Housing is most needed in the Willamette Valley and Portland area, Oregon’s chief economist told lawmakers.
ECONOMY
A shortage of building inspectors threatens to upend Oregon’s housing goals
Code and building inspectors are a crucial but often overlooked part of the construction industry. Salem inspectors and developers say a statewide shortage is making their work challenging.
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.
Macy’s to lay off 56 employees as it closes downtown store
In a state labor filing, Macy’s said it would eliminate 56 jobs as it closes its Salem Center store in March.
Macy’s confirms plans to close 64 stores in 2025, including downtown Salem
Macy’s announced Thursday it would begin clearance sales for the Salem Center Macy’s this month and close this spring. The building is owned by local investors who plan to remodel it into a shopping and entertainment destination and keep the attached parking garage.
Downtown Salem Macy’s to close, ending 70-year department store history
An investment group including the owners of the Salem Center Mall has purchased the Macy’s property and intends to renovate it into a hub of smaller retail stores and entertainment downtown.
Salem’s “bagel lady” receives grant to grow home baking operation
Best Coast Bagels has grown from a pandemic hobby to a home business out of founder Lauren Fuhrman-Burch’s home near Hopewell.
Six developers submit plans to transform downtown Salem’s Block 45
City officials will choose between multiple proposals for affordable housing, event space or mixed apartment and retail buildings to occupy the south downtown block bordering Pringle Creek.
Avelo extends flight schedules out of Salem airport through Labor Day
Flights from Salem to Las Vegas will resume May 1, and flights to Burbank, California will continue through at least Labor Day, Avelo Airlines announced Tuesday.
With a year of negotiations and no deal, Chemeketa tries new tack with faculty
Chemeketa faculty are seeking a 10% pay increase this year and higher wages for part-time instructors, who currently start earning about $3,400 per class they teach. College administrators have asked a state mediator to step in.