Category City News
Banking on Oregon forests: Despite challenges, carbon markets see big potential in small landowners
Carbon crediting companies are beginning to appeal to small forest owners with an offer they’ve long been left out of due to the high costs and risks.
Salem will audit IT, fire departments amid voter distrust in city spending
On Monday, Salem City Council discussed new polling that shows likely Salem voters are not interested in paying more taxes to support city services. The survey results also showed a lack of trust in the city’s stewardship over tax dollars and a general disapproval of where the city of Salem is headed, prompting city officials to come up with ways to boost public trust.
Banking on Oregon forests: In fight against climate change, financial markets see green in Oregon
Two dozen forests in Oregon encompassing more than 1 million acres have been entered into carbon credit markets in the last decade, generating big money and global interest.
Overdose deaths are down nationally, but up in many Western states
Alaska, Nevada, Washington and Oregon have moved into the top 10 for rate of overdose deaths since 2023, according to a Stateline analysis of federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
COLUMN: Make sure to check Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment
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.
Washington and Clackamas counties sue Oregon Health Authority over Measure 110 funding
Officials with the two Portland-area counties worry they’ll lose millions under a new funding formula set to go into effect next year.
Salem city councilors authorize hiring 60 new medics to prepare for ambulance takeover
Councilors authorized an internal city loan to support medical staffing and ambulance and equipment purchases, in preparation for the city’s takeover of ambulance service from private provider Falck in July 2025. The fire department expects to pay back the loan over a 10 year period with money generated by the new ambulance system.
In poll, Salem residents say they won’t pay more property taxes for public safety, library or parks
Results of a city-commissioned poll released Wednesday show any city effort to bring a property tax increase to voters would likely fail at the ballot box. Councilors will discuss the results and what they mean for the city’s budget deficit at a meeting Monday.
City councilors vote in favor of land use decision benefitting campaign donor
City Councilors Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn approved a land use appeal that directly benefited Mountain West Investment Corp. a major campaign donor. Salem’s charter advises councilors to recuse themselves from certain votes concerning large donors.