Category City News
Pregnant Oregonians need more addiction and mental health support — but the state’s network is fragile
Substance use and mental health disorders are driving more maternal deaths in Oregon than any other cause.
Oregon labor bureau audit cites poor management for backlog of wage, civil rights claims
BOLI has historically served as a key resource for Oregonians who lack the resources for a lawyer, despite its struggle to clear a backlog of cases alleging civil rights violations and wage theft.
New Trump administration policies on homelessness ask Salem providers to follow methods they say don’t work
A Trump administration shift in homelessness policy would prioritize shelters that require drug treatment and work with immigration authorities, with a preference for funding new programs over existing ones. Salem providers said the changes would be “catastrophic.”
City leaders get to work charting Salem’s course ahead for the next five years
Salem city councilors held a work session on Monday night to begin setting goals and priorities, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and developing a mission statement and vision that will guide Salem services.
More corporate tax money, economic resilience dramatically shrink Oregon’s budget deficit
Oregon is now expected to have a $63 million budget deficit in 2027, but state economists cautioned the forecast is complicated by a lack of reliable federal employment data due to the government shutdown.
City’s new lien forgiveness program expected to give derelict properties a second chance
A new city program will forgive liens and penalties for blighted and derelict properties in Salem, a move intended to make it easier for people to fix up vacant or damaged structures.
Army Corps plans for more gradual Detroit Lake drawdown amid drinking water concerns
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public feedback on its plan for a late 2026 deep drawdown of Detroit Reservoir, which is expected to increase the amount of sediment in Salem’s main source of drinking water.
Lawmakers might tap two reserve funds to fill Oregon’s budget deficit. What are they?
Oregon's Rainy Day Fund has nearly $2 billion and hasn't been tapped since 2010. A separate $1 billion state fund is set aside for schools during tough economic times.
Oregon agrees to backfill lost Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood
Oregon agreed to reimburse Planned Parenthood $7.5 million after Congress passed a law barring abortion providers from receiving Medicaid money for other services like birth control and cancer screenings.