Category Government
Cherriots to get two new faces on its board of directors
Cherriots buses. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The board overseeing Cherriots is on its way to becoming younger and more diverse. Earlier this month, Gov. Kate Brown announced three appointments to the seven-member board that oversees the Salem Area Mass Transit District. The appointments include Sara Duncan,…
While Legislature takes up police accountability bills, Salem keeps reform efforts local
Protestors gathered at the Oregon State Capitol and marched to the site of the new Salem Police Department during the third night of demonstrations against police violence on Monday, June 1. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The Oregon Legislature is moving forward with a package of bills…
Oregon will get a massive infusion of federal cash. Here’s how local lawmakers want it spent
Oregon State Capitol, rotunda (Salem Reporter/file) Salem-area legislators are hoping a one-time influx of federal cash could pay for local water upgrades, veteran housing and a new domestic violence shelter. Last month, legislative leaders found themselves in an unusual position: they had millions in additional…
Salem area officials worry bill to decriminalize homelessness will just lead to more litigation
Dogs stand outside of a camp at Cascades Gateway City Park on March 2, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Marion County officials say a bill making its way through the Legislature aimed at decriminalizing homelessness would create more legal headaches for local governments. House Bill 3115,…
As Salem begins budget process, strategic plan will help guide priorities
For Courtney Knox Busch, the mark of a good strategic plan is that Salem residents can see their input and feel they have an impact on city operations. The city of Salem strategic initiatives manager was tasked with funneling hundreds of pieces of input on…
Salem ahead of legislation that would make it easier to site emergency shelters
Tents line the boulevard next to The ARCHES Project in downtown, where homeless residents have congregated in recent weeks. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) The Oregon House earlier this week passed a bill that’s intended to make it easier for cities to set up shelters for homeless…
Salem climate survey finds differing priorities between task force, survey takers
Salem’s Climate Action Plan task force held its first workshop Wednesday, Nov. 17. Salem residents recently surveyed preferred community improvement strategies like repairing sidewalks and planting more trees over more aggressive measures to combat climate change. Their responses stand in contrast to priorities from a…
Oregon Legislature considers bill creating right to repair electronics
Brant Walsh, the owner of Salem-based repair shop The Mac Guy, opens up an older MacBook Pro to replace its battery. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) Brant Walsh’s business, The Mac Guy, was typically booked a week and a half out for appointments. But with Salem…
Cherriots considers new bus service connecting Salem to Albany
A Cherriots bus on State Street outside the Oregon Capitol (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) If there was a bus line connecting Salem and Albany, would people ride it? That’s a central question of a study Cherriots is conducting. The transit agency is considering a new line…