Category City News
Five key takeaways about the state of downtown Salem
Vacancy rates are low and developers are investing millions in downtown, but inflation, safety and parking remain challenges for business owners and customers alike.
“Sweepy McSweepface?” Salem taps community to name new electric street sweeper
If you have the "gift of puns," the city of Salem needs your help to name its new electric sweeper. Suggestions can be submitted until Oct. 11.
Years of work ahead for Oregon to address its lack of behavioral health beds
Oregon faces a shortage of thousands of beds for mental health and addiction treatment.
The problems and promise of downtown Salem
Many downtown businesses report fewer people coming into their stores as a Covid push to support small businesses fades and inflation hits people hard. But downtown remains flush with new developments and businesses eager to invest and expand.
What Salem is doing to fight homelessness
A city town hall on Tuesday discussed the reasons people can become homeless and highlighted ongoing efforts by local organizations to shelter people.
New leader brings passion, experience to Willamette Valley Visitors Association
Tori Middelstadt wants to help the Willamette Valley attract visitors for wine, sports and the outdoors, while benefitting the people who live here.
City seeks developer to create “exciting new project” on vacant downtown lot
A downtown block by Pringle Creek and Riverfront Park is in the early stages of a development project that will turn it into a mixed-use property. “Block 45” is one of the last remaining undeveloped blocks of downtown after years of work to increase new buildings and housing.
What Salem’s leaders want to see from legislators in the year ahead
An annual state payment to help cover Salem's public safety costs and ongoing funding for homeless shelters remain top priorities for city leaders heading into the 2025 legislative session.
Salem plans to give housing developers more options, faster process
The Salem City Council will vote Monday on a set of housing code changes which would allow for more accessory dwelling units, more apartments over retail spaces and would speed up the permitting process.