Category City News
Salem lawmakers seek $7 million from state to cover police, fire costs
Local lawmakers are taking another run at a longtime Salem goal: having the state chip in to pay for city emergency services.
Oregon labor bureau prioritizes wage claims of lower-paid workers, stage set for big budget ask
Lawmakers and advocates express mixed reactions to a state labor policy, which Oregon's labor commissioner says is critical to reduce backlogs that leave workers without pay for months.
How Oregon health officials are preparing for change under Trump
Oregonians’ health care could face more change than most states under the new federal administration, and Dr. Sejal Hathi, director of the state health authority, said officials are preparing to respond quickly as things happen.
Salem budget committee discusses rosier, but still severe budget deficit projection
The Salem city budget committee met on Wednesday night to discuss the updated projection for the city’s budgetary deficit. Last Friday, the city announced that its forecast review team, a group convened by City Manager Keith Stahley, downgraded the deficit projection from about $18 million to roughly $14 million.
Salem Health, Regence continue negotiations after patients lose in-network coverage
Salem patients insured through Regence say the end of in-network care at the city’s only hospital has put them in a bind.
Oregon lawmaker wants to expand emergency housing program for people with addictions
Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, wants Oregon to shelter unhoused people on waitlists for residential addiction treatment programs.
UPDATED: Crews fix water main issue in Candalaria area, some homes told to boil water
A water main on South Crestview Drive experienced a valve failure on Wednesday, disrupting water service to residences and businesses in the area. Public works teams are at the scene to assess the failure and isolate it from the rest of the city’s water system.
Salem city councilors vote to form new committee to find budget efficiencies
A new city budget group was suggested by the the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties. It will include community members accustomed to working with large, organizational budgets.
Rising heat, dry land pose wildfire risk for Salem area, climate experts say
Experts predict that climate change will drastically reduce the amount of snow Oregon gets in the coming decades, limiting how much water is stored for use in Salem and throughout the state.