Category Government
Mayor points to city efforts to reduce homelessness in annual address
Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett films a video acceptance for a literacy award on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem has emerged from a year of fire, ice, pandemic and protest with much to be proud of, Mayor Chuck Bennett told residents during his State…
City survey finds residents support sustainable parks maintenance, efforts to address affordable housing gaps
Salem City Hall. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem residents think identifying gaps in affordable housing and opening a sobering center would be helpful to addressing key issues identified in a strategic plan update the Salem City Council will vote on Monday, according to a recent survey.…
With Oregon Capitol closed, lobbyists struggle to lobby without a lobby
A sign informs visitors of the Oregon State Capitol’s closure to the public on Wednesday, Feb. 24. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) An impromptu five-minute conversation can be politically effective in the halls of the Oregon Capitol. Such encounters have long been crucial for the army of…
This northeast neighborhood says it has the worst sidewalks in Salem
John Shilts points out damage to his driveway on Pearl Street Northeast on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) John Shilts has taken to using his Pearl Street driveway as a patio for the last two years, because when he tries to pull in…
Library patrons rejoice. Salem City Council approves free parking for the library.
The Salem Public Library opened its Broadway location on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) One of the biggest gripes of Salem’s bibliophiles was addressed Monday evening when the Salem City Council unanimously voted to allow three hours of free parking when the Salem…
Following 2020 elections, voters walk away from GOP
A stack of counted and signed ballot envelopes at the Marion County Elections Office on Tuesday, May 19. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Following national and statewide losses in the 2020 election as well as divisions within its ranks, fewer people are registered with the Republican Party…
Demand is high for rent help as service agency prepares to hand out second round of funding
The sign at The ARCHES Project. (Anthony McGuire/Special to Salem Reporter) Nearly 2,000 Salem-area families are vying for help to pay rent as the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency prepares for another round of aid to those impacted by the pandemic. “The amount of need…
Cherriots failed to meet minority contracting goals for years
The Salem Area Mass Transit District awarded just a single contract to a company owned by a woman or minority in its most recent reporting period, well short of its own goal to see that such businesses get a share in millions in government spending. …
Hoping to build a missing link, Salem applies for funding for Pringle Creek crossings
Salem is hoping to build crossings underneath Commercial Street and the railroad across Pringle Creek. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Salem is hoping to get funding for a “short but critical” bridge that will connect Riverfront Park to parts of Salem across Pringle Creek, including Salem Hospital…