Category City News
Salem Reporter answers your questions about city tax levy and what comes next
Ballots are out now for the May 20 election, including a Salem property tax levy. Here are the questions you asked about the measure and what happens if it passes or fails.
Salem residents urge city to cancel Avelo contract over deportation flights
A weekend protest and a petition called on the city of Salem to cancel its contract with Avelo Airlines, the only commercial carrier serving the city airport. The city doesn’t pay Avelo directly, but the airline’s operations are subsidized through a federal grant and private donations.
New apartments for refugees, low-income families open in NE Salem
This week, families will begin moving into Blossom Gardens, Salem’s latest affordable housing complex which aims to give refugees from around the world a place to settle and build community.
Oregon bill would stop bans on mobile homes
Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, said her proposal to prevent mobile home bans in planned communities is a step to address Oregon’s housing crisis.
Regal closing Salem’s Cinebarre, but owners plan to reopen after renovation
Salem Center’s owners have secured an independent operator to run the seven-screen movie theater downtown. They plan to remodel it to include recliner seats and modern projectors.
Record number of homeless people counted in Marion, Polk counties
An annual count which attempts to measure the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region counted over 2,100 people, and nearly half said they were homeless for the first time in their lives.
Voters to pick from 3 to fill city council vacancy
Three candidates compete in the May 20 election for Mayor Julie Hoy’s former Ward 6 seat on the Salem City Council representing northeast Salem. They include Deanna Garcia, North Lancaster Neighborhood Association chair, correctional officer Logan Lor and Mai Vang, a Salem family law attorney.
Timeline: How Salem’s city government got to its current budget crisis
City leaders have spent years warning of an impending budget cliff, studying the issue and proposing ways to raise money to keep police, fire, the library and parks operating at current levels. Here’s a timeline of their efforts over the past seven years.
Salem Housing Authority pulls out of homeless outreach effort due to limited budget
For the past eight years, the Salem Housing Authority has helped unsheltered people move into permanent housing. Following budget cuts, they’ll pivot to focusing on keeping people housed, leaving homeless outreach work to other agencies in the network they helped build.