Category City News
Chew-Vac-Uh or Sweep Force One? Finalist names for the city’s new electric street sweeper are in
The city got almost 650 name suggestions in October for its new electric street sweeper — roughly 10% of them “Sweepy McSweepface.” Residents have the chance to vote on the top five suggestions until Nov. 15, and the winner will be announced Nov. 18
UPDATED: City council raises utility rates, approves $18k pay increase for city manager
Utility rates for water, stormwater and sewage will increase by about $5 a month for the average Salem home in 2025. Councilor Julie Hoy, the mayor-elect, cast the sole vote against the increase.
Two city councilors who didn’t recuse themselves in land use decision could be publicly censured
Mayor Chris Hoy is proposing a censure of City Councilors Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn at the Salem City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The mayor is acting after the two councilors failed to recuse themselves from a land use decision involving a Salem developer and major political donor.
Salem faces deep budget cuts in 2025. Here’s what to know about the process.
Balancing Salem’s budget for 2025 will be a months-long process that almost certainly requires deep cuts. City councilors and Salem’s budget committee said the challenge ahead will include gauging its priorities on city services and including community input when it comes time to make reductions.
Oregon will get up to $40 million in a new opioid settlement with Kroger
Oregon will receive up to $40 million to fight and prevent drug addiction as part of a national opioid settlement with Kroger. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum on Tuesday announced the deal, which is part of a $1.37 billion national settlement with the grocery chain…
Salem, Keizer leaders pledge to promote belonging, community amid divisive election
More than 90 Salem and Keizer local elected officials, clergy and nonprofit leaders signed an open letter calling on the cities to embrace belonging and work to build community, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek hires new heads of housing production office
Joel Madsen and Tony Rocco will co-manage an office in charge of helping Oregon meet Gov. Kotek’s goal of building 36,000 homes per year.
With his term ending, volunteer urges Salem residents to get involved in city boards, commissions
In his six years on the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, volunteer Dylan McDowell has helped guide city policy and get more people outside. As his last term comes to an end, he hopes to encourage more people to get involved in city processes.
NW Natural rates to increase by an average $4 per month starting Nov. 1
State utility regulators announced that NW Natural’s average bill for residential customers will go up by 4.5% in November. That reflects a larger rate increase offset by a decrease in the actual cost of gas.