Ashland Launches New OpenGov Permitting Portal for Residents and Businesses
DATELINE — ASHLAND
Ashland's most notable story of the past day didn't come from Town Hall's own channels: a MetroWest Daily News report says Town Manager Michael Herbert is on leave for an undisclosed reason, leaving residents to wonder who is minding day-to-day operations. The news broke as the town's official channels stayed focused on a new online permitting system and a full slate of board meetings and library programs got underway this week.
TOWN HALL
Ashland has launched a new online licensing and permitting portal called OpenGov, the town announced, aiming to let residents and businesses handle license and permit applications digitally rather than in person at Town Hall. The town's website did not specify which permit types are covered in the initial rollout.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Ashland Public Library kicked off several summer offerings this week. Its Adult Summer Reading Challenge 2026 continues online, and family programming includes Take & Make Kits and the Monday Knit and Crochet Club. On the historical front, the library hosted a virtual talk Monday titled "Celebrating America's 250th: The Black Experience of the Revolution," featuring Herstorian Gracia Rich, part of the town's ongoing 250th-anniversary programming.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Ashland MA town manager is 'out of the office.' Who's filling in?" MetroWest Daily News reports that Town Manager Michael Herbert has been on leave for an undisclosed reason, leaving open the question of who is handling his responsibilities in the interim. (read it at https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/local/2026/07/18/ashland-ma-town-manager-michael-herbert-on-leave-for-undisclosed-reason/90957254007/)
COMING UP
Ashland's committee calendar is busy this week: the Finance Committee (Zoom) and Conservation Commission (hybrid) meet Monday, along with the Keefe Tech Building Committee and Keefe Tech School Committee. Tuesday brings the Board of Health and the Library Board of Trustees, both hybrid, plus the library's Clocktown Rockers program for ages 2-5. The Upper Charles Trail Committee and Planning Board meet Thursday, followed by another Conservation Commission session July 27 and the Zoning Board of Appeals July 28.