Downtown Ashland Association recently hosted a reception to honor Bob Brown’s two decades of volunteer service to the Ashland community. Brown has served as a volunteer with Downtown Ashland Association since 2012, including serving seven years on its Board of Directors. In addition, Brown has served as Chair of the Design Committee for ten years. The Design Committee celebrates historic character in downtown and advocates for inviting public spaces.

Prior to 2012, Brown served nine years on the Town of Ashland's Planning Commission, including four years as Chair. A crowning achievement was his role updating the Town's Comprehensive Plan which is the governing document for future planning and land use decisions in the town. Brown was awarded the Ashland Citizen Leadership Award to recognize his achievements on the Commission.

Brown is a Princeton-educated architect but insists that his passion and skill has always been in urban planning. Before Bob and his wife, Mary Lou, retired to the Ashland area, he spent his creative career rehabilitating the downtowns of Hoboken, New Jersey; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Hartford, Connecticut. He also spent time sharing his knowledge with future generations as he taught urban planning at the University of Pennsylvania.

Brown's work for Downtown Ashland Association has inspired the streetscape you see today on Railroad Avenue, at Town Hall, and around the historic train station. He contributed to plans for future upgrades on England Street and the upcoming Railroad Park. Bob’s work has directly shaped the form and function of our town. We will forever be grateful for his dedication and service.