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Planning CommissionMinutes
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November 12, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
I.CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Verner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E.
Main Street. Commissioners Perkinson and KenCairn attended the meeting via Zoom. Chair Verner
congratulated Commission Knauer on being elected to City Council. Commissioner Knauer thanked
the Commission and expressed appreciation for the knowledge and experience he gained while
serving on it.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Lisa Verner Brandon Goldman, Community Development Director
Kerry KenCairn Derek Severson, Planning Manager
Eric Herron Veronica Allen, Associate Planner
Russell Phillips Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant
Susan MacCracken Jain
Gregory Perkinson
Doug Knauer
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
Paula Hyatt
II.ANNOUNCEMENTS
1.Staff Announcements:
Community Development Director Brandon Goldman made the following announcements:
He thanked the Commission and the Housing Authority of Jackson County for the
rewarding experience of the annual Planning Commission retreat which took place on
November 7, 2024.
The November 26, 2024 Study Session was cancelled and he inquired if the December 24
Study Session should likewise be cancelled.
The December 10, 2024 Regular Meeting will review the third phase of the Kestrel Park
subdivision.
The City Council will hold its annual appreciation event and annual updates for all City
Commissions and Committees. All members of these volunteer groups are invited to
attend.
2.Advisory Committee Liaison Reports – None
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III.PUBLIC FORUM – None
IV.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1.Approval of Findings for PA-T1-2024-00245, 329 Granite Street
Commissioners/Phillips/Knauer m/s to approve the findings as proposed. Commissioner
KenCairn abstained from the vote due to her past involvement with the project. Roll Call Vote: All
AYES. Motion passed 6-0.
V.OTHER BUSINESS
1. Economic Opportunities Analysis Public Engagement Plan
Mr. Goldman acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the work that one of the City’s Associate
Planners, Veronica Allen, did on this project. He introduced Kourtney Cena and Elliot Weiss of
Community Attributes Inc (CAI), who worked as consultants on this project and were attending the
meeting via Zoom in order to present the team’s findings. He noted that the consultant team and the
City’s Economic Development Specialist, Jordan Rooklyn, were able to tour various sites around the
Rogue Valley to examine their economic development and also reviewed employment data
focusing on employment needs of particular groups and on centers with greater employment
opportunities.
Mr. Weiss stated that this meeting would focus on community engagement, particularly major
employers and community members, and provided the following overview and timeline of the
Economic Opportunity Analysis (EOA):
Ongoing - Project Kickoff
Aug-Nov - Inclusive Outreach Plan
Sept-Jan - Ashland/Medford Joint Analysis – National, State & Regional
Oct-Feb - Ashland Community Outreach, Goals and Strategies
Sept-Nov - Industrial and Commercial Buildable Lands Inventory
Oct-Feb - Ashland Local EOA with Equity Considerations
Mar-Apr - Comprehensive Plan Update to Goals, Policies, or Actions
Mar-May - Final EOA Document Deliverable
Jan-Mar - Equity and Inclusion Self-Assessment
Mr. Weiss stated that an EOA is a technical study that compares a city’s land needs for industrial and
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other employment uses to the existing supply of such land, and can help communities implement
their local economic development objectives and forms the basis for industrial and other
employment development policies in the comprehensive plan (see attachment #1). Mr. Weiss
emphasized the importance of coordination between the consultants, the Commission, and City
staff to ensure the optimization of public engagement activities, adding that the EOA was being
done in conjunction with the City of Medford. He added that the priority populations for such
outreach should represent geographic diversity across the City, while other groups could include the
following:
Migrant, foreign born, and non-citizen communities
Communities of color, including Ashland’s Hispanic community
Seniors
Differently-abled community
Young people
Workers with high school degree or less
Veterans
Mr. Weiss stated that the planned outreach projects included the following: discussions with focus
groups; interviews with key stakeholders; public hearings with the Commission and Council; business
and resident surveys; and a studio/pop-up event to allow widespread public participation. He then
offered the following questions to help guide the Commission’s discussion:
1. What populations, communities, or groups in Ashland should be prioritized for targeted
outreach in this EOA process?
2.What other equity considerations should be front and center during the implementation of this
Inclusive Outreach Plan?
Mr. Weiss concluded by offering a working draft schedule of CAI’s public outreach activities:
October
Draft Inclusive Outreach Plan
o
Field Work & City Tour (10/21, in-person)
o
November
Deliver CCI materials (11/5)
o
CCI meeting (11/12)
o
Determine priority populations / equity targets
o
Launch business and resident survey
o
Begin orientation interviews
o
December
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
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Close business and resident survey
o
January
Begin focus groups
o
February
Studio / pop up meetings
o
Pop-ups and focus groups (in-person)
o
March
Draft and Final Engagement Summary
o
Final presentation (in-person)
o
Questions of the Consultants
Commissioners KenCairn and Perkinson emphasized the importance of including in the study those
who work in Ashland but are unable to afford to live there and instead reside in Talent, Phoenix, and
Medford. Commissioner Perkinson also suggested that the study utilize the Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion study that was presented to the Council earlier in the year. Regarding the SOU focus group,
Commissioner Perkinson recommended that CAI reach out to SOU after January and advised them
to also contact the SOU student government.
Commissioner MacCracken Jain noted that several surrounding cities such as Yreka, Gold Hill, and
Grants Pass have depressed economies and whose residents often commute for better work
opportunities. She asked if there was a methodological imperative to focus on underrepresented
populations and if there was an assumption that larger populations had already provided feedback.
She also noted that the work that the Chamber of Commerce had done was not clear or how it
weighed into the analysis. Mr. Weiss responded that CAI is receptive to additional forms of data
gathering, such as travel data to see who commutes to the City for work. He stated that
underrepresented peoples are not given preference in the analysis, but that CAI wants to ensure
they are included. Mr. Goldman pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce recently conducted an
Economic Diversification Study that will help inform the EOA. He added that the contract with CAI
included developing the EOA, reviewing the Comprehensive Plan, and making recommendations, but
not amending the Comprehensive Plan.
The Commission discussed the scale of the study and the wider economic development objectives
for the City in the Rogue Valley. They emphasized the need to study the entirety of the City’s
population while not losing sight of small business owners, hospitality workers, and those who
commute to the City for work but live elsewhere. The Commission cautioned against focusing too
heavily on businesses that cater to tourists or omitting businesses stationed in Ashland but which
export their services or products elsewhere. Mr. Weiss stated that the consultant team is open to all
sources of data collection, but that the findings must be submitted to the Department of Land
Conservation and Development (6DLCD) by June, 2025. The Commission reiterated the importance
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of contacting the SOU student government and examining the number of young, educated residents
who cannot afford to live in the City.
Mr. Goldman stated that staff engages in bi-weekly meetings with the consultants to discuss the
analysis, and that the scope of work includes a future Study Session with the Commission and
another with the Council. He added that staff could provide additional information in the near future
independent of the consultants. Chair Verner suggested that the Commission receive another
update at the beginning of 2025.
VI.DISCUSSION ITEM
1.2025 Priorities & Workplan Discussion
Mr. Goldman stated that there are some issues listed in the packet that are outside of the City’s
control in terms of timing, such as the Croman Mill Site and Railroad Property cleanup projects, while
the City can more directly impact certain items like the Housing Production Strategy project. He
added that some items like the EOA are ongoing.
Mr. Severson described how the Planning Department has experienced a higher volume of planning
actions than normal, including two annexation requests and Phase III of the Kestrel Park Subdivision.
Commissioner Knauer suggested that the Manufactured Home Park Zone Ordinance be moved out
of the Long-Range planning status and be completed in a more timely manner. Mr. Goldman
responded that Long-Range are items that are typically completed in the near future, such as the
EOA, which will be completed by June of 2025. He explained that these items are designated as
Long-Range because they are subject to legal processes outside of the Planning Department’s
control, such as new ordinances.
Commissioner Knauer inquired why the Homeless Services Action Plan was included on the list. Mr.
Goldman responded that it was included as work that City staff is currently working on, even if it may
not be reviewed by the Commission.
Commissioner Herron advised caution when using the term “walkability” in regards to the Walkable
Design Standards Ordinance recently introduced by the state. He advised that the term
“accessibility” would be more inclusive of those who are differently-abled. He suggested that the City
work closely with the Transportation Advisory Committee to improve human-powered
transportation in the City. Mr. Severson responded that the state had instituted the guidelines for
walkable communities, and therefore it is a specific design standard and terminology that cities
must adopt.
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Commissioner MacCracken Jain noted that the description of Climate-Friendly Areas (CFAs) and its
timeline had not been updated and required more specificity. Mr. Goldman responded that there
would be ongoing discussions regarding CFAs and more detail would be added in the future.
Commissioner Knauer asked why the CFA overlay for the Railroad Property was larger than the area
itself. Mr. Goldman responded that the overlay would also include Hersey Street since it contains
redevelopment potential. He added that it would also include areas of Clear Creek Drive that have
already been developed.
Commissioner Herron asked if there was an update to the designation of the CFAs from Council. Mr.
Goldman responded that the Council concurred with the amendment to remove the Croman Mill
Site from the list of potential CFAs, and that an overlay should be utilized to designate the CFAs to
more easily adjust their number or scale in the future. Regarding the designation of the Downtown,
the Council had directed staff to develop language within the existing C-1-D zone that would afford
areas within the Downtown the same allowances that would exist within proposed CFAs. The Council
also discussed the inclusion of the Railroad Property as a CFA, but expressed concern over whether
townhomes would be allowed in this area given the deed restriction status, and the remediation plan
from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Councilor Hyatt noted that the Council also discussed including the Downtown as a potential CFA,
but expressed concern about redevelopment of the Downtown with the townhome provision in mind.
The Commission discussed the inclusion of the Downtown as a CFA, with Commissioner Herron
relating how it could be excluded from grants and other economic opportunities if not included.
Commissioner MacCracken Jain remarked that the inclusion of the Downtown area may not have
been adequately considered by the Council.
Chair Verner asked if the CFA project would come back to the Commission. Mr. Goldman responded
that it would go to both the Commission and Council for review and approval, and that the Council
had made no formal decision as this item was reviewed at a Study Session. He clarified that, with the
Council’s decision to not include the Downtown as a CFA, the City would not be utilizing the
consultant services to study and develop a code analysis of the Downtown for what changes to
make, other than those code changes to make it correspond with CFAs without an overlay. He noted
that there is a clear distinction that the City would be reviewing the Railroad Property and the Transit
Triangle as primary CFAs.
Commissioner MacCracken Jain asked if there is anything precluding the City from seeking grants or
funding to study the feasibility of designating the Downtown as a CFA. Mr. Goldman responded that
the primary restrictions are funding, staff availability, and timelines, as this project must be
concluded by June, 2025. He stated that there is nothing precluding the Downtown from being
included in the future and that the Council could include funding for its inclusion in the next biennial
budget. He reiterated that no formal decision has been made since the Council reviewed this at a
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
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Study Session.
Commissioner Herron asked why the Council rejected the Rogue Valley Council of Government’s
(RVCOG) recommendation to include the Downtown. Mr. Goldman responded that the Council had
directed staff to conduct a study of the Transit Triangle, Railroad Property, and Croman Mill Site back
in early summer of 2024. He noted that RVCOG identified the Downtown area as a potential
secondary CFA, not as a primary CFA, and that the Council packet included RVCOG’s
recommendation. Mr. Severson added that the Downtown was discussed early on to include as a
CFA without encouraging redevelopment of existing buildings, but the use of secondary sites wasn’t
further developed by the state.
Commissioner MacCracken Jain asked how the Commission could keep the discussion of including
the Downtown area as a CFA active. Mr. Goldman responded that this item could be included in the
Commission’s annual update and workplan presentation to Council, which would allow Chair Verner
to make this recommendation. Councilor Hyatt emphasized that the current Council cannot prohibit
future Council decisions and recommended that the Commission’s advocacy for the inclusion of the
Downtown area as a CFA be included in the workplan. She cautioned that funding may not be
available for another study.
The Commission generally agreed to advocate for the inclusion of the Downtown area as a CFA.
Commissioner Perkinson advised accepting the consultant’s recommendation to not include it, and
Commission KenCairn stated her neutrality on the subject.
VII.OPEN DISCUSSION
The Commission decided to cancel the November 26 and December 24 Study Sessions.
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Councilor Hyatt reminded the Commission that all Commissions and Advisory Committees are
invited to the December 16, 2024 Council Study Session that will include an appreciation event for
these groups.
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted by,
Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant
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planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
INCLUSIVE OUTREACH PLAN
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BACKGROUND
NEXT STEPS
APPROACH
CONTENTS
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The Content of an EOA is ruled by OAR 660
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Review of national,
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and local trends
Inventory of
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National, State & Regional
Comprehensive Plan Update to Goals, Policies, or Actions
Industrial and Commercial Buildable Lands Inventory
Ashland Community Outreach, Goals and Strategies
Ashland Local EOA with Equity Considerations
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Equity and Inclusion Self Assessment
Final EOA Document Deliverable
Ashland/Medford Joint Analysis
Inclusive Outreach Plan
PROJECT SCOPE OVERVIEW
Project Kickoff
Task
Est. Time
Nov
Nov
Jan
May
Mar
Apr
Ongoing
FebFeb
--
-
SeptSept
--
-
--
MarMar
Aug
OctOct
Jan
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The Committee for Community Involvement group of the Planning Commission reviews and approves this
Presents the engagement activities, timing, and responsibilities for CAI, City staff, and partners to lead or
Identification of priority populations for outreach (historically underrepresented or disenfranchised)
Assessment, at the end of the project, will comparing completed outreach
Outreach conducted as part of this project aims to employ a broad and inclusive approach, which
)
X% of participants were of X population
support while developing the Economic Opportunity Analysis (EOA).
>ȯȢȢȀɫɫǗǗ DZȯɕ >ȯȢȢɳȤȀɫʒ uȤʋȯșʋǗȢǗȤɫ
Inclusive Outreach Plan prior to implementation.
Establishing equity targets for outreach
INCLUSIVE OUTREACH PLAN
Equity and Inclusion in Outreach
results with the equity targets. (ex.
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An Equity and Inclusion Self
The Role of CCI
includes:
Purpose
b)
a)
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We are looking for CCI and City Staff input to further fill out the list above. Priority populations may
Participants for outreach (both for residents and businesses) should represent geographic
Priority Populations or Other Equity Considerations for Outreach
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PRIORITY POPULATIONS DISCUSSION
citizen communities
Workers with high school degree or less
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Migrant, foreign born, and non
abled community
diversity across the City
include groups such as:
Potential Others
Young people
-
Differently
Veterans
Seniors
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What populations, communities, or groups in Ashland should be
What other equity considerations should be front and center
during the implementation of this Inclusive Outreach Plan?
prioritized for targeted outreach in this EOA process?
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.2.
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Allow widespread public participation and collect public input
or reactions. Useful to solicit public preferences on economic
Aims to collect community perspectives on a vision
Business and Resident Survey
topics for survey questions include:
Respondent Demographics
Threats, and Opportunities
Up Event
Business Demographics
Business Challenges
goals and policies.
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Studio / Pop
PLANNED OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
insights, ideas, and context surrounding
Planning Commission and City Council
Discussions with Key Stakeholders to
orient the project and gather specific
Potential focus group topics include:
Land Owners & Developers
Health Care / Elder Care
Arts and Entertainment
University / Education
Public Hearings
Focus Groups
Parks & Rec
Interviews
Tourism
meetings.
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Determine priority populations / equity targets
person)
Draft and Final Engagement Summary
person)
Launch business and resident survey
Outreach Activities
Close business and resident survey
-
Field Work & City Tour (10/21, in
-
person)
ups and focus groups (in
Draft Inclusive Outreach Plan
>ȯȢȢȀɫɫǗǗ DZȯɕ >ȯȢȢɳȤȀɫʒ uȤʋȯșʋǗȢǗȤɫ
Deliver CCI materials (11/5)
Begin orientation interviews
Studio / pop up meetings
-
CCI meeting (11/12)
Final presentation (in
Begin focus groups
DRAFT SCHEDULE
-
Pop
November
December
February
Month
October
January
March
WORKING
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Draft and Final Business and Resident Survey
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Priority Populations / Equity Targets
Buildable Lands Inventory Findings
Orientation Interviews
Upcoming Outreach
Data Analysis
NEXT STEPS
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