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 city races are expensive. Here’s who’s writing the checks.
Nearly one-third of Mayor Julie Hoy’s reelection campaign donations come from real estate or development firms and their political action committees, a Salem Reporter analysis of campaign finance found.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Biweekly live music at the Willamette Heritage Center will spice up summer in Salem
The Willamette Heritage Center will host a live music series every other week between June and September featuring bands from the Willamette Valley. The series will include eight concerts on Tuesday evenings with tickets available for purchase online for $10 or at the door for $15.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
A guide to Salem’s 2026 summer events
With summer right around the corner, Salem is gearing up for an eventful summer. Salem Reporter has compiled a list of the city’s biggest seasonal events.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
CITY MEETING: Council moves forward on downtown ambassador program
Salem city councilors voted to consider an ambassador program for downtown to help address homelessness during the council meeting on Monday, April 27.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
VOTE 2026: Councilor Vanessa Nordyke says she has the people on her side in mayoral bid
Vanessa Nordyke says she will be a more transparent and ethical mayor than incumbent Julie Hoy. Her supporters view her as a hardworking champion positioned to fight for the common good, while detractors say she’s too progressive for Salem.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
VOTE 2026: In her reelection bid, Mayor Julie Hoy ducks the spotlight
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy is asking Salem voters for another two years in the city council’s top position as she fends off a challenge from Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke in the May 19 election. She didn’t agree to an interview but has said in speeches that she brings steady fiscal leadership and a focus on core services.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Nishioka proposes downtown ambassador team to help businesses address homelessness
Salem City Council President Linda Nishioka on Monday, April 27, will pitch a new ambassador team for downtown that would help area businesses address some of their lingering issues related to homelessness without having to make 911 calls. Nishioka said that like many things, the trick to getting such a team would be figuring out how to fund it.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Derailed train blocks NE Cherry Ave railroad crossing
Northeast Cherry Avenue will be closed for an extended period following a train derailment. Nobody was injured and there's no known hazardous waste spilled, Salem police said.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
County records show one council candidate rarely votes. She says they’re wrong.
Betsy Vega, who’s challenging Councilor Mai Vang for Salem’s Ward 6 seat, has only voted twice since 2020, county election records show. She told Salem Reporter that she recalls mailing or returning a ballot in recent local elections
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: How city council races could impact Salem’s development
Both conservatives and progressives agree that Salem needs more housing and generally want to cut red tape to bring in more development. But the sides often differ on how far the city should go to accommodate developers — and many aspects of development are outside direct council control.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.