Joe Siess
Joe Siess is a reporter for Salem Reporter. Joe joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and primarily covers city and county government but loves surprises. Joe previously reported for the Redmond Spokesman, the Bulletin in Bend, Klamath Falls Herald and News and the Malheur Enterprise. He was born in Independence, MO, where the Oregon Trail officially starts, and grew up in the Kansas City area.
Salem’s new city manager plays a unifying role during tumultuous times
As a child, Krishna Namburi's father urged her to go into civil service, even nicknaming her "the city manager." After 25 years working for Salem in technology and leadership roles, she's stepped into the job with approach driven by data and building consensus at City Hall.
Salem city councilors to vote Monday on declaring state of emergency over ICE activity
A city emergency declaration would allow Salem to work with community groups for outreach and communication with people affected by ICE activity.
City council moves toward declaring state of emergency over increased ICE arrests
More than 200 people packed into Monday’s city council meeting, with many offering emotional testimony about the impact of immigration arrests on their families, friends and peers. Salem city councilors split 6-3 on taking steps toward a declaration of emergency.
City leaders get to work charting Salem’s course ahead for the next five years
Salem city councilors held a work session on Monday night to begin setting goals and priorities, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and developing a mission statement and vision that will guide Salem services.
City’s new lien forgiveness program expected to give derelict properties a second chance
A new city program will forgive liens and penalties for blighted and derelict properties in Salem, a move intended to make it easier for people to fix up vacant or damaged structures.
In response to government shutdown, Oregon utility companies give struggling families a break
A letter from State Sen. Deb Patterson and 17 other lawmakers prompted regional utility providers like Pacific Power, Portland General Electric and NW Natural to forgo utility shutoffs for low-income customers through the end of the year.
City, county donate to Marion Polk Food Share as it sees record-high need
An immediate crisis of delayed food benefits is over, but the leader of Salem’s food bank said he expects to see more people needing help soon as federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid take effect.
UPDATED: Salem city councilors direct staff to draft gift policy, continue “no-mow” program at Bush’s Pasture Park
Salem city councilors on Monday will also vote on extending the No Mow program at Bush's Pasture Park to promote ecological restoration.
State pushes out federal food benefits overnight but next payout remains uncertain
After a federal judge ruled Thursday that the Trump administration must fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the state of Oregon refilled EBT cards in full for over 750,000 Oregonians. The benefits have only been replenished for November and have not been restored on a rolling basis, state officials told Salem Reporter.
Commissioners poised to support Salem Fire mental health crisis response team pilot
Marion County Commissioners signaled Tuesday that they will financially support a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to put a crisis response team on the streets of downtown Salem to deal with mental health related emergency calls.