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Good morning, Salem.

Nearly a year ago, city voters said Salem could raise its property taxes. The vote set aside money to pay for the city’s libraries, parks and Center 50+, preventing deep budget cuts.

A new budget proposal from City Manager Krishna Namburi shows the results. For the first time in several years, the city isn’t proposing cuts. Instead, Namburi wants to add new police positions focused on downtown and on fighting drug trafficking. She’s also proposing to continue several pilot programs, including a fire department crisis team.

We broke down the key points in the budget below. Expect to here more later this week as the city’s budget committee takes up her plan on Wednesday, April 15.

And find below the link to our new city election center. We’ve put together a guide to who’s running for mayor and city council, along with answers to common questions and an explanation of 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

City budget proposal calls for new police to focus on downtown, drug trafficking

A city manager budget proposal released Friday, April 10, would continue Salem’s pilot programs for homeless camp outreach and clean-ups, as well as a fire department crisis team. To comment…

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2026 City of Salem Election

2026 City of Salem Election Candidates listen to Ward 2 council candidate Manny Martinez answer a question at the Salem Reporter’s city election Town Hall on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.…

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www.salemreporter.com

Local dragon boating club hosts free classes on Willamette River

The Peace Dragon Warriors Paddling Club is offering several free boating classes to anyone ages 14 and up. Club leaders hope it will attract more people to the sport and…

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Solista Salem Cogir Senior Living Salem Oregon

READERS REACT: “Thank you for this excellent reporting about people who are unhoused and the programs and approaches to help them and the situation. I was away from Salem for some number of years and the article filled in the gaps in information about what happened during those years.” -RMJJG, commenting on Abbey McDonald and Joe Siess’ story about how city council elections could shape city policy on homelessness.

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