Category City News
Salem moves toward creating new Hispanic Advisory Commission
Business and community leader Jonathan Castro Monroy pushed the city of Salem to consider a Hispanic Advisory Commission, which he said would act as a bridge between Salem’s “two worlds.”
Feds cut millions from OSU extension, jeopardizing early nutrition and agriculture education programs
A now-cut federal grant provided most of the budget for Oregon State University Extension's nutrition and agriculture education programs. Those funds went toward programs like Elementary AgFest and farm field trips.
Cherriots security report shows slight decrease in attacks on staff
Cherriots’ board will meet Thursday to consider new projects to support a transition to electric buses, and will review several reports on security, community outreach and ridership. There’s no action planned on the agency’s payroll tax proposal, which has led to significant local debate.
Oregon government will take $888 million revenue hit in next two years amid federal spending and tax cuts
The $472 million that Oregon lawmakers set aside to help buffer losses from the federal tax and spending cut law will not be enough, state forecasters said, as Republicans blamed state policies for the slowing economy.
Cherriots board will delay new payroll tax a year as Chamber, others oppose effort
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday released a statement opposing Cherriots’ payroll tax proposal. The transit agency’s board may consider lowering the tax rate depending on the outcome of an upcoming special legislative session.
Council discusses balancing access, ecological preservation at Bush’s Pasture Park
Salem city councilors on Monday discussed changes to an existing no-mow program at Bush’s Pasture Park designed to preserve the park's majestic white oak trees while continuing to provide safe picnicking areas for visitors. The council voted 5-3 to send the matter to the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Despite high demand, Salem vegan chocolate manufacturer Chomp shuts down factory
Ben Bailey, founder of Salem’s Chomp Chocolates, is pivoting the business to a custom-order online chocolate bar company with vegan and non-vegan options. He said cocoa price increases, tariffs and other challenges made artisanal manufacturing in bulk unsustainable for the company.
UPDATED: City councilors vote to consider joining state energy program
Salem city councilors voted Monday in favor of looking into a state energy program that would provide long-term financing to property owners for efficiency upgrades.
Keizer councilors take stand against Cherriots’ payroll tax proposal
The Keizer City Council voted unanimously against a payroll tax proposal that the Cherriots board is seeking to impose without a public vote. It would sustain and expand bus service while taxing local businesses $39 million a year.