Category City News
Salem City Council passes utility bill fee increase to take effect July 1
Salem city councilors accepted a routine increase to city fees and charges including a 2.5% to residential operations fees. Counselors also advanced an ordinance that would allow for up to 12 hours of street parking downtown once new parking pay stations are installed and the new parking system goes online in July 2025.
New counseling office expands Salem mental health care
Brightways Counseling Group recently opened an expanded office to more than double their staff to serve children, families and adults in Salem. Many of their clients are on the Oregon Health Plan.
No more free street parking in downtown Salem starting July 10
Meter stations will soon put an end to around 50 years of free street parking in downtown Salem. Paid street parking will be allowed for up to 12 hours at a time Monday through Saturday, while short-term garage parking will remain free.
City budget committee to reconvene, restore city services with levy funds
The city of Salem’s budget committee will reconvene on Wednesday, May 28, to discuss restoring planned cuts to next year’s library, Center 50+ and parks budget following the passage of a tax levy.
Punx With Purpose moves into downtown resource center
Hundreds of youth have already gotten support at Stormie’s Place, a new youth resource center in downtown Salem offering a safe haven, needed supplies and connections to resources for all teens in the community, including those without a safe place to stay.
New Willamette Valley Vineyards CEO wants to build area’s largest winery into national brand
Founder Jim Bernau is stepping back from his role at Willamette Valley Vineyards, bringing in Wine.com founder and longtime friend Mike Osborn to lead the largest vineyard in the Salem area.
COLUMN: These Medicare income benefits could help you save
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions.
City cancels Viva Salem event due to understaffing
Viva Salem, a popular community celebration of Hispanic heritage at Riverfront Park, won’t return for its third year due to understaffing at the city.
How a group of library lovers convinced a reluctant Salem to raise property taxes
Salem’s public library, parks and Center 50+ will likely avoid deep cuts with Salem voters favoring the levy as of late Tuesday night. It’s a victory for library advocates, who knocked on doors and secured a wide range of endorsements to get the public’s backing.