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 unveils new drug prevention, treatment and enforcement initiative
Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi laid out early plans to move toward mitigating the effects of drug use in Salem during the Salem City Council meeting on Monday. Several councilors said they want efforts concentrated in the city’s northeast neighborhoods.
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City hopes to help more West Salem businesses expand through grant program
The city of Salem has expanded the West Salem Urban Renewal Area grant program to be more flexible and attract more businesses, including now allowing businesses to get grants to relocate to West Salem, bringing jobs.
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City testing new AI dispatch system to handle non-emergency calls
A new automated system is taking some non-emergency calls at the Willamette Valley Communications Center as a way to relieve overworked dispatch center staff, and provide faster service for callers. Humans will still be answering emergency calls.
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Capital Fútbol Club will expand youth sports programs with new east Salem field
Final Pass Field, a new soccer field in east Salem, just opened and will help provide more opportunities for youth to play soccer. The new field opened on Saturday, March 15, at the East Salem Community Center at 1850 45th Ave. N.E.
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New developers step in to revitalize stalled Cannery project
SilverSphere Capital, a New Jersey-based development firm, has stepped in to redevelop a defunct central Salem cannery along the city’s riverfront after the project was stalled. The first phase of the development will include 383 apartments, a walking path, restaurants, a wine tasting room, shopping and communal spaces.
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In campaign, Hoy doing “God’s work” while Nordyke vows to fight for Salem’s poor
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke participated in their second debate leading up to the mayoral election on May 19. During the debate on Tuesday, March 10, Hoy cast herself as a mayor bringing the city back to its core fundamentals while Nordyke said she would use her knowledge and experience to serve all corners of Salem, especially the most vulnerable.
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READ IT: Mayor Julie Hoy’s full 2026 State of the City address
Read the full text of Salem Mayor Julie Hoy’s 2026 State of the City address.
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Mayor Hoy committed to ‘staying the course’ on new public safety programs, fiscal responsibility
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy addressed an audience of hundreds at the Salem Convention Center Wednesday, March 11, for her second State of the City address since being sworn in as mayor in January 2025. She touted the city’s recent successes in helping address public safety and lauded city leadership.
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City councilors vote to advance new tourism fee on Salem Airbnbs, other short-term rentals
Short-term rentals in Salem might soon cost more after city councilors voted 6-3 Monday night to move forward on a new 2% city fee to fund tourism promotion.
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CITY MEETING: Fire report says new crisis response team frees up resources, reduces emergency room visits
Salem city councilors will get an update on the Salem Fire Department’s new REACH team, which pairs a mental health specialist with medical workers to address nonemergency mental health calls. Councilors will also receive an annual report from Travel Salem, and the latest police crime data.
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