Category City News
Eco-Earth sculpture continues to deteriorate as fundraising efforts lag
The Salem Parks Foundation remains short of its fundraising goal to restore the Eco-Earth Globe at Riverfront Park. President Carol Snyder hopes legislative funds and continued community support can fund the project in the next few years.
UPDATE: City Council sets goals for 2024
During their meeting on Monday, Jan. 8, councilors heard an update about the city’s team that will seek money to maintain services, which had 160 community applicants. They also approved an alternate contracting method for major projects.
Salem saw a drier 2023 with May, August heat records
In Salem, long stretches of hot weather broke heat records in 2023. It was the hottest May yet for the city, and August tied for first with 2017, according to the National Weather Service’s year in review.
Kotek praises Salem’s homeless response in Chamber speech
Gov. Tina Kotek spoke to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Monday in her first public appearance of the year, reiterating her support for a state payment to support city emergency services.
Police chief plans 6-person team to focus on Salem gun violence
A recent report found shootings in Salem have doubled in the past five years to 20 in 2022. Police Chief Trevor Womack now plans to assign around six officers to investigate all shootings, identify those most at risk of being assailants or victims, and work with nonprofits who can help them escape lives of violence.
Some Salem leaders never stopped fighting gangs. They’re skeptical of the city’s new push.
For 30 years, underfunded nonprofit organizations serving families in north and east Salem have done the hard work of strengthening families and advocating for youth. If Salem leaders are serious about tackling violence, neighborhood leaders say their communities need real investment.
Salem, here’s how much your utility rates are going up in 2024
State regulators approved big rate hikes for Portland General Electric and Pacific Power effective January, and city utility bills are increasing too.
In lawsuit, 911 dispatcher alleges Salem wouldn’t reschedule job exam so she could testify against abuser
An emergency dispatcher is suing the city of Salem and her supervisor, alleging that they would not accommodate her scheduled court testimony against her accused rapist and intimidated her for speaking to coworkers about the issue.
Major developments in downtown Salem nearing completion
Two downtown affordable housing developments and a large apartment building are scheduled to open in 2024.