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Homelessness is a top issue for many voters in Salem this year.

It’s also one city council candidates have made front and center as they seek votes.

But what can city councilors actually do to get people off Salem’s streets?

Reporters Abbey McDonald and Joe Siess took a deep dive into the issue in the story below. They explain what people want to see, what Salem is doing now and what could shift if the political balance of the council changes.

The two conducted wide-ranging interviews with leaders, political strategists and others in Salem about this and other topics featuring prominently in city races. We plan to zero in on other major Salem issues in the weeks before ballots are mailed out for the May 19 election.

And later this week, we’ll roll out a city election page on our website, with information about who’s running, how to vote and common questions about Salem elected offices. That includes explaining what city councilors actually do.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in local news.  

www.salemreporter.com

WHAT’S AT STAKE: How Salem city council races could impact local homeless policy

Every candidate for city council and mayor is pledging to address homelessness, which Salem residents for years have listed as a top issue in the community. As progressives and conservatives…

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www.salemreporter.com

Riverfront Park playground to be transformed for accessibility, nature play

Starting Monday, April 13, the playground at Riverfront Park will close in preparation for a number of upgrades like a music station, new fencing, and more activities for children and…

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www.salemreporter.com

Oregon appeals court hands big victory to PacifiCorp in wildfire class action suit

The Oregon Court of Appeals effectively reversed over $1 billion in damage awards to victims in Oregon’s 2020 wildfires. To comment on this story, use the form at the end…

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www.salemreporter.com

5 things to do in Salem this week: Alpaca show, free dragon boating, Booklover’s Burlesque Festival

Events in Salem this week include an alpaca show at the fairgrounds, the opening night of Booklover’s Burlesque Festival at Grand Theatre and a free dragon boating class at Riverfront…

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Solista Salem Cogir Senior Living Salem Oregon

READERS REACT: “I appreciat(e)… knowing how Salem shows up on national issues. Thanks for being there,” melbelle57 commented on Salem Reporter’s coverage of a small protest against the war in Iran on Tuesday, April 7 -just ahead of the ceasefire announcement.

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