• 2024 USA Softball Fastpitch 10B/12B Western National Championships run from July 27 to August 4 at the Wallace Marine Park ballfields
• Competition play begins Monday at 8 a.m. and runs throughout the day and evening. The last scheduled game begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, August 3. Spectator admission is free. 

Salem, Ore. – Almost 900 players on 59 softball teams, along with thousands of their fans and supporters, are converging on Salem this week for the 2024 USA Softball Fastpitch 10B/12B Western National Championships at Wallace Marine Park.

Teams are coming from all over the western US including California, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. California is sending the largest number of teams. Oregon has five teams in the mix.

All the teams have competed in lower-level tournaments to qualify. 

“USA Softball is one of the few associations left that make you play in their tournaments before coming to a national,” said Bill Powers, tournament director for the City of Salem. 

Opening ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the Rotary | Gerry Frank Amphitheater. 

Check-in at Wallace will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Skills games in hitting, throwing and home runs are also planned. The No. 1 hitter from each team will compete in a home run derby Wednesday, July 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Competition play begins at 8 a.m. Monday, July 29, and continues through the week. Games are scheduled all day and through the evening. The last scheduled game is at 8 p.m. Sunday, August 3.

For most of the players, this is their first national tournament. In addition to the players, the tournament is expected to bring as many as 4,000 family members and supporters. 

“We haven’t had a tournament this size in Salem in 15 years,” said Powers. The event is one of the biggest USA Softball tournaments in the nation.

Weekend activities for the tournament overlap with Hoopla scheduling, so hotels, restaurants and nearby streets may have larger crowds than usual. Economic impact of the softball tournament is estimated at $7 million to $10 million. 

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Salem, Ore - The City of Salem has reopened 2^nd Street NW after extensive improvements from Wallace Road NW to Gerth Avenue NW. 

Plans to update this corridor began in 2010 with the design and construction of 2^nd Street NW from Gerth Avenue NW to Rosemont Avenue NW. After nearly 15 years, residents and City staff are excited about the completed street and the revitalization of the West Salem neighborhood and business district. A notable achievement of this project was finishing the connection of 2^nd Street NW from Murlark Avenue NW to Patterson Avenue NW, providing a continuous connection from Wallace Road NW to Rosemont Avenue NW. This crucial link has been a key objective for the City and addresses a long-standing barrier to efficient travel in the area.

The $6.1 million project, funded by the West Salem Urban Renewal Area, was completed in two phases when construction began in 2023.

• Phase 1 construction of the 2nd Street NW improvement project covered the segment of roadway from Wallace Road NW to Patterson Avenue NW and was completed in the winter of 2023.
• Phase 2 construction, which will be wrapping up the end of July, included improvements to 2nd Street NW from Patterson Avenue NW through to Gerth Avenue NW.

Project Accomplishments

The scope of work included:

• significant upgrades to utilities, 
• addition of new sidewalks,
• landscaping and street lighting, 
• curbs and new pavement,
• bike and pedestrian street improvements. 

The City of Salem would like to thank the West Salem businesses and residents for their patience and collaboration in the planning, design, and construction of this street improvement. We hope it’s an investment that the community can be proud of and one that fosters a more pedestrian and bike-friendly environment, creates a walkable neighborhood feel, and builds a safer, more vibrant community for all West Salem residents and visitors.

Yaquina Hall in Salem, Ore.

Salem, Ore. – Salem has been awarded a national NOVOGRADAC award for Residential Development that Best Exemplifies Major Community Impact for the adaptive reuse of Yaquina Hall using historic tax credits.

Yaquina Hall, located at 2720 B Street NE, was built in 1947 and formerly served as an Oregon State Hospital Nursing building. The restored building reopened in 2023 as a 52-unit supportive housing development designed to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including those with serious and persistent mental illness. Yaquina Hall is managed by the Salem Housing Authority and the apartments are subsidized through project-based vouchers, with residents paying 30% of their income for rent. 

“My goal is a home for every neighbor, and the completion of Yaquina Hall moves us towards that,” said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy. “These units, and the services that come with them, are a lifeline to those in our community experiencing significant challenges finding stability and a home,” said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy.

Yaquina Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places. Salem’s project prioritized preserving and revitalizing as many historic elements of the building as possible. As part of the project, windows were replaced with those that are energy-efficient and sound resistant, as well as met the National Park Standards for historic rehabilitation. Financing for the project included $2.8 million in historic tax credits and was a crucial piece for funding the project.  

“We are thrilled Yaquina Hall was chosen for this prestigious national award. It’s rare for projects to receive national attention. It speaks to the impact historic preservation can have when repurposing buildings to meet a community need!” said Jessica Blakely, Salem Housing Authority.

The award will be presented to Salem’s Community Planning and Development Director, Kristin Retherford and Salem Housing Authority’s Nicole Utz and Jessica Blakely at the National 2024 Historic Tax Credit Conference in Kansas City in October.

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Map of Street Closure

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers who use D Street NE that the road will be closed in both directions between Capitol Street NE and 14^th Street NE at the Union Pacific railroad crossing beginning Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 6 p.m. to Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 1 p.m. The closure is necessary to make railroad crossing repairs at the intersection. Traffic will be detoured in both directions as construction is taking place. 

Location: D Street NE closed to traffic between Capitol Street NE and 14^th Street NE, Salem, OR.

Date and Time: Wednesday, July 31, from 6 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, to 1 p.m.

Affected Areas: The D Street NE road closure will include travel lanes, sidewalks, and parking spaces near the train tracks in the construction zone.

Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.  For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

Correct Map of Street Closures

-The map that was attached to this release did not show the correct street closures.-

Salem, Ore. — Hoopla will bring more than 1,000 teams, 5,000 participants, and 1,000 volunteers to the streets of Salem. Athletes of all skills and ages will lace up their sneakers and compete against the backdrop of the Oregon State Capitol grounds in downtown Salem. Go to http://oregonhoopla.com to learn more.

On Monday, July 22, several road closures will begin and may impact travel around the Oregon State Capital Complex. 

Temporary Road Closures Include

Beginning Monday, July 22, at 6 p.m. through Sunday, July 28, at 9 p.m., the following streets near the State Capitol will be closed as courts are set up for the basketball tournament:

• State Street between 12th Street and Cottage Street NE
• Waverly Street NE between State Street and Court Street NE
• Winter Street between State Street and Ferry Street NE
• Cottage Street between State Street and Court Street NE

From Thursday, July 25, at 6 p.m., to Sunday, July 28, at 9 p.m., the following streets will be closed for the tournament:

• Cottage Street NE between State Street and Chemeketa Street NE
• Court Street NE between 12th Street NE and Church Street NE
• Winter St NE between Court Street NE and Chemeketa Street NE
• Capitol St NE between Court Street NE and Chemeketa Street NE

All streets will be reopened by Sunday, July 28, at 9 p.m. Drivers traveling through the area should find alternative routes during the event. For a full schedule of events, visit oregonhoopla.com/week/events.

En enero de 2024, 27 miembros de un Grupo de Trabajo designado por el Concejo Municipal comenzaron a discutir más de 40 opciones para recaudar los ingresos necesarios para financiar servicios que no tienen un flujo de ingresos dedicado. En su última reunión en junio de 2024, el Grupo de Trabajo acordó por unanimidad presentar ocho opciones al Concejo Municipal. Cuatro miembros del Grupo de Tareas; Becky Beaman, Russ Beaton, Scott Cantonwine y TJ Sullivan presentaron las recomendaciones al Concejo Municipal el lunes 15 de julio.

Al principio del proceso, el Grupo de Trabajo identificó consideraciones clave que utilizaron para evaluar las opciones de ingresos, entre ellas;

• Equidad: se consideraron los impactos para los miembros de la comunidad de bajos ingresos,
• Sostenibilidad: trabajar hacia una solución a largo plazo,
• Secuenciación: considere opciones a corto plazo que podrían proporcionar un puente hacia soluciones a largo plazo.
• Minimizar el impacto económico local: adoptar un enfoque reflexivo de las cargas impuestas a la comunidad empresarial,
• Gestión financiera: compartir prácticas contables y auditorías, generar confianza y abordar el escepticismo, y
• Aporte público y educación: involucrar a la comunidad, crear un proceso transparente e inclusivo.

Los miembros del Grupo de Trabajo se unieron en su compromiso de hacer lo que era correcto para la ciudad de Salem. El Grupo de Trabajo representó una amplia gama de perspectivas y opiniones sobre el enfoque correcto para abordar los desafíos de los ingresos. En última instancia, coincidieron en que sus recomendaciones representaban un menú sólido de opciones que le dan al Concejo Municipal una variedad de caminos a seguir. Dejaron claro que ahora depende del Concejo Municipal determinar lo que es políticamente factible y correcto para la ciudad de Salem.

La lista de opciones de ingresos del Grupo de Trabajo incluye (consulte el Informe completo  del Grupo de Trabajo para obtener más detalles):

Corto plazo (1-2 años):

• Tarifas de licencia comercial
• Aumento de la tarifa de franquicia
• Aumento de la base congelada de renovación urbana

Mediano plazo (2-5 años):

• Gravamen del impuesto sobre la propiedad de la opción local
• Impuestos personales

A largo plazo:

• Pago en lugar de impuestos
• Acuerdos y entidades intergubernamentales
• Reforma/reestructuración tributaria

El Concejo Municipal discutirá las recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo en una sesión de trabajo el lunes 19 de agosto a las 6 p.m. en las Cámaras del Concejo.

Estamos comprometidos a apoyar el liderazgo y la autoridad de los miembros actuales y futuros del Concejo Municipal y trabajaremos para garantizar que todos tengan información clara, consistente y precisa a medida que avanzamos en este proceso.

Fondo

El problema presupuestario de la ciudad de Salem es el resultado de un desequilibrio estructural en el que nuestros gastos están creciendo más rápido que los ingresos. La Ciudad no tiene los ingresos para pagar los gastos en áreas de servicio clave.

Este problema de ingresos afecta al Fondo General: policía, bomberos, parques, bibliotecas, aplicación de códigos, tribunales y servicios para nuestras poblaciones más vulnerables, incluidos ancianos, jóvenes, miembros de la comunidad de bajos ingresos y personas sin hogar.

Nuestro fondo general tiene un desequilibrio sistémico porque nuestro sistema de impuestos a la propiedad está roto.  El impacto de las Medidas 5 y 50 de limitación fiscal, aprobadas por los votantes en la década de 1990, ha seguido aumentando con el tiempo. El impacto duradero de estas medidas es que limitaron el crecimiento del valor imponible de la propiedad y establecieron tasas impositivas permanentes que limitan la recaudación de ingresos.

La ciudad de Salem no puede aumentar los impuestos a la propiedad para mantener el ritmo del crecimiento de la población y los costos crecientes. Los impuestos a la propiedad representan el 50% de los ingresos del Fondo General de Salem.  Los impuestos sobre la propiedad recaudados solo pagan el 77% de los servicios de Policía y Bomberos. La mayor parte de los costos asociados con la policía, los bomberos, los parques, las bibliotecas y los servicios para nuestras poblaciones más vulnerables, incluidos los ancianos, los jóvenes, los miembros de la comunidad de bajos ingresos y sin refugio, se deben a la falta de personal.

Sin una fuente de ingresos que siga el ritmo de los costos crecientes, no podemos seguir prestando servicios al mismo nivel. De hecho, los niveles de servicio ya se han reducido en respuesta a las crecientes demandas y a los limitados ingresos. Al igual que todos nuestros presupuestos, cuando aumenta el costo de los alimentos y la gasolina, reducimos el gasto en otras áreas. 

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• Thousands of volunteers work to make Salem better every year.
• Submit volunteer recognition nominations by August 5.

Salem, Ore. – Do you know a neighbor or friend who volunteers and makes a positive impact on the community? The City of Salem is seeking nominations for volunteer recognition awards whose projects and actions support the mission, vision and values of the City of Salem. 

Volunteers make a significant contribution toward making the Salem community better. The City relies on the skills, energy, time and talent of volunteers who work with paid staff and elected representatives on issues and projects that benefit the community.

The City’s nine award categories honor a wide range of service including among others:

• Business-government partnerships
• Youth
• Neighborhood service
• Special projects
• Work in specific areas of service (education, working with unsheltered people)
• Longstanding service

Now, more than ever, the City wants to celebrate our thousands of community volunteers. Please consider nominating an outstanding volunteer or volunteer group for one of our nine award categories.

The Volunteer Recognition Celebration, including a red-carpet entrance, is set for Sunday, October 20, at 2 p.m. at Loucks Auditorium.

Nominate a deserving volunteer today! Please submit nominations online by August 5.

If you would like to submit your nomination in another way, contact Daniel Balm at the City Manager’s Office, dbalm@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6255.

• Miles de voluntarios trabajan para hacer Salem  mejor cada año.
• Presentar las nominaciones de reconocimiento a los voluntarios antes del 5 de agosto.

Salem, Ore. – ¿Conoce a un vecino o amigo/a que es voluntario y  tiene un impacto positivo en la comunidad? La ciudad de Salem está buscando nominaciones para premios de reconocimiento a voluntarios cuyos proyectos y acciones apoyen la misión, visión y valores de la ciudad de Salem. 

Los voluntarios hacen una contribución significativa para mejorar la comunidad de Salem. La Ciudad depende de las habilidades, la energía, el tiempo y el talento de los voluntarios que trabajan con personal de la ciudad y representantes electos en temas y proyectos que benefician a la comunidad.

Las nueve categorías de premios de la Ciudad honran una amplia gama de servicios, que incluyen, entre otros:

• Alianzas entre empresas y gobiernos
• Juventud
• Servicio vecinal
• Proyectos especiales
• Trabajo en áreas específicas de servicio (educación, trabajo con personas sin refugio)
• Servicio  prolongado

Ahora, más que nunca, la Ciudad quiere celebrar a nuestros miles de voluntarios comunitarios. Por favor, considere nominar a un voluntario o grupo de voluntarios sobresaliente para una de nuestras nueve categorías de premios.

La Celebración de Reconocimiento al Voluntario, que incluye una entrada con alfombra roja, está programada para el domingo 20 de octubre a las 2 p.m. en el Auditorio Loucks en la biblioteca de Salem

¡Nomina a un voluntario que lo merezca hoy! Envíe las nominaciones en línea antes del 5 de agosto.

Si desea presentar su nominación de otra manera, comuníquese con Daniel Balm en la Oficina del Administrador de la Ciudad, dbalm@cityofsalem.net o 503-588-6255.

In January 2024, 27 members of a City Council appointed Task Force began discussion of more than 40 options to raise the revenue necessary to fund services that do not have a dedicated revenue stream. At their final meeting in June 2024, the Task Force unanimously agreed to present eight options to City Council. Four members of the Task Force; Becky Beaman, Russ Beaton, Scott Cantonwine, and TJ Sullivan presented the recommendations to City Council Monday, July 15. 

Early in the process, the Taskforce identified key considerations that they used to evaluate revenue options including;

• Equity – consider impacts to lower income community members,
• Sustainability – work toward a long-term solution,
• Sequencing – consider near term options that could provide a bridge to long term solutions,  
• Minimizing Local Economic Impact – take a thoughtful approach to burdens placed on the business community,
•  Financial Management – share accounting practices and audits, build trust and address skepticism, and
• Public Input and Education– bring the community along, create a transparent and inclusive process.

The Task Force members were unified in their commitment to do what was right for the City of Salem. The Task Force represented a wide range of perspectives and opinions on the right approach to addressing the revenue challenges. Ultimately, they agreed that their recommendations represented a solid menu of options that give City Council a variety of paths to take forward. They were clear that it is now up to City Council to determine what is politically feasible and right for the City of Salem. 

The Task Force revenue options list includes (see full Task Force Report for details):

Near-term (1-2 years): 

• business license fees
• franchise fee increase
• increase to urban renewal frozen base

Medium-term (2-5 years):

• local option property tax levy
• personal income tax

Long-term:

• payment in lieu of taxes
• intergovernmental agreements and entities
• tax reform/restructuring

City Council will discuss the Task Force recommendations at a work session on Monday, August 19 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

We are committed to supporting the leadership and authority of the current and future City Council members and will work to ensure that everyone has clear, consistent and accurate information as we proceed through this process. 

Background

The City of Salem budget problem is the result of a structural imbalance where our expenses are growing faster than revenues. The City does not have the revenue to pay for expenses in key service areas. 

This revenue problem impacts the General Fund –police, fire, parks, libraries, code enforcement, court, and services for our most vulnerable populations including elders, youth, low-income and homeless community members. 

Our general fund has a systemic imbalance because our property tax system is broken.  The impact of tax limitation Measures 5 and 50, approved by voters in the 1990s, has continued to increase over time. The enduring impact of these measures is that they limited the growth of the taxable value of property and set permanent tax rates that limit revenue collections.  

The City of Salem cannot increase property taxes to keep pace with population growth and escalating costs. Property taxes make up 50% of Salem’s General Fund revenues.  The property taxes collected only pay for 77 % of Police and Fire services. The greatest portion of costs associated with police, fire, parks, libraries, and services to our most vulnerable populations including elders, youth, low-income and unsheltered community members are due to staffing. 

Without a revenue source that keeps pace with escalating costs, we cannot continue to deliver services at the same level. In fact, service levels have already been reduced in response to growing demands and limited revenues. 

• Starting July 22, Oxbow Slough in Minto-Brown Island Park will be closed periodically for herbicide treatments to remove invasive Ludwigia.
• Ludwigia forms as a dense mat reducing habitat for wildlife.
• Learn more at Restoring the Willamette River

Salem, Ore. — This summer, Oxbow Slough in Minto-Brown Island Park will undergo treatment to remove the invasive plant, Ludwigia hexapetala, as part of a new five-year partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper. This effort mirrors the successful project previously completed in Willamette Slough over the past four years.

Treatments are scheduled to begin Monday, July 22, through Friday, August 2, with a second series of treatments scheduled Monday, August 26 through Friday, August 30, weather dependent. This marks the first year of a five-year treatment cycle aimed at reducing Ludwigia hexapetala, also known as Uruguayan water primrose, from Oxbow Slough.

Visitors to Minto-Brown Park are advised to stay out of the slough during treatment times to avoid possible exposure. Treated plants will be marked with a blue-green dye to show areas treated. While the herbicide is taken up by the plants within 24 hours, blue dye may be visible for up to two weeks.

Ludwigia forms in dense mats that limit recreation and reduce habitat for wildlife. While the plant may appear attractive with its yellow flowers, it poses significant ecological threats to the Willamette River by choking waterways, degrading water quality, and harming native fish and wildlife. 

Learn more about the efforts to restore Oxbow Slough and similar projects in the Willamette Slough by visiting the City of Salem’s website Restoring the Willamette River.

Salem, Ore - The Geren Island Water Treatment Facility continues to safeguard Salem’s drinking water from cyanotoxins (Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin). Thanks to multiple investments in water treatment technologies including enhanced filtration systems, ozone treatment, and chlorination processes, Salem’s drinking water remains safe for all water customers.

A recent Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory issued by the Oregon Health Authority has provided guidance for recreational users of the North Santiam River, Big Cliff Reservoir, and Detroit Reservoir. Recreational users at these locations should be aware of this guidance and follow the given instructions. Salem Water customers do not need to take any action. Since mid-April, the City of Salem has been regularly testing for cyanotoxins in the reservoir, at the main intake from the North Santiam River for the Geren Island Treatment plant, and as drinking water leaves the facility after being treated. Salem’s standard treatment processes including slow-sand filters, ozone treatment, and chlorine have reduced cyanotoxins to non-detectable levels before entering the drinking water system.

Test Results

Testing of the North Santiam River has indicated an increased level of microcystin, a type of cyanotoxin, in the North Santiam River near the Geren Island Water Treatment Facilities' main intake. Standard treatment processes at the water treatment facility have successfully reduced microcystin levels to levels considered non-detectable in the treated drinking water supplied to City of Salem water customers. Those considered vulnerable are also protected by these state-of-the-art treatment process and do not need to take any further action. Salem’s drinking water remains safe to drink for all customers.

Ongoing Water Quality Monitoring

To ensure that the Salem community continues to enjoy safe and clean drinking water, Salem’s Public Works staff test the North Santiam River at the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility’s water intake and the treated drinking water at the Aldersgate testing site at regular intervals until the algae season is over this fall. It typically takes 24-48 hours to receive test results for microcystin and cylindrospermopsin after samples are collected. Test results are posted on the City of  Salem website at www.cityofsalem.net/water as soon as those results are available.

Salem’s Commitment to Water Safety

Salem has invested over $80 million dollars in a state-of-the-art Ozone Treatment Facility since 2018, as well as significant investments in filters to continue to deliver clean and abundant water to its customers. The Frank Mauldin Ozone Treatment Facility has been in full operation since 2022 and continually protects our drinking water 24 hours a day and 7 days a week from potential contaminants.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions, email media@cityofsalem.netUpdated information related to Salem’s water quality, including the 2024 Water Quality Report is available on the City of Salem website. For more information on the Oregon Health Authority’s Recreation Advisory, visit the OHA Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Complete Burn Ban Has Now Been Issued

Salem, Ore. — Red Flag Alert webFire officials have issued a complete Burn Ban for the City of Salem, effective immediately and extending through Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Conditions will be re-evaluated on Wednesday, July 17. 

This burn ban is being issued due to the possibility of isolated thunderstorms where lightning and critically dry fuels may result in numerous fire starts. There is a 10% chance for wind gusts over 50 mph from the strongest storms this evening, creating favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires, posing a threat to life and property.

Residents and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution regarding potential ignition sources and to refrain from any types of outdoor burning until further notice.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued starting today, July 16, 2024, at 1 p.m. through Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 8 a.m. PST.  

Conditions caused by forecasted wind patterns and low relative humidity could lead to the rapid spread of fires, posing a significant threat to life and property.  There is a possibility for isolated thunderstorms where lightning and critically dry fuels may result in numerous fire starts. A 10% chance for wind gusts over 50 mph from the strongest storms is forecast throughout this evening.

Residents and visitors must exercise caution regarding potential ignition sources, refrain from burning during the Red Flag Warning, and use extreme caution for the rest of the summer. 

Salem, Ore - Thousands of athletes and supporters from around the globe will converge on Salem, Oregon for the prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon endurance competition. The event kicks off at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Riverfront Park.

Road Closures and Traffic Information

Several road closures will be in effect from Riverfront Park in downtown Salem to the Ankeny Natural Wildlife Refuge along River Road South. Residents along the racecourse will receive information about these changes, and signs will be posted to alert drivers to potential traffic disruptions throughout the day.

Key Traffic Details:

• Vehicles traveling between Salem, OR and Independence, OR on River Road South should use alternate routes between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. as River Road South will be impacted by the event.
• Roads will reopen for normal use once the street portion of the bicycle race is completed.

Lane Restrictions and Road Closures: 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Front Street SE to Trade Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic.
• Commercial Street SE (Southbound): Two lanes closed, one lane open for vehicle traffic.
• Mission Street (Commercial Street to Saginaw Street S): Local traffic only.
• Saginaw Street S (Mission Street to Owens Street): Local traffic only.
• Owens Street to River Road South: Local traffic only.
• River Road South to Ankeny Nature Preserve: Local traffic only.

Park Closures:

Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park, and Wallace Marine Park will remain open during the event, though access and parking will be limited.

• Riverfront Park Boat Dock: Closed from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Wallace Marine Boat Dock: Closed from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Peter Courtney Bridge: Closed to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

About the Race:

The 70-mile racecourse includes:

• A 1.2-mile swim in the Willamette River.
• A 56-mile bike ride through South Salem to the Ankeny Nature Preserve and back.
• A 13.1-mile run through Minto-Brown Island Park, finishing at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.

IRONMAN events have long drawn athletes who challenge themselves and each other against the grueling course. Salem, along with partners in tourism like Travel Salem, is proud to host IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon. 

For more information about the course, including maps and details on street impacts, please visit the IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon. 

• The City of Salem’s Hispanic Heritage Festival returns for a second year.
• Performers and vendors invited to apply.

Salem, Ore. — Help the City of Salem celebrate our Hispanic culture at the ¡Viva Salem! Todos Unidos (All United) festival planned for Saturday, September 28, at Riverfront Park from noon to 6 p.m.

We’re inviting entertainers, artists and vendors of food and crafts to help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and make ¡Viva Salem! an event to enjoy and remember.  This City of Salem event is intended to bring together our entire community to celebrate this beautiful part of our culture. It will lay a strong foundation for future events celebrating the diversity that is one of Salem’s important building blocks.

¡Viva Salem! is free and open to all ages. Entertainers will be paid for their performances, so donations and sponsorships can help make this event even bigger and better including free fun family activities. Watch for details about sponsorships coming soon or visit www.cityofsalem.net/vivasalem. 

Apply to be a vendor or performer and learn more about ¡Viva Salem!

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• El Festival de la Herencia Hispana de la Ciudad de Salem regresa por segundo año.
• Se invita a los artistas y proveedores a solicitar .

Salem, Oregón. — Ayude a la ciudad de Salem a celebrar nuestra cultura hispana en el  ¡Viva Salem! Festival, Todos Unidos planeado para el sábado 28 de septiembre en Riverfront Park desde el mediodía hasta las 6 p.m.

Estamos invitando a participantes, artistas y vendedores de comida y artesanías para que nos ayuden a celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y hacer ¡Viva Salem! un evento para disfrutar y recordar.  Este evento de la ciudad de Salem tiene la intención de reunir a toda nuestra comunidad para celebrar esta hermosa parte de nuestra cultura. Sentará una base sólida para futuros eventos que celebren la diversidad que es uno de los bloques de construcción importantes de Salem.

¡Viva Salem! es gratuito y abierto a todas las edades. A los artistas se les pagará por sus actuaciones, por lo que las donaciones y los patrocinios pueden ayudar a que este evento sea aún más grande y mejor, incluyendo divertidas actividades familiares gratuitas. Esté atento para los detalles sobre los patrocinios o visite www.cityofsalem.net/vivasalem. 

Solicite ser vendedor o artista y obtenga más información sobre ¡Viva Salem!

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Map of Locations

• This will add a 3-second head start for pedestrians in crosswalks before cars get a green light.
• All downtown crosswalk signals will be changed. Map of locations
• Remember to always watch for pedestrians and cars, be visible, and obey all crosswalk laws.

Salem, Ore. — Starting the week of July 8, 2024, the City of Salem will begin retiming traffic signals in downtown Salem to improve safety. This safety enhancement, called Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) promotes safe walking conditions and reduces the potential for dangerous accidents between pedestrians and vehicles. 

Which signals will be changed? Crosswalk signal timing changes will be made to intersections in the downtown core from Division Street to Trade Street, north to south, and from Commercial Street to Cottage Street, west to east. 

• Phase One: Begins on July 8, starting at Chemeketa Street and moving south, incorporating changes on Chemeketa, Court, State, Ferry, and Trade Streets.
• Phase Two: Begins in September, after the completion of phase one at Center Street, and moves north, including changes on Center, Marion, Union, and Division Streets.

How it works: Leading pedestrian interval (LPI) provides a WALK indication for pedestrians 3 seconds before the adjacent vehicles get a green light.  

Why it works: By allowing a 3-second head start, it allows pedestrians to establish themselves in the intersection, making them more visible to turning cars before a traffic signal turns green. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, LPIs have been shown to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions by as much as 60%, and U.S. Federal Highway Administration studies have shown a 13% decrease in pedestrian and vehicle collisions using this practice.

Safety Reminders:

• For Motorists: Always watch for pedestrians and follow Oregon crosswalk laws.
• For Pedestrians: Stay visible and aware of your surroundings, even when you have the right-of-way.

Salem motorists should watch for pedestrians and understand and observe Oregon crosswalk laws. Pedestrians are cautioned to be aware of their surroundings even when they have the right-of-way. Go to Oregon Revised Statutes regarding pedestrian laws to learn more. 

Join us in helping make Salem’s downtown even safer.