The Salem-Keizer “working together” sign at the cities’ border has been disfigured by car crashes repeatedly for almost two decades, costing Salem $72,000 in just the last three years. Officials are considering removing the brick structure.
City News
Contractor tapped for $40 million Salem Civic Center retrofit project
Howard S. Wright, the company behind Salem’s new public works building and the recent seismic retrofit of Salem Public Library, is taking on another big project for the city.
Here’s how Salem-area governments spent their Covid relief money
Reports submitted by Marion and Polk counties and the city of Salem showed most money went toward infrastructure projects, general government services and homeless shelters.
Five key takeaways about the state of downtown Salem
Vacancy rates are low and developers are investing millions in downtown, but inflation, safety and parking remain challenges for business owners and customers alike.
“Sweepy McSweepface?” Salem taps community to name new electric street sweeper
If you have the “gift of puns,” the city of Salem needs your help to name its new electric sweeper. Suggestions can be submitted until Oct. 11.
The problems and promise of downtown Salem
Many downtown businesses report fewer people coming into their stores as a Covid push to support small businesses fades and inflation hits people hard. But downtown remains flush with new developments and businesses eager to invest and expand.
What Salem is doing to fight homelessness
A city town hall on Tuesday discussed the reasons people can become homeless and highlighted ongoing efforts by local organizations to shelter people.
City seeks developer to create “exciting new project” on vacant downtown lot
A downtown block by Pringle Creek and Riverfront Park is in the early stages of a development project that will turn it into a mixed-use property. “Block 45” is one of the last remaining undeveloped blocks of downtown after years of work to increase new buildings and housing.
What Salem’s leaders want to see from legislators in the year ahead
An annual state payment to help cover Salem’s public safety costs and ongoing funding for homeless shelters remain top priorities for city leaders heading into the 2025 legislative session.
Salem plans to give housing developers more options, faster process
The Salem City Council will vote Monday on a set of housing code changes which would allow for more accessory dwelling units, more apartments over retail spaces and would speed up the permitting process.
