland Strategic Priorities 2025 through 2030

  • Infrastructure

    • By 2030, the community will experience a road/street resurfacing rate of once every twenty-five years (1/25 years). Note: the current rate is once every fifty years (1/50 years)
    • By 2028, in alignment with the Parks Master Plan, the City of Ashland will strategically maintenance and capital costs in order to continue to deliver efficient and effective recreation services to the community into the future.
    • By July 2026, City of Ashland residents and visitors will experience the completion of a protected deep-water boat launch at the Ashland Marina.

  • Safe, Healthy, and Secure Community

    • By 2026, through increased public safety presence on the waterfront, Main Street, and the Main Street Parks, the community will experience an enhanced feeling of safety.
    • Beginning in May 2025, the City of Ashland will advocate for effective enforcement options for repeat trespassing offenses.
    • By 2027, working with the Department of Transportation (DOT), a decision will be made regarding two (2) additional safe crossing from US 2 to the waterfront.

  • Housing

    • By December 31, 2027, the community will experience the addition of at least 150 market rate housing units.
    • By 2026, the City will work with community partners and the State of Wisconsin to develop housing opportunities for displaced individuals.
    • Beginning in 2025, to protect and maintain the character of the community, the City of Ashland will continue to enforce its property maintenance, building codes, and zoning ordinances.

  • Economic Strength

    • By 2026, the City of Ashland will establish a dedicated full-time economic development and tourism position/department to market and promote the City and recruit new businesses.
    • Beginning in 2026, through targeted economic development, the community will experience the addition of 2 new businesses per year.
    • By December 31, 2026, the City will establish a plan to revitalize East Main Street and enhance West Main Street.

  • Good Governance

    • By April 1, 2026, City of Ashland residents will better understand the value of what they are getting for their tax dollars through the development and delivery of an Annual Performance Report.
    • The City of Ashland continues to be committed to being a strategic partner with the County of Ashland, the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa, and the State of Wisconsin.