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.

Salem Civic Center Seismic Retrofit Project Update, Some City Services In Temporary Locations - 02/27/26

Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem is pleased to announce that the Civic Seismic Retrofit project is progressing as planned. We are still forecasting the completion of renovations and anticipate moving back into the renovated space in early 2027.

Civic Center Seismic Retrofit

The building upgrades are designed to provide safe exiting of the building during an earthquake. A little more than six months ago, construction started. Since that time, exterior shear walls have been successfully installed, marking a significant milestone in the project. Our current focus is now on the interior of the space, where we are making progress on essential plumbing and wiring installations. This project paid for by the 2022 voter-approved, Community Safety and Livability Bond.

Where to find City services.

Many City services are in temporary locations while the Civic Center is retrofitted to meet current seismic standards. Our Customer Service Center is at our Parkway location, 440 Church Street, and open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until further notice. The Customer Service Center serves as a convenient hub for residents, offering a range of services such as applying, paying, reporting, requesting, and reserving, all in one central location. Whether you need to pay utility bills, report a concern, or reserve a city facility, the Customer Service Center is here to assist you with all your needs.

You can find us online (https://www.cityofsalem.net/i-want-to) or at the following locations:

City Services at Parkway Building

• Customer Service Center
  440 Church Street SE, 5th Floor
  Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Permit Application Center
  440 Church Street SE, 5th Floor

Salem Municipal Court at Broadway Building

• Salem Municipal Court
  2850 Broadway Street NE
  Customer parking is available in the surface lot off Broadway Street NE (north of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway).

City Services by Appointment

• Code Compliance Services
  Phone: 503-588-6421
  350 Commercial Street NE
• Mayor and City Manager
  Phone: 503-588-6255
  Email: manager@cityofsalem.net
  440 Church Street SE, 5th Floor
• Finance and Purchasing
  Phone: 503-588-6040
  Email: finance@cityofsalem.net
  440 Church Street SE, 5th Floor
• City Recorder
  Phone: 503-588-6003
  Email: cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net
  440 Church Street SE, 5th Floor

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to enhance the safety and resilience of our civic facilities.

# # #

Come Out And Play! Register Now For Spring Recreation Activities In Salem - 02/26/26

Salem, Ore. – Are you looking for an activity this spring? Check out Salem Parks and Recreation’s programs now available for all ages and skill levels.

• Pickleball – Beginning and Intermediate, ages 18+
• NFL Flag Football, grades 3-8
• Skyhawks Multi-Sport Camp, ages 6-12
• Skyhawks Flag Football, ages 6-12
• Skyhawks Soccer, ages 2-12
• Skyhawks Baseball, ages 2-5
• Skyhawks Basketball, ages 2-5
• STRIDE Run/Walk (5k) May 9 at Bush’s Pasture Park
• STRIDE Run/Walk (5k/10k) Jun. 13 at Riverfront and Minto-Brown Island Parks
• STRIDE Run/Walk (5k/10k) Jul. 18 at Minto-Brown Island Park
• STRIDE Run/Walk (5K) Aug. 15 at Bush’s Pasture Park
• STRIDE Run/Walk (5k/10K) Sept. 26 at Minto-Brown Island Park

Register online or in-person at 440 Church St. SE (5^th floor). For more information about activities and fee waivers, go to www.cityofsalem.net/activities.

# # #

Register Now For 2026 ILEAD Youth Summit - 02/19/26

Salem, Ore. – High school students in Marion, Polk and Linn Counties are invited to register for the 17th annual ILEAD Youth Summit on Saturday, March 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Salem – Knudson Branch.

"At this year's ILEAD, our theme is all about acknowledging struggles teens face in finding community, which is a great reason for teens even outside of Salem to attend," said Clemma Evander, 11th grade, Central High School. "The summit will not only teach about how to build connections, but also will help with the building of these connections between teens from various schools through the experiences of the summit itself." 

Why This Event Matters

The ILEAD Youth Summit is designed to inspire and empower teens to become confident leaders in their schools and communities. By providing workshops, resources, and opportunities for connection, the event helps participants develop essential life skills and prepare for the challenges and opportunities they’ll encounter as young adults. This year’s theme, Stronger When We Lead Together, encourages students to come together while developing as leaders.

“We decided on the Stronger When We Lead Together slogan to emphasize connection and community-building,” said Mei-Yu Leung a student at Early College High School. “While facing the challenges of life, it is important for youth to build meaningful relationships and have their voices heard. This message resonates with the Youth Committee, and we hope that ILEAD attendees will embrace the slogan and feel encouraged to lead together.”

Key Details

Pre-conference activities are from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and include a breakfast buffet, an Opportunities and Resource Fair, building tours, and games to help wake up. This free event offers a day of learning, growth and fun, bringing together teens from across the region to explore leadership, life readiness, and healthy living.

Here are the top five things to know about this year’s ILEAD Youth Summit:

1. Free for All Participants – There is no cost to attend.
2. Registration Deadline – Sign up by March 5 at noon.
3. Meals and Swag – Breakfast, lunch, event T-shirts, and swag bags are included.
4. Engaging Workshops – Choose from a variety of interactive sessions.
5. Opportunity & Resource Fair – Explore volunteer and internship opportunities along with teen-relevant resources during the opening session.

Workshops and Activities

“ILEAD is intentionally a safe and drug-free third space for the day where teens can relax, have fun, connect and belong,” said Laurie Shaw Casarez, ILEAD Director and Opioid Prevention Coordinator for the City of Salem. “I think the ILEAD culture encourages personal growth for teens without any expectations, which in turn fosters an openness to learning through workshops and activities.”

"Leading together is relevant today because there's no change when [only] one person works for it,” said Azreal Decker of Chemawa High School. “We all must pitch in for a brighter future."

The youth-led planning committee selected this year’s workshops based on feedback from past participants and the needs of local students. Teens can choose from sessions focused on:

• Leadership Development – Learn how to better communicate, delegate, and manage teams.
• Personal Growth – Find out ways to embrace challenges and persist with setbacks.
• Health and Well-Being – Discover strategies to stay mentally and physically healthy including preventing burnout
• Life Readiness – Prepare for life after high school with practical tools and advice including financial literacy and college and career readiness.

Substance Use Prevention

This year’s summit also includes a critical focus on prevention of substance use. The Western Oregon University Public Health Club, in partnership with ILEAD partner and sponsor Marion County Health and Human Services and their Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, will lead a presentation on the dangers and impacts of vaping. Participants will learn life-saving strategies and gain awareness of this growing public health issue.

How to Register

To learn more about the ILEAD Youth Summit and to register, visit the City of Salem’s ILEAD Youth Summit event web page. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, grow, and lead!

-30-

City Invites Community Members To Follow And Participate In Budget Process - 02/10/26

• Budgeting affects the services residents rely on
• Community members are invited to get involved

Salem, Ore. – Providing essential services while finding ways to prevent future budget shortfalls is at the forefront of Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) City of Salem budgeting process. Work is underway now as City departments develop budgets for the city manager’s review and approval.

Community involvement is the foundation of the budgeting process. The City offers many ways to engage with the budget and provide input to decision makers.

Why This Matters

The City’s financial condition directly affects the services that residents rely on and the City’s ability to maintain them. Understanding and addressing financial issues is critical to ensuring that Salem remains a vibrant and well-supported community.

City staff is focusing on new approaches, innovations, and strategies to control rising costs, as well as continuing adjustments to reduce projected deficits in coming years.

How to Get Involved

Residents can get involved in the Budget Committee process in several ways:

• Reading the proposed FY 2027 budget (including the City Manager’s message and result areas) when it is published on the City of Salem website in early April
• Watching Budget Committee meetings on CCTV cable, Channel 21
• Streaming on the City of Salem YouTube Channel
• Attending meetings in person at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Loucks Auditorium
• Signing up to testify at a meeting either in-person or online
• Applying to serve as a Salem Budget Committee member

Watch announcements of these opportunities on the City website.

Budget Committee and Process

Salem’s Budget Committee includes nine city councilors and nine appointed community members. The committee reviews the city manager’s proposed budget and then recommends a budget for Salem City Council adoption in June.

This year’s process began with a Budget Committee meeting on January 14 where the committee heard about the updated Five-Year Financial Forecast. Starting in April, the Budget Committee will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium to consider the city manager’s proposal and any changes they want to make before sending their recommendation to the city council.

Meeting dates are:

• April 15, 2026
• April 22, 2026
• April 29, 2026
• May 6, 2026
• May 13, 2026 (alternate date)

Levy Investment Supports Services

Levy funding has helped restore services that residents identified as priorities. The levy allowed the City to restore and adjust Salem Public Library hours at the Main and West Salem branches based on information gathered from our community through a public survey. The levy also helped maintain recreation and Center 50+ activities, as well as ongoing operations in Salem’s 90-plus parks.

On May 20, 2025, Salem voters approved a five-year local option levy to fund key community services. This property tax increase is expected to generate a projected total of $76,372,000 over five years. The measure costs property owners $0.98 per $1,000 of assessed property value (not market value). The owner of a typical home assessed at $224,000 would pay about $18.33 per month or about $220 per year, from Fiscal year 2026-2030.

The City encourages community members to stay engaged as the budget process continues and additional budget resources are shared in the coming months.

# # #

Good News For Protecting Salem’s Drinking Water Supply - 02/09/26

• Preparations advance to protect Salem’s drinking water in face of planned deep drawdowns of Detroit Reservoir
• More resiliency measures in place, including connecting to Keizer’s water supply in case of emergency
• Test of second connection to Keizer water supply surpasses expectations

More about the Detroit Reservoir and Deep Drawdowns