Category City News
Negotiations between Cherriots, business leaders paused after months of meetings
Talks between the Salem Area Mass Transit District and representatives from a coalition of six business and real estate groups, and citizens were halted last week, Cherriots said in a press release. The two groups formed a task force to find a compromise after a proposed payroll tax sparked frustration last year.
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Oregon’s minimum wage rises 50 cents per hour this week
Minimum hourly wages for Oregon workers will rise by 50 cents per hour on Wednesday, July 1.
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Church at the Park expansion to give dozens of unsheltered seniors a place to rest
On Thursday, June 25, Church at the Park celebrated the completion of its Village of Hope microshelter expansion, which added 35 beds and increased accessibility to the central Salem site. The project aims to get more people off a waitlist of 3,000 people, amid rising rates of senior homelessness.
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Oregon’s only vinyl record pressing plant takes root in Salem
The three owners of Oregon's sole record pressing plant, Object Permanence Records, began making vinyl at their small warehouse north of downtown Salem just three weeks ago. Their space gives local bands a nearby option to order vinyl – something that is often outsourced to Europe.
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City to offer grants for young people passionate about climate action
The city of Salem was one of 300 cities from around the world to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund. The city, as part of the program, will get $50,000 to disburse as mini grants to youth-led climate initiatives that benefit the community. The program is currently seeking applicants ages 15-24.
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Kotek’s prosperity council pushes for lower taxes, fewer regulations
The highly-anticipated proposal of ways to jumpstart Oregon's economic development came in response to Gov. Tina Kotek’s push for more economic development in the state last year.
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Study ranks Salem 9th in U.S. for alcohol-induced deaths in older adults
Salem has one of the highest rates of alcohol-induced deaths for people over age 65 in the country, according to a recent study evaluating metro regions. An aging population, lack of rural treatment and health care, low alcohol taxes and a pervasive drinking culture each contribute to Oregon’s high death rates.
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CITY MEETING: Councilors approve Salem city budget for 2027, funding new outreach and cleaning programs
Salem city councilors voted 6-0 to approve the new budget for 2027 which funds expansions to city cleaning crews and the police department's Homeless Services Team. The budget also funds the Fire Department's new REACH Team which responds to mental health crises.
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Salem Mayor Julie Hoy to proclaim winners of city elections Monday night
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy on Monday, June 22, will proclaim the winners in five local elections, including for mayor, municipal judge and city council positions. Councilors will also consider adopting the city’s final budget for 2027.
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