Mayor Dorise Slinker

Greetings.

Welcome to one of the fastest growing cities in Missouri! Ashland was founded in 1853 and named for the Ashland estate of Kentucky Congressman Henry Clay in Lexington, Kentucky. From the 2000 census count of 1,869 residents to 2020’s census of 4,747, Ashland continues to provide a small-town ambiance with low crime, engaged civic organizations, and a fantastic school district.

The Southern Boone School District’s 97.7% total graduation rate exceeds the Missouri statewide average of 89.2% (apps.dese.mo.gov). Our school district continues to be one of the finest in the state, being recognized for its achievements in academics, sports, and many other areas. The Southern Boone District was recently awarded a $4.5 million federal grant which will allow us to build a Central Missouri Workforce Development Center in partnership with Ranken Technical College.

As a thriving community located between Columbia and Jefferson City, Ashland offers a quiet, peaceful, and low-crime home base for many employed in those larger cities. Residents can become engaged with a variety of civic and charitable organizations, such as the Ashland Optimist Club (of which I am a member), Helping Hands of Southern Boone which provides free assistance to those in need, the downtown Mid-Missouri Arts Alliance excels in providing creative outlets and products, and much more.

As Mayor, I am proud of the excellent service provided by our Ashland Police Department, City Hall staff, Public Works personnel, and elected officials. We are committed to transparency and accountability in all that we do. I am also a dedicated supporter of businesses in our community. Having admired entrepreneurs my entire life, I would encourage business owners, along with organizations, to be active in the Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce in strengthening our business environment. One of my key goals as Mayor is to ensure that Ashland becomes a top-notch “business friendly” partner.

So again, welcome to the wonderful town of Ashland, MO and please let me know what thoughts and ideas you might have to better our community. Thank You!

Dorise Slinker, Mayor