Category Government
Salem residents are starting to feel safer, view the city as more livable, survey finds
A survey conducted this month showed overall improvements in residents’ perceptions of safety and livability. The results come after the city began a pilot program in January aimed at improving cleanliness and mitigating issues associated with unsheltered homelessness downtown and in northeast Salem.
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Oregon Senate Republicans end one-day walkout ahead of transportation referendum vote
Both chambers on Thursday gaveled in with enough Republicans in attendance to reach a quorum, despite a majority of Republicans in the House and all of the Senate GOP not showing up Wednesday afternoon.
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Bills are debated, dead or dying as Oregon 2026 legislative session hits midpoint
The legislative session started in early February with more than 260 proposals which have been whittled down. The session must end by March 8.
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Restructured operations fee could nudge the city’s finances onto a more sustainable path
On Tuesday night, the Salem City Council discussed ways to restructure the city’s operations fee to be fairer, and its potential to generate more revenue. The operations fee is a monthly charge tacked on to utility bills that helps pay for general city services, primarily police and fire.
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Councilors to consider charging usage-based operations fee
Salem city councilors on Monday night will discuss changes to how it implements its monthly operations fee, which pays for city services including police and fire.
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Oregon lawmakers want to build on immigration protections. Here’s where those bills stand
At least 13 immigrant protection bills have been introduced in Oregon Legislature this session.
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ICE demands information on 19 people from Marion County, court filing shows
Federal immigration authorities are seeking information from Marion County about 19 people, most of whom have prior criminal convictions. County officials are again asking for guidance on how to proceed when Oregon law prohibits them from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
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Some Oregon Republican leaders uneasy with Trump’s deportation campaign
A few Republican lawmakers and spokespeople have expressed concerns with the reported tactics of federal agents, including in Salem.
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More rural Republicans call on Smith to resign House seat
Republicans in rural Sherman County say “enough is enough” and that state Rep. Greg Smith should resign. House Republican leaders have given him $5,000 for his reelection campaign and Smith said state troopers are backing his return for another term.