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.
Stahley out as Salem city manager
Salem city councilors stayed silent Monday after City Manager Keith Stahley’s office was abruptly vacated.
City efficiencies committee says cutting costs alone won’t help plug deficit
A group of business executives tasked with reviewing the city’s budget in search of possible ways to save said Friday the city is already doing far more with less resources compared to others in Oregon.
What to know as Salem City Council decides on tax levy to pay for library, parks
Salem City Councilors will decide Monday on how much they will likely ask voters to pay in increased property taxes to fund services like parks and the library. Two possible options ask homeowners to pay about $230 or $250 per year.
Oregonians from across the Willamette Valley voice their contempt for Trump in Salem
Several hundred protesters from around the Willamette Valley and beyond converged near the Oregon Capitol building Wednesday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies, part of a national wave of protests at state capitals.
La comunidad inmigrante Latina de Salem encuentra resiliencia en medio de la incertidumbre sobre los cambios en las políticas de Trump
Los inmigrantes Latinos de Salem manifestaron diversos sentimientos mientras el presidente Donald Trump se prepara para lo que ha prometido que será la mayor deportación masiva en la historia de Estados Unidos.
Salem’s Latino immigrant community finds resilience amid uncertainty over Trump policy changes
Many Latino immigrants with a long history in Salem said they're not afraid of new policies aiming to step up immigration enforcement. Organizations serving immigrant families say they're focused on sharing reliable information and avoiding fearmongering abut raids.
Salem Health says medical waste bill will more than double, to $2 million per year
Salem City Councilors voted unanimously Monday to raise medical waste collection rates after the Brooks garbage incinerator stopped taking Marion County’s trash.
Outside committee gets to work examining city’s budget for efficiencies
Nine Salem executives will take a deep dive into the city’s budget over the next two weeks. They’re tasked with finding ways to provide the same city services more efficiently.
UPDATED: Council advances new airport fees, tables Siletz tribe agreement
Salem city councilors voted unanimously Monday to advance new airport fees that would generate an anticipated $50,000 to $100,000 annually. The extra revenue would help balance the airport’s budgetary shortfall which grew after Avelo Airlines brought commercial air service to Salem in 2023.
Meet the new committee of executives combing through Salem’s city budget
A roster of local business leaders with experience dealing with complex multimillion dollar organizational budgets will begin meeting this week to identify possible ways to save money. The group will meet four times starting Wednesday.