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.
CITY MEETING: City council approves $1 million land deal for affordable housing
Salem city councilors Monday unanimously authorize a land deal to acquire about an acre of land at Northeast Evergreen Avenue currently owned by Northwest Human Services.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Differing approaches on homelessness, development come into focus at chamber council debate
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce held a candidate debate forum Monday, April 13, featuring all eight candidates for city council. It focused primarily on homelessness, housing and development, and navigating the city’s budgetary woes.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
CITY MEETING: City council to consider $1 million land deal for affordable housing
Salem city councilors will consider voting Monday to authorize a land deal to acquire about an acre of land at Northeast Evergreen Avenue currently owned by Northwest Human Services.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
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 families. The park is expected to reopen by mid- to late summer.
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 diverge on how to respond to public camping, proposed solutions will likely run up against budget constraints at the local, state and federal level.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
PHOTOS: As Salem residents protest Iran War, Trump announces ceasefire
As President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Straight of Hormuz loomed, about a dozen people gathered near the Oregon Capitol to protest what they said were dangerous threats.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Work begins to make Marion Parkade more open, safer
City crews are beginning work on a revamp of the Marion Parkade at 538 Liberty St. N.E. Construction for the project costs roughly $6 million, and the city expects things to wrap up by November.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
UPDATE: Ethics commission makes final ruling Julie Hoy broke state meetings law
On Friday, April 10, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission is likely to issue its final order finding Salem Mayor Julie Hoy broke state law after she spoke with her colleagues about the former city manager’s job performance, leading to his resignation. If the order is approved, the mayor will receive a letter of education.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Chinese Qingming festival Saturday celebrates arrival of spring, honors the dead
On Saturday, April 4, the community is invited to Salem Pioneer Cemetery to experience the sights and sounds of the traditional Chinese Qingming festival. The festival was first celebrated in Salem by the city’s Chinese community in the 1800s.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
CITY MEETING: Salem city councilors approve short-term rental fee
Rentals through Airbnb, VRBO and similar platforms will have an added 2% city fee on bookings beginning May 1. The money will largely go to Travel Salem to fund tourism promotion.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.