Embracing the Past, Making Our Future
Ashley, North Dakota, a community of about 820 people, has an older than average population — every other resident is at least 65 years old. But rather than retire and expire, the people of Ashley, with dogged enthusiasm, have made a commitment to nurture new leadership and to sustain their community’s economic growth, infrastructure and education system.
The community jump-started a wave of activity that included hiring an economic developer to retain current businesses and seek out new opportunities. One opportunity was to become a USDA Champion Community, which gave the community access to a variety of resources and assistance. Then, through a program provided by the Northwest Area Foundation, community members rolled up their sleeves to learn new skills and strategies for bringing more people into leadership roles.
These opportunities strengthened bonds among community members and helped shift people’s mindsets so that change is more acceptable and positive. For instance, when a community meeting was organized to generate ideas for the future of Ashley, there was an outpouring of ideas that incorporated perspectives from a wide crosssection of people — both those living in town and those residing outside its boundaries. And where people used to narrowly focus on their own concerns, now farmers and shopkeepers, nurses and teachers are gathering together to provide guidance and leadership for the community as a whole.
This collaborative approach has resulted in some remarkable accomplishments. First out of the shoot, Ashley set its sights on bringing more moderate-income housing to their community. The challenge went beyond standing up to status quo objections, such as “there isn’t the money to do this.” In fact, it went all the way to the state capital of Bismarck. Partnering with the nearby town of Ellendale, residents undertook an advocacy campaign with state legislators in order to introduce, and pass, Senate Bill 2227. This bill, which took affect Aug. 1, 2005, allows city governments to establish a citizen-run Housing Authority that can use Essential Function Bonds, a type of tax-exempt housing bond, to underwrite the construction of housing for underserved residents.
After the law passed, the community quickly moved into gear and erected two four-plex units within easy walking distance of downtown stores and services. The new housing is not only affordable, it is “senior friendly,” an important consideration given the number of older residents in the community. When construction began, the community bubbled with optimism. Not only had a pressing issue been addressed, the community had gained confidence and awakened hope in their power to bring about change.
A second accomplishment revolved around Ashley’s desire to compete in the 21st century. While cell phones can be used in countries across the world, until recently, they were useless in Ashley. Truckers making deliveries in town, business owners needing to run some errands and parents wanting to keep track of their kids were inconvenienced by the lack of cell coverage.
Rather than waste energy on complaining among themselves, Ashley residents joined with nearby communities in a “zap the gap” initiative. Determined residents set out to convince the state’s public service commissioners, who issue permits for cell towers, of the need for cell service in Ashley and surrounding areas. When commissioners came to town to hear the community’s case, they saw an interesting sight. Town members were roaming the streets imitating the popular “Can you hear me now?” advertising campaign. This clever ploy, combined with compelling testimony from residents, worked — and the first cell tower was erected in 2005.
The community’s commitment to technology extends beyond cell phones. They now provide access to computers and the Internet at their community center. They see this as a way to make technology more accessible to everyone — even for residents who are intimidated by computers or the Internet, or do not have funds to buy their own. Training classes are offered to help young and old alike get started.
Ashley is striking a balance between preserving the past and embracing new technology. In the search to define community identity, Ashley is also embracing other of its assets, such as its German-Russian heritage. This heritage has become the foundation for the community’s plan to expand their tourism industry, including the addition of community welcome signs, main street beautification and the development of a marketing plan. Cultural heritage is something the community has always cherished, exemplified in the pride locals take in their historic county courthouse and the locally run Heritage Center — a county museum with such nostalgic, large-scale displays as an old church and barber shop.
Another asset Ashley is building on is its beautiful and abundant natural landscape. A steady stream of hunters and fishermen already descend on Ashley each year. Some even own second homes in town. Besides reaching out to these visitors, proponents have embarked on a campaign to raise the awareness among Ashley residents about the value and importance of the region’s natural areas. Living in Ashley, it is easy to forget that open country is a rare sight to those living among skyscrapers or suburban sprawl. While seeing prairie birds and wildlife is an everyday occurrence for Ashley residents, it is the makings of a vacation for city dwellers.
Networking and partnering run rampant as Ashley eyes future economic opportunities tied to culture- and nature-based tourism. And it may well be the wisdom and cultural knowledge of Ashley’s older residents that enable the community to take advantage of these opportunities. For it is these residents who know best where to catch a glimpse of the endangered piping plover, or how to prepare mouthwatering knoepfla soup.