Originally published July 30, 2024, in the City Corner column of Ashland.news. Owning its electric utility gives the city the ability to provide residents cleaner, less expensive power By Bob Kaplan Did you know that Ashland is one of just 12 Oregon municipalities that owns its electric utility? It’s a fascinating history that started moreContinue reading “Ashland Electric — the power is in our hands”
Category Archives: Ashland.news City Corner Article
Residential water rates in Ashland
Originally published April 30, 2024, in the City Corner column of Ashland.news. How does the city compare with nearby municipalities? It’s complicated By Bob Kaplan I’ve had several conversations recently about Ashland’s water rates. Are they high? Are they low? How are they set? Not surprisingly, it’s complicated! Each city chooses its own mix ofContinue reading “Residential water rates in Ashland”
Managing our water resources
Reeder Reservoir, the primary source of Ashland’s drinking water. City of Ashland photo Originally published April 6, 2024, in the City Corner column of Ashland.news. We all need to use water wisely because changing climate and population growth will increase total demand By Bob Kaplan I’ve been a water geek since before I went toContinue reading “Managing our water resources”
A look at efforts to bring in affordable housing
Originally published December 20, 2024, in the City Corner column of Ashland.news. Ashland needs to add lower-cost homes; getting them built hasn’t been easy By Bob Kaplan Ashland is a fabulous place to live — if you can afford it. When you ask Ashlanders about our biggest issues, the cost of housing often rises toContinue reading “A look at efforts to bring in affordable housing”
Ashland’s residential electric rates — lowest in Southern Oregon
Originally published November 18, 2025, in the City Corner column of Ashland.news November 18, 2025 The city’s due for a rate increase but residents may continue to pay less than neighboring communities By Bob Kaplan Across the country, folks are alarmed at the rapidly increasing cost of electricity and gas in our household budgets. BasedContinue reading “Ashland’s residential electric rates — lowest in Southern Oregon”
City Government of, by and for the people
Originally published February 2024 in the City Corner column of Ashland.news Volunteers discuss issues, shape city policy recommendations at advisory committee meetings By Bob Kaplan When we talk about the work of our city councilors, most of us probably think about what takes place in the business meetings and study sessions held in council chambers.Continue reading “City Government of, by and for the people”
Bob Kaplan for Ashland City Council 