Downtown Salem Parking Structure Revitalization Project To Begin April 6 (Photo) - 03/30/26

Location: 538 Liberty St. NE, Downtown Salem

Start Date: April 6, 2026

Completion Date: November 2026

Salem, Ore. – The Marion parking structure is undergoing a revitalization to improve safety, visibility and usability. These updates aim to create a more welcoming and safer environment for everyone who uses the facility. The project will reduce facility maintenance costs, enhance the structure’s openness and encourage increased use, especially during evening hours.

This project supports downtown Salem’s growth by improving infrastructure that serves residents, visitors and businesses while prioritizing safety and accessibility.

Key Improvements

The project includes several significant updates to the parking structure.

• Improved Stairwells: The stairs will be replaced and the walls around the stairs will be removed to allow users to clearly see who is entering and exiting the building.
• New Overhead Roof Structures: Overhead roof structures will be added above each staircase entrance to provide weather protection and highlight the entrances.
• Transparent Ground Floor Walls: The solid walls on the ground floor that block visibility will be replaced with perforated metal panels. These panels will screen parked cars while improving visibility and transparency.
• Updated Features: New signage and architectural features will be added to the exterior façade to update and improve the aesthetics.
• Upgraded Lighting: Exterior lighting will be updated to increase visibility and encourage use during nighttime hours.

What to Expect During Construction
The revitalization project has been carefully planned to minimize disruptions.

• Traffic Control Measures: Signed traffic control measures will be in place throughout the project to ensure safety.
• Phased Construction: Work will be completed in phases, focusing on one corner of the structure at a time. This will allow parts of the parking structure to remain open for public use.
• Permit and Accessible Parking: Permit parking and accessible (ADA) parking will still be available, but their locations may be adjusted during construction. Please look for signage indicating the location of designated permit parking spaces.
• Visitor Parking: Visitor parking spaces will still be available during construction. Please look for signage indicating available parking areas.
• Mall Access: The skybridge entrance to the Salem Center Mall will remain open.
• Notices and Updates: Signs will be posted throughout the facility to inform users about closed parking areas, elevators and stairwells.

Night Work Schedule and Notifications

Limited night work is expected during the project to accommodate lane closures required by the City of Salem Traffic Engineering Division. The scheduled closures are as follows:

• High Street NE: May 26 through June 1
• Liberty Street NE: September 14 through September 18

Night work will take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. A Sound Permit will be obtained for these activities. Residents and businesses near the parking structure will receive a separate notice with details about the Sound Permit and any potential impacts.

Learn More
This project is funded by Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal funds. The construction contract has been awarded to PCL Construction Services LLC.

If you would like more information about The Marion, please refer to https://salemor.gov/TheMarion. Sign up online to receive project updates and notices via email.

For questions about the project, call 503-588-6211 ext. 7310 or email lgmazel@cityofsalem.net.

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Untreated Sewage Leak Into Pringle Creek Resolved - 03/20/26

SALEM, Ore. — At about 2:50 p.m. March 19, a leakage of untreated sewage into Pringle Creek occurred in the 600 block of Church Street SE. The incident was resolved at 5:34 p.m. after crew members located and repaired a leak in a 42-inch sewer pipe that runs horizontally under a bridge. About 165 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.

To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in Pringle Creek due to potentially elevated bacteria levels. Water quality testing is underway and will continue until results confirm the issue has been resolved. Any bacteria introduced into the creek should naturally flush out within the next few days.

If you notice an overflowing sewer manhole or want to report a spill, please contact the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.

You can help prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping fats, oils, rags and grease out of the sewer system. Learn more about preventing sanitary sewer overflows and the City of Salem’s efforts to reduce these events by visiting https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/wastewater/how-to-prevent-sewer-back-up.

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6311 or email us at service@cityofsalem.net.

Celebrate Qing Ming Festival At Salem Pioneer Cemetery April 4 - 03/19/26

Salem, Ore. – The community is invited to attend Salem’s 8th annual celebration of the Chinese Qing Ming Festival, also known as the Clear and Bright Festival, at Salem Pioneer Cemetery on April 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This traditional Chinese festival honors ancestors while welcoming the arrival of spring.

The Qing Ming Festival has deep historical roots in Salem. In 2018, a Chinese funerary table (shrine) was uncovered at Salem Pioneer Cemetery, revealing that the local Chinese community had been observing this festival as far back as the 1800s. During these early celebrations, graves were cleaned and decorated with flowers. Families burned symbolic items, such as money and clothing, to provide for their ancestors in the afterlife. Candles were lit, and food and flowers were placed on altars to honor the departed.

What to Expect at the Celebration
By attending this event, participants can learn about the rich heritage of Salem’s Chinese community and their enduring cultural traditions. This celebration fosters understanding, respect and appreciation for the diverse history of Salem and its residents.

The April 4 event will feature:

• A proclamation by Salem Mayor Julie Hoy
• Traditional Chinese music and poetry performed by Willamette University students
• A presentation by Dr. Russell Low about Salem’s Chinese community and the significance of Qing Ming traditions
• Qing Ming offerings, including the lighting of a burner for Joss paper and the placement of Joss sticks and flowers

Significance of the Qing Ming Festival
The Qing Ming Festival is an important cultural tradition that connects Salem’s present-day community to its historical roots. It highlights the contributions of Chinese immigrants to the city’s history and preserves the memory of their customs and practices.

Understanding Qing Ming Traditions
During Qing Ming, families traditionally clean the tombs of their ancestors and make offerings of tea, wine and food. Burning paper items, such as symbolic money, ensures that ancestors have the resources they need in the afterlife. These practices reflect the importance of honoring and caring for one’s ancestors, a central value in Chinese funerary culture.

When Chinese immigrants began arriving in America in the 1850s, they maintained these traditions. Many hoped to have their remains returned to China after death. Typically, remains were buried for seven to 10 years before being exhumed and shipped back to China. However, some individuals, including women and children, remain buried in the Chinese section of Salem Pioneer Cemetery due to financial or logistical challenges faced by their families.

Reviving a Historic Tradition
The modern interpretation of the Qing Ming ceremony in Salem began in 2018, following the discovery of the funerary slab during archaeological excavations. This revival was made possible through collaboration between several organizations, including the City of Salem, Friends of the Pioneer Cemetery, Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, CCBA Portland, Willamette University, the Chinese Shrine Advisory Committee, Rick Hilts and City View Cemetery and Raymond Lin of the Hoy Yin Association.

Learn More
For more information about the Qing Ming Festival, visit the Annual Chinese Qing Ming Festival web page.

To learn more about a Chinese immigrant family and their struggles to establish roots in Salem during the 19^th Century Chinese Exclusionary period, attend Dr. Russell Low’s talk ‘A Willow Tree Becomes a Forest’ at the Bush House Museum on April 3, 2026, from 6 – 8 p.m.

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City Of Salem Receives Aa2 Rating From Moody’s; Outlook Stable - 03/16/26

Salem, Ore. – Moody’s Investor Service has assigned the City of Salem an Aa2 rating with a stable outlook. This rating applies to the upcoming sale of the City’s 2026 General Obligation Bonds. This matches the rating received for the City’s 2023 bonds.

"This rating reflects the disciplined financial management and strong governance practices that help keep Salem on a stable path,” said City Manager Krishna Namburi. “Maintaining a strong credit rating allows us to access capital at lower borrowing costs and invest in the infrastructure and services our community relies on, while continuing to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

Moody’s also praised the City’s financial practices. “The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the City will continue to budget conservatively, resulting in healthy reserves and liquidity,” the agency stated.

What is a Bond Rating?

A bond rating is like a credit score for cities and other large organizations. It shows how likely a city is to repay borrowed money. This rating affects the interest rates a city will pay when it issues bonds to raise money.

Rating agencies, such as Moody’s, evaluate a city’s finances based on several factors. These include the strength of the local economy, the city’s tax base, financial management, debt levels, pension obligations and governance practices.

What Does Aa2 Mean?

The Aa2 rating means Salem has a solid financial position and a stable economic base. For Fiscal Year 2026, the City expects to end the year with a positive financial outlook. This is partly due to a new local option levy approved by voters in May 2025. The levy provides funding for libraries, parks and recreation, reducing the burden on the City’s General Fund.

Salem’s economy remains strong, even though some wealth indicators are slightly below average for cities with similar ratings. As Oregon’s capital, Salem’s economy is supported by government jobs, higher education and agriculture.

The Aa2 General Obligation Unlimited Tax (GOULT) rating matches the City’s issuer rating. This reflects the City’s full faith and credit, as well as its ability to collect unlimited property taxes to secure its bonds.

Why is This Rating Important?

The Aa2 rating reflects Salem’s strong financial position and responsible management. A high bond rating allows the City to borrow money at lower interest rates, saving taxpayer dollars. This is especially important for funding public projects, such as libraries, parks, streets and infrastructure improvements.

For Salem residents, this rating shows that the City is managing its finances well and is prepared to meet its future obligations. It also highlights the City’s commitment to maintaining a stable and thriving community.

For more information about Moody’s ratings, go to www.moodys.com.

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Salem Introduces Pilot Program To Assist With Non-Emergency Calls At Regional Dispatch Center - 03/16/26

Salem, Ore. —  At Salem’s regional 9-1-1 dispatch center, Willamette Valley Communications Center staff will begin a pilot program that uses an automated assistant to help manage certain non-emergency calls received on agency business lines.

The assistant, called Ava, supports call processing for non-emergency situations such as noise complaints, parking issues, lost property and other administrative requests. The pilot program tests whether an automated assistant can gather initial information for certain non-emergency calls and route callers to the appropriate agency resource. The goal is to reduce wait times for routine requests while keeping telecommunicators focused on emergency response. The six-month pilot allows WVCC to collect operational data and evaluate how the system performs in a real-world environment.

Emergency 9-1-1 calls are not part of this pilot. Every emergency call continues to be answered by a trained WVCC telecommunicator. No staffing positions are being eliminated as part of this effort. WVCC personnel continue to manage and oversee all call processing functions.

“With the Ava system, we aim to provide a seamless experience for callers, ensuring that they can receive assistance efficiently while allowing our staff to focus on more complex or time-sensitive situations," said Salem Fire Chief Dave Gerboth.

WVCC, which operates under the Salem Fire Department, serves more than 415,000 residents across Marion, Polk and Lincoln counties and supports communications for 32 public safety agencies. In 2025, the center processed over 500,000 calls. About 50 percent of those calls involved non-emergency requests that still require staff time and attention.

How Does the Automated Assistant Work? The assistant follows structured call-handling paths developed by WVCC staff and approved under existing operational procedures. If a caller reports an emergency or the system detects a situation outside the approved paths, the call is transferred immediately to a live dispatcher.

Human oversight remains part of every step of the process. WVCC telecommunicators monitor assisted calls, review call information and follow up with callers when needed.

“This pilot reflects our continued commitment to the community we serve," Gerboth said. "Our goal is to ensure people receive timely service while keeping our telecommunicators focused on emergency response. By testing tools that help manage routine calls, we strengthen our ability to respond quickly and maintain the level of service our community expects and deserves.”

Enter Salem's 2026 Historic Landmarks Commission Photo Contest - 03/13/26

Submit Photos in Three Categories for a Chance to Win Prizes

The Salem Historic Landmarks Commission is inviting people of all ages to submit photos highlighting Salem’s ‘Hidden History’ for the 12^th annual Historic Photo Contest.

The annual city-wide contest invites photographers to photograph buildings, features and places that are important to Salem’s history. Photographers are encouraged to find those little-known or overlooked gems that tell Salem’s story. Our downtown neighborhoods are full of historic buildings and alleys to feature.

The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. Contest categories include:

• Historic Interior
• Historic Exterior
• Historic Landscape, Streetscape or Feature (bridges, walls, signs, trees or cultural gardens)

In past years, popular entries have included well-known landmarks like Bush’s Pasture Park, Deepwood Estate, Boone’s Treasury and the Ladd & Bush Building.

How to Participate

Up to three photographs can be submitted per person, one photo per contest category. Photos must be taken in Salem, Oregon.

All entries must be made via the online Historic Photo Contest Entry Form by April 30, 2026.  

Awards

The Historic Landmarks Commission will select the winning submissions in each age group and category at their May 21, 2026 meeting. Prizes will be awarded on June 18, 2026. Entries will be displayed at the Willamette Heritage Center this summer.

Learn More

For more information, visit the Historic Landmarks Commission web page or call 503-540-2397.

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Revised West Salem Grant Offers Increased Flexibility For Businesses - 03/10/26

Salem, Ore. – Business growth and expansion in West Salem just got easier. West Salem Urban Renewal Area’s grant program has recently been adjusted to allow more flexibility for businesses. Now called the West Salem Urban Renewal Area Capital Improvement Grant Program, it allows for business retention, business expansion and business relocation that adds new jobs.

“We are excited to offer an accessible grant opportunity in West Salem that matches others throughout the City and will allow local businesses to grow, expand and create local jobs,” said Salem City Councilor Paul Tigan, who represents Ward 1.

The grant program was last updated in 2019. Significant updates include a new grant funding match scale that ranges from 50 percent to 20 percent based on total eligible project costs, expanded grant eligibility and reduced application materials.

The program updates address a recent decline in grant application activity in West Salem and makes access to capital easier for a broad range of projects resulting in new investment, products and services that benefit the area.

The West Salem Urban Renewal Area (WSURA) was created in 2001 to eliminate blight and depreciating property values and attract aesthetically pleasing, job-producing private investments and improvements to public infrastructure. Since then, the City has issued 18 WSURA grants with an average grant amount of $131,000; $2.3 million project total has been matched by over $26 million in private investment and has resulted in the creation of over 260 jobs.

Learn more about the West Salem Urban Renewal Area Capital Improvement Grant and apply online.

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City Of Salem Announces Retirement Of Police Chief Trevor Womack (Photo) - 03/10/26

• Improved efficiencies and effectiveness through data-driven decision-making and increased transparency 
• Implemented the department’s first body-worn camera program, improving criminal investigations, increasing accountability, and enhancing public trust
• Focused on violence reduction and collaborative partnerships with an array of stakeholders, including criminal justice agencies and community-based organizations 
• Enhanced coordination between police, social services, and non-profit partners to better support individuals experiencing homelessness and those in crisis

City Efforts Making Salem Streets Safer (Photo) - 03/03/26

Salem, Ore. — In another step forward for Salem’s Safer Streets program, the City installed speed cushions and stop signs to improve safety for residents as they walk, bike or drive along city streets.

Speed Cushions: Safe for Residents and First Responders

Speed cushions are a speed bump with openings for emergency vehicles. The cushions encourage residents and visitors to drive at or below posted speed limits. For emergency vehicles, the openings in speed cushions help maintain speeds needed when transporting patients or responding to emergencies.

The three speed cushions added to High Street SE between Trade Street SE and Mission Street SE were chosen as part of the City’s Safer Streets Program, where residents had requested traffic-calming measures. The City collected speed and volume data and scored this request against other requests received at that time.

Stop Signs Add Clarity to Traffic Flow

To improve safety, 38 new stop signs were added to the Northstar Communities development located north of Kale Road NE. These signs reduce confusion and potential conflicts at intersections.

These projects were funded through the Neighborhood Solutions Program. This program was initially launched with one-time COVID-related funds allocated to transportation safety. Future funding for the program will come from the City’s transportation budget.

Neighborhood traffic-calming projects like these are a City priority outlined in the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan.

Safety Decisions are Guided by Residents

To help inform future safety decisions, the City created an online portal where residents can request traffic calming for their neighborhood streets, stop signs, and safer pedestrian crossings. Learn more at cityofsalem.net/safer-streets.

When selecting projects, we look at things like traffic, speed and how close the area is to schools, parks and transit. We also think about whether the area is in a neighborhood that hasn’t always had the same access to resources.

So far, the City has received over 750 requests for improved pedestrian crossings at 333 specific locations. Staff received almost 600 requests for traffic calming at 191 unique locations and more than 200 requests for new stop signs in neighborhoods.

Safety Programs Will Guide Future Efforts

To further enhance resident safety, the City is pursuing two additional programs, Vision Zero Transportation Safety Action Plan and 20 is Plenty, with federal grants through the Safe Streets and Roads for All.

For the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Action Plan, residents and community partners will be invited to prioritize actions to improve safety for all users, with an emphasis on eliminating serious injuries and deaths as a result of crashes. Crash data and other conditions that contribute to crashes.

The 20 is Plenty program will reduce speed limits on all local residential streets in Salem from 25 mph to 20 mph. The goal of this program is to improve safety by reducing speeds in neighborhoods where many people walk and bicycle.

To make this change, the City will be installing many new and additional speed limit signs. Installation is expected to start in late 2026 and take about a year to install almost 3,000 new signs.

Learn more at cityofsalem.net /safer-streets.