Category Government
Here’s how Salem’s wards would change under proposed new maps
Salem city council chambers on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salemites could soon find themselves represented by a new city councilor. The Salem City Council on Monday will consider three new maps to determine which councilor represents which residents. They will select a…
Oregon attorney general leads call to end Trump exemptions for religious schools
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and 18 other state attorney generals are seeking to eliminate Trump-era measures that relaxed anti-discrimination rules for religious schools. Three Oregon students are among the plaintiffs and one private university in Salem is intervening to defend the Trump rules. The…
A former property manager now helps low-income Salem families find rentals
Salem Housing Authority. Nikki Burdette-Morris’ job can often be like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, trying to make sure the right person finds the right apartment. The landlord navigator for the Salem Housing Authority knows how much each client can spend on rent…
Restaurant tax coming to Cannon Beach, southern Oregon dam gets repair money in Tuesday’s vote
The historic Crook County Courthouse in Prineville, a landmark for travelers, will be replaced after voters on Tuesday, Nov. 2 approved a bond measure. (Creative Commons) Prineville will get a new courthouse, Mill City will allow marijuana sales and Harney County becomes the latest county…
Union representing Marion County workers prevails in labor complaint against county
Marion County Courthouse. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) The union representing Marion County employees has prevailed in its unfair labor practice complaint against the county for refusing to allow employees to telecommute since July. On Friday, Oct. 29 the Employment Relations Board sided with the…
Long-planned affordable housing project could break ground early next year
The Oregon State Hospital North Campus property, pictured in 2019. A piece of the project would give the city of Salem a former residence hall for nurses to be turned into 52 units of affordable housing. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) After years of delays, a much-needed…
Weigh in on future skate park in Geer Park
A rendering of the location of a future skate park in Geer Park. (Courtesy/city of Salem) In a few years Salem could have a new skate park in southeast Salem and the city wants residents to weigh in. A survey released Tuesday asks people to…
Dozens convicted in Marion, Polk counties for crimes committed as minors may soon be out of prison
The Oregon State Penitentiary on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Dozens of Oregonians serving prison sentences for crimes committed as minors may soon be eligible for early release based on new criteria set by Gov. Kate Brown. About 36 people convicted in Marion…
Downtown parking fees, support for energy efficiency among possible Salem climate strategies
Gary Weaver, a transit operator with Cherriots, steps off of a freshly cleaned bus on Friday, May 22. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem could begin charging for on-street parking downtown, supporting energy efficiency and weatherization for lower-income households (including renters) and small business owners, and adding…