Category Government
City of Salem sues FEMA, DHS, citing federal overreach in disaster relief funding
In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the city of Salem said conditions within federal grants providing critical money to repair damages from the 2025 winter flood include unlawful terms limiting local diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
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Negotiations between Cherriots, business leaders paused after months of meetings
Talks between the Salem Area Mass Transit District and representatives from a coalition of six business and real estate groups, and citizens were halted last week, Cherriots said in a press release. The two groups formed a task force to find a compromise after a proposed payroll tax sparked frustration last year.
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Nearly every proposed Oregon initiative won’t make it onto the November ballot
Only one citizen petition is on track for November ballot, a drop from previous election cycles.
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Kotek’s prosperity council pushes for lower taxes, fewer regulations
The highly-anticipated proposal of ways to jumpstart Oregon's economic development came in response to Gov. Tina Kotek’s push for more economic development in the state last year.
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Salem Reporter sues Bethell, Marion County to obtain public records
After almost six months of silence from Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell on a public records request, Salem Reporter is suing her and the county to enforce the law requiring her to respond.
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CITY MEETING: Councilors approve Salem city budget for 2027, funding new outreach and cleaning programs
Salem city councilors voted 6-0 to approve the new budget for 2027 which funds expansions to city cleaning crews and the police department's Homeless Services Team. The budget also funds the Fire Department's new REACH Team which responds to mental health crises.
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Salem Mayor Julie Hoy to proclaim winners of city elections Monday night
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy on Monday, June 22, will proclaim the winners in five local elections, including for mayor, municipal judge and city council positions. Councilors will also consider adopting the city’s final budget for 2027.
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Marion County asks federal court to reverse dismissal of ICE lawsuit
In February, a federal judge dismissed Marion County officials' lawsuit regarding sharing information to immigration enforcement. Marion County officials are now appealing the decision.
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Oregon lawmakers hint at major changes to school funding in 2027
Lawmakers established the Quality Education Commission in 1999 to set funding needs for public schools, but some lawmakers argue its model is outdated and flawed.
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