Category City News
Annual survey shows increasing pessimism with the city of Salem
Salem residents are more concerned about homelessness than ever and are increasingly pessimistic about the direction the city is headed in. That’s according to an annual survey conducted from Aug. 12 to 16 by DHM Research on behalf of the city of Salem to better…
For neighbors, a planned west Salem subdivision raises concerns about stream preservation
A sign in front of 2230 Doaks Ferry Road on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) When Ken Bierly looked at the property where a subdivision is proposed in west Salem, it was obvious there was a stream. Looking on from Northwest Doaks Ferry…
More people riding the bus, all-renewable power needed for Salem to meet climate goals
An out of service bus at the Downtown Transit Center on Monday, April 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem would need to have a renewable energy-only electricity grid, capture all its wastewater emissions and reduce all of its trash through composting and recycling to achieve city…
Pandemic, work culture will be guiding priorities for new SAIF leader
Chip Terhune was named president and CEO of SAIF starting July 1, 2021 (Courtesy/SAIF) Chip Terhune had a lot going for him when he applied for the CEO position of SAIF–a not-for-profit, state-chartered workers’ compensation company based in Salem. He had spent time around state…
Houseless people in Salem report experiencing discrimination daily
Survey results showing forms of discrimination Salem residents reported experiencing personally, from the city’s 2021 survey. People without housing experience discrimination at a higher rate and frequency than any other group of Salem residents according to a survey by Salem’s Human Rights Commission and Western…
To support outdoor dining, Salem offers grant program for parklet structures
The Kitchen on Court Street installed a platform for outdoor dining ahead of a city program that will start in September. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) On-street dining was such a success in downtown Salem during the pandemic that the city is handing out money to keep…
St. Francis Shelter can now help renters facing eviction thanks to city grant
Some Salem renters got a notice on their door advising them the eviction moratorium came to an end on June 30, 2021. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) St. Francis Shelter kept getting calls from people needing help paying their rent as a statewide eviction moratorium was ending…
Union Street to close for Salem Saturday Market
Matt and Lisa Caswell, of Salem, take advantage of the nice weather to get out of the house and ride their bikes over the Union Street Railroad Bridge on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) In two weeks, people will be able to walk to…
Salem is eager to resume big events, but labor and supply challenges loom
Determined not to let their planned wedding day be disrupted by the pandemic, Sara Foreman and Alex Younger found a venue in at a West Salem home, keeping to the June 2020 date they set long ago. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) When Oregon’s pandemic restrictions lifted…