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News Release

Rescheduled: Minto Island Road SW Closed For Utility Replacement On May 5 (Photo) - 05/04/26

TRAFFIC ALERT

The Minto Island Road Closure was rescheduled by PGE until Tuesday, May 5.

 

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2026; 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
 

Location: Minto Island Rd SW in Minto-Brown Island Park (road will be closed beyond Parking Lot 1, no vehicle access to Parking Lots 2 & 3)
 

Road Closure: PGE will replace a utility service pole in Minto-Brown Island Park that will require closure of Minto Island Road SW beyond Parking Lot 1. While Parking Lot 1 will be accessible to vehicle parking, Parking Lots 2 & 3 will be inaccessible to all vehicle traffic for the duration of the work.
 

Additional vehicle parking for Minto-Brown Island Park will be available at Parking Lot 4 on Homestead Road as well as Riverfront Park.
 

CAUTION: Pedestrians and cyclists should use caution when traveling the area near construction.  For public safety, please follow signage and utility crew instructions.

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.
 

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. https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

Attached Media Files: Minto Island Road SW will be closed beyond Parking Lot 1 making Parking Lots 2 and 3 inaccessible to vehicle traffic and parking., Minto Island Road SW will be closed beyond Parking Lot 1 for utility replacement construction.,

Rescheduled: Minto Island Road SW Closed For Utility Replacement On May 5 (Photo) - 05/04/26

TRAFFIC ALERT

The Minto Island Road Closure was rescheduled by PGE until Tuesday, May 5.

 

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2026; 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
 

Location: Minto Island Rd SW in Minto-Brown Island Park (road will be closed beyond Parking Lot 1, no vehicle access to Parking Lots 2 & 3)
 

Road Closure: PGE will replace a utility service pole in Minto-Brown Island Park that will require closure of Minto Island Road SW beyond Parking Lot 1. While Parking Lot 1 will be accessible to vehicle parking, Parking Lots 2 & 3 will be inaccessible to all vehicle traffic for the duration of the work.
 

Additional vehicle parking for Minto-Brown Island Park will be available at Parking Lot 4 on Homestead Road as well as Riverfront Park.
 

CAUTION: Pedestrians and cyclists should use caution when traveling the area near construction.  For public safety, please follow signage and utility crew instructions.

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.
 

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. https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

Attached Media Files: Minto Island Road SW will be closed beyond Parking Lot 1 making Parking Lots 2 and 3 inaccessible to vehicle traffic and parking., Minto Island Road SW will be closed beyond Parking Lot 1 for utility replacement construction.,

Salem Residents Invited To Share Experiences In Annual Community Belonging Survey (Photo) - 05/04/26

Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem’s Human Rights Commission, in partnership with Western Oregon University, has launched its annual Community Belonging Survey and encourages all community members to participate.
 

The survey, open now through May 12, 2026, asks Salem community members about their experiences with discrimination and sense of belonging, as well as perceptions of welcoming. 

 

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, especially when it comes to decisions that shape their community,” said Robert Marshall, chair of the Salem Human Rights Commission. “This survey helps ensure that people across Salem, including those whose voices are often underrepresented, can share their experiences concerning belonging to and in this community.”

 

Since 2020, the commission has partnered with graduate students in Western Oregon University’s Organizational Leadership program to collect and analyze this data. The findings are an additional tool to help the city better understand community needs and guide recommendations to Salem’s City Council.

 

About the Survey

 

The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. It is open to anyone who lives in or regularly spends time in Salem and is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chuukese and Marshallese. Targeted outreach is conducted to ensure participation from communities that are often underrepresented in traditional surveys, including individuals experiencing homelessness.

 

Community participation is essential to ensure that the results reflect the full diversity of Salem’s population. We are especially interested in hearing from communities whose voices are often underrepresented in traditional surveys.

 

Take the survey here: bit.ly/hrcbelonging

 

For more information about the City of Salem’s Human Rights Commission and its work, please visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/boards-commissions/salem-human-rights-commission

Attached Media Files: Jordan Greenwood (WOU Student) and Professor Marianne Bradshaw invite people to share their opinions and experiences in the 2025 Community Belonging Survey., 2026 Community Belonging Survey social media post.,

Salem Residents Invited To Share Experiences In Annual Community Belonging Survey (Photo) - 05/04/26

Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem’s Human Rights Commission, in partnership with Western Oregon University, has launched its annual Community Belonging Survey and encourages all community members to participate.
 

The survey, open now through May 12, 2026, asks Salem community members about their experiences with discrimination and sense of belonging, as well as perceptions of welcoming. 

 

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, especially when it comes to decisions that shape their community,” said Robert Marshall, chair of the Salem Human Rights Commission. “This survey helps ensure that people across Salem, including those whose voices are often underrepresented, can share their experiences concerning belonging to and in this community.”

 

Since 2020, the commission has partnered with graduate students in Western Oregon University’s Organizational Leadership program to collect and analyze this data. The findings are an additional tool to help the city better understand community needs and guide recommendations to Salem’s City Council.

 

About the Survey

 

The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. It is open to anyone who lives in or regularly spends time in Salem and is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chuukese and Marshallese. Targeted outreach is conducted to ensure participation from communities that are often underrepresented in traditional surveys, including individuals experiencing homelessness.

 

Community participation is essential to ensure that the results reflect the full diversity of Salem’s population. We are especially interested in hearing from communities whose voices are often underrepresented in traditional surveys.

 

Take the survey here: bit.ly/hrcbelonging

 

For more information about the City of Salem’s Human Rights Commission and its work, please visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/boards-commissions/salem-human-rights-commission

Attached Media Files: Jordan Greenwood (WOU Student) and Professor Marianne Bradshaw invite people to share their opinions and experiences in the 2025 Community Belonging Survey., 2026 Community Belonging Survey social media post.,

Street Closures Planned For May 1 Event Near Capitol Mall (Photo) - 04/30/26

Salem, Ore. — Street closures are planned related to a one-day event Friday, May 1, near the Oregon State Capitol Mall. Permitted street closures for the event will include portions of State Street NE and Center Street NE between Cottage Street NE and 12th Street NE, and Church Street NE between Center and State streets. The closures will be in effect from 12:30-3 p.m.

 

Expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place. Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the listed event times. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

 

Closure Details

  • Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Time: 12:30-3 p.m.
  • Affected Streets: Center Street NE, Chemeketa Street NE, Court Street NE, State Street NE, Cottage Street NE, Capitol Street NE, Church Street NE, 12th Street NE and Waverly Street NE, all in the vicinity of the Oregon State Capitol and Capitol Mall
  • Details: Full or partial street closures will be in effect in the area bordered by Center, Cottage, State, Waverly and Capitol streets northeast; this will accommodate the permitted activities and ensure the safety of all participants and visitors

 

The City of Salem appreciates your cooperation and patience during this event and is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Attached Media Files: May 1 Road Closure Map,

Street Closures Planned For May 1 Event Near Capitol Mall (Photo) - 04/30/26

Salem, Ore. — Street closures are planned related to a one-day event Friday, May 1, near the Oregon State Capitol Mall. Permitted street closures for the event will include portions of State Street NE and Center Street NE between Cottage Street NE and 12th Street NE, and Church Street NE between Center and State streets. The closures will be in effect from 12:30-3 p.m.

 

Expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place. Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the listed event times. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

 

Closure Details

  • Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Time: 12:30-3 p.m.
  • Affected Streets: Center Street NE, Chemeketa Street NE, Court Street NE, State Street NE, Cottage Street NE, Capitol Street NE, Church Street NE, 12th Street NE and Waverly Street NE, all in the vicinity of the Oregon State Capitol and Capitol Mall
  • Details: Full or partial street closures will be in effect in the area bordered by Center, Cottage, State, Waverly and Capitol streets northeast; this will accommodate the permitted activities and ensure the safety of all participants and visitors

 

The City of Salem appreciates your cooperation and patience during this event and is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Attached Media Files: May 1 Road Closure Map,

City Of Salem Recognizes National Fentanyl Awareness Day And Announces New Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit (Photo) - 04/29/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

City of Salem Recognizes National Fentanyl Awareness Day and Announces New Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit
 

Salem, Ore – The City of Salem is proud to join communities across the nation in recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29, 2026. This day serves as a critical reminder of the devastating impact illicit fentanyl has on individuals, families and communities and underscores the importance of collective action to address this crisis.
 

The City recently launched an engagement to identify potential partners and gaps through the Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to strengthen the community’s response to substance use in Salem, including the fentanyl crisis.
 

“Fentanyl has touched the lives of so many in our community, and we must act with urgency and compassion to address this growing crisis,” said Krishna Namburi, Salem’s city manager. “The Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit is a vital step forward in our City’s efforts to save lives, support recovery and ensure the safety of our community.”
 

This toolkit will assist local leaders, service providers and regional partners in:

  • Mapping the System: Providing a clear understanding of the local landscape across prevention, treatment and enforcement efforts
  • Identifying Roles and Service Gaps: Highlighting areas where additional resources or services are needed to better support individuals and families impacted by fentanyl
  • Convening Regional Partners: Facilitating collaboration among public safety, healthcare and community organizations to create a unified and effective response.

The Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit reflects Salem’s commitment to addressing substance use in our community through a balanced and coordinated approach that prioritizes prevention, ensures access to treatment and strengthens enforcement efforts.
 

This work is aligned with Salem’s April 27 Proclamation for National Fentanyl Awareness Day, reaffirming Salem’s dedication to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting those impacted by substance use disorders. The proclamation calls on all community members to join in the fight against fentanyl-related harm and noted, “Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and even a small amount can cause fatal overdoses, making it one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths in the United States.”
 

We encourage residents to learn more about the risks associated with fentanyl and the resources available to those in need. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and safer Salem for all.
 

###

Attached Media Files: REACH team members receive National Fentanyl Awareness Day proclamation from Councilor Paul Tigan, City of Salem Councilors recognize the work of the REACH team prior to National Fentanyl Awareness Day,

City Of Salem Recognizes National Fentanyl Awareness Day And Announces New Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit (Photo) - 04/29/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

City of Salem Recognizes National Fentanyl Awareness Day and Announces New Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit
 

Salem, Ore – The City of Salem is proud to join communities across the nation in recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29, 2026. This day serves as a critical reminder of the devastating impact illicit fentanyl has on individuals, families and communities and underscores the importance of collective action to address this crisis.
 

The City recently launched an engagement to identify potential partners and gaps through the Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to strengthen the community’s response to substance use in Salem, including the fentanyl crisis.
 

“Fentanyl has touched the lives of so many in our community, and we must act with urgency and compassion to address this growing crisis,” said Krishna Namburi, Salem’s city manager. “The Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit is a vital step forward in our City’s efforts to save lives, support recovery and ensure the safety of our community.”
 

This toolkit will assist local leaders, service providers and regional partners in:

  • Mapping the System: Providing a clear understanding of the local landscape across prevention, treatment and enforcement efforts
  • Identifying Roles and Service Gaps: Highlighting areas where additional resources or services are needed to better support individuals and families impacted by fentanyl
  • Convening Regional Partners: Facilitating collaboration among public safety, healthcare and community organizations to create a unified and effective response.

The Prevent, Treat, Enforce Toolkit reflects Salem’s commitment to addressing substance use in our community through a balanced and coordinated approach that prioritizes prevention, ensures access to treatment and strengthens enforcement efforts.
 

This work is aligned with Salem’s April 27 Proclamation for National Fentanyl Awareness Day, reaffirming Salem’s dedication to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting those impacted by substance use disorders. The proclamation calls on all community members to join in the fight against fentanyl-related harm and noted, “Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and even a small amount can cause fatal overdoses, making it one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths in the United States.”
 

We encourage residents to learn more about the risks associated with fentanyl and the resources available to those in need. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and safer Salem for all.
 

###

Attached Media Files: REACH team members receive National Fentanyl Awareness Day proclamation from Councilor Paul Tigan, City of Salem Councilors recognize the work of the REACH team prior to National Fentanyl Awareness Day,

Crooked House Playground Reopens Ahead Of Schedule; Riverfront Park Playground To Reopen In July - 04/23/26

  • The Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park is now open with new playground surface
  • The temporarily closed Riverfront Park playground is on track to reopen in July
  • Other parks throughout the city provide opportunities to come out and play!

 

Salem, Ore. — Salem residents are encouraged to come out and play at the reopened Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park.

 

Due to hard work and favorable weather, the Crooked House playground has reopened ahead of schedule, making an additional play space available for area children.

New Ground at Playground

The playground at Bush’s Pasture Park closed for construction earlier this month and reopened April 21. The closure allowed for replacement of the playground surface with synthetic grass similar to the material to be installed at Riverfront Park as part of the larger playground improvement.
 
This installation represents the first use of playground-specific synthetic turf in Salem’s park system. The system is different from typical sports turf, as it is designed to cushion falls and provide a smoother, more accessible play surface for children of many abilities.

 

The new playground turf at the Crooked House includes Envirofill infill, a coated sand specifically designed for playground use which is safe for children. Its rounded grains help maintain a stable, well-draining surface for play while antimicrobial protection helps keep the material clean and durable over time.

Riverfront Park Playground Construction Rushes Forward, Makes Waves

Riverfront Park’s playground, which was also closed for construction earlier in April, is now expected to reopen in July. To keep the south park restrooms open during construction, contractors have moved the construction fencing around the site to provide access.

 

Equipment removed from the former play structures at Riverfront Park is currently being retained for potential future use. Because these structures were manufactured by the same company that made many of Salem’s other playgrounds, the parts are compatible with existing equipment across the city. This allows Parks and Recreation staff to repurpose parts in good condition to repair or maintain other playgrounds, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Any materials that could not be repurposed are being responsibly recycled to the fullest extent possible.

 

Skip, Swing and Slide All Over Salem

Throughout construction, playgrounds at Bush’s Pasture Park (Lower Leffelle, near Phillips’ Field), McKay Park, Orchard Heights Park, River Road Park, Wallace Marine Park and Woodmansee Park will remain open. In addition, you can find a neighborhood park with a playground near you from our Find a Park webpage: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do/parks/find-a-park. 

Crooked House Playground Reopens Ahead Of Schedule; Riverfront Park Playground To Reopen In July - 04/23/26

  • The Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park is now open with new playground surface
  • The temporarily closed Riverfront Park playground is on track to reopen in July
  • Other parks throughout the city provide opportunities to come out and play!

 

Salem, Ore. — Salem residents are encouraged to come out and play at the reopened Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park.

 

Due to hard work and favorable weather, the Crooked House playground has reopened ahead of schedule, making an additional play space available for area children.

New Ground at Playground

The playground at Bush’s Pasture Park closed for construction earlier this month and reopened April 21. The closure allowed for replacement of the playground surface with synthetic grass similar to the material to be installed at Riverfront Park as part of the larger playground improvement.
 
This installation represents the first use of playground-specific synthetic turf in Salem’s park system. The system is different from typical sports turf, as it is designed to cushion falls and provide a smoother, more accessible play surface for children of many abilities.

 

The new playground turf at the Crooked House includes Envirofill infill, a coated sand specifically designed for playground use which is safe for children. Its rounded grains help maintain a stable, well-draining surface for play while antimicrobial protection helps keep the material clean and durable over time.

Riverfront Park Playground Construction Rushes Forward, Makes Waves

Riverfront Park’s playground, which was also closed for construction earlier in April, is now expected to reopen in July. To keep the south park restrooms open during construction, contractors have moved the construction fencing around the site to provide access.

 

Equipment removed from the former play structures at Riverfront Park is currently being retained for potential future use. Because these structures were manufactured by the same company that made many of Salem’s other playgrounds, the parts are compatible with existing equipment across the city. This allows Parks and Recreation staff to repurpose parts in good condition to repair or maintain other playgrounds, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Any materials that could not be repurposed are being responsibly recycled to the fullest extent possible.

 

Skip, Swing and Slide All Over Salem

Throughout construction, playgrounds at Bush’s Pasture Park (Lower Leffelle, near Phillips’ Field), McKay Park, Orchard Heights Park, River Road Park, Wallace Marine Park and Woodmansee Park will remain open. In addition, you can find a neighborhood park with a playground near you from our Find a Park webpage: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do/parks/find-a-park. 

Celebrate Historic Preservation Month In Salem - 04/10/26

Events and Activities Celebrate Local History

 

Salem, Ore. – May is Historic Preservation Month, and the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission is hosting several events and activities to celebrate Salem's history including walking tours, educational events and a historic photo contest.
 

How to Participate

Local Historic Preservation Month activities include:

  • Historic Landmarks Commission ‘Hidden History’ Photo Contest Annual city-wide contest invites photographers to photograph buildings, features and places that are important to Salem’s history. Submissions are due by April 30.
     
  • April 29 – May 2 Oregon Heritage Conference ‘Weaving Community Heritage’ in Woodburn Conference focuses on all sectors of cultural heritage, such as historic preservation, museums, archives, libraries, Main Streets, historic cemeteries, archaeology, Tribes, genealogy, public history and local, state and federal government. Learn more online.
     
  • May 9, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Window Workshop at Pringle Community Hall Workshop focuses on repair and preservation of historic wood windows. Window experts will provide demonstrations and answer questions. Ideal for homeowners, preservation professionals, contractors, or those interested in learning traditional restoration techniques. Free event. Register online.
     
  • May 14, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Downtown Walking Tour Informative walking tour of downtown Salem to learn about the hidden history behind Salem’s commercial and theater district. Free event. Register online.
     
  • May 27, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Willamette Heritage Center Speaker Series Historical Preservation Presentation by Charles F. Sams II ‘By Understanding Our Past, We Better Understand Ourselves: Preserving Our History & Stories for Generations to Come’. $12/person. Purchase tickets online.
     

Learn More

For more information about historic preservation in Salem, visit the Historic Landmarks Commission web page or call 503-540-2417.

 

# # #

Celebrate Historic Preservation Month In Salem - 04/10/26

Events and Activities Celebrate Local History

 

Salem, Ore. – May is Historic Preservation Month, and the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission is hosting several events and activities to celebrate Salem's history including walking tours, educational events and a historic photo contest.
 

How to Participate

Local Historic Preservation Month activities include:

  • Historic Landmarks Commission ‘Hidden History’ Photo Contest Annual city-wide contest invites photographers to photograph buildings, features and places that are important to Salem’s history. Submissions are due by April 30.
     
  • April 29 – May 2 Oregon Heritage Conference ‘Weaving Community Heritage’ in Woodburn Conference focuses on all sectors of cultural heritage, such as historic preservation, museums, archives, libraries, Main Streets, historic cemeteries, archaeology, Tribes, genealogy, public history and local, state and federal government. Learn more online.
     
  • May 9, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Window Workshop at Pringle Community Hall Workshop focuses on repair and preservation of historic wood windows. Window experts will provide demonstrations and answer questions. Ideal for homeowners, preservation professionals, contractors, or those interested in learning traditional restoration techniques. Free event. Register online.
     
  • May 14, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Downtown Walking Tour Informative walking tour of downtown Salem to learn about the hidden history behind Salem’s commercial and theater district. Free event. Register online.
     
  • May 27, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Willamette Heritage Center Speaker Series Historical Preservation Presentation by Charles F. Sams II ‘By Understanding Our Past, We Better Understand Ourselves: Preserving Our History & Stories for Generations to Come’. $12/person. Purchase tickets online.
     

Learn More

For more information about historic preservation in Salem, visit the Historic Landmarks Commission web page or call 503-540-2417.

 

# # #

Salem Presents FY27 Proposed Budget: Advancing Financial Stability And Community Priorities - 04/10/26

Salem, Ore. – On April 15, 2026, the City of Salem Budget Committee begins its review of the City Manager's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget. The proposed budget reflects Salem's commitment to innovation and collaboration as it navigates ongoing financial challenges and emerging opportunities.  
 
In releasing her proposed Budget, City Manager Krishna Namburi reflected on the FY27 Budget as "meaningful progress in stabilizing our financial position and addressing structural challenges. It is a testament to what can be achieved when the community, City Council and staff come together to ensure Salem remains a safe, vibrant and livable city."
 

Key Highlights of the FY27 Proposed Budget

  • Long-Term Fiscal Health: In all, the City’s FY27 Proposed Budget represents $816.1 million supporting over 550 specific programs, and is set to begin on July 1, 2026. The budget represents a single fiscal year, developed within the context of the City’s multi-year financial forecast, ensuring our decisions support Salem’s long-term fiscal health. The proposed budget achieves balance through FY 2028 and remains within the City Council’s General Fund balance policy.
  • Community Priorities: The voter-approved 2025 Livability Levy continues to play a critical role in restoring and maintaining library services, protecting parks and recreation and supporting senior programs at Center 50+.
  • Public Safety Focus: The budget prioritizes emergency services, including Police, Fire and 9-1-1 operations, with an operating budget of $225.8 million, representing 27.7 percent of the total budget.
 

Strategic Initiatives for FY 2027

  1. Pilot Programs: The City is expanding its use of pilot programs to test and refine services on a small scale before expanding. For FY2027, the City proposes extending the Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem pilot; implementing a new approach to reduce substance use and enhance community health through Prevent, Treat and Enforce initiative; and piloting downtown community policing funded by paid on-street parking.
  2. Efficiency, Improving Operations and Cost Savings: Building on prior efforts, the City made targeted adjustments and cost containment measures to meet the City Council fund balance policy through FY 2028 by:
    1. Reducing department budgets by a total of $150,000 annually;
    2. Altering positions in the Fire Department to support training capacity and reduce overtime; and 
    3. Adjusting non-represented employee share of health insurance premiums from 5 to 10 percent.
  3. Focus on Communications and Community Engagement: To advance City Council priorities and respond to performance audit findings, the City is making thoughtful adjustments to staffing and organizational structure to strengthen communications, Council support and community engagement.
 

How to Get Involved

The City of Salem invites residents to review the FY27 Proposed Budget and participate in upcoming Budget Committee meetings. The Budget Committee’s work begins April 15, 2026, and continues through May 6, 2026, to form its recommendation to City Council on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget.  
 
The Committee considers testimony — both in-person and in writing — and holds public hearings on Capital Improvement Fund and projects and State Shared revenues. At each meeting, the City provides responses to questions. All the Budget Committee’s materials, and the Proposed FY27 Budget, are available on the City’s website. 
 
Topics the Budget Committee will consider at each meeting include:
 

April 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • City Manager presents Proposed FY 2027 Budget
  • Welcoming and Livable Community, Natural Environmental Stewardship result areas

April 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • Capital Improvement Program public hearing
  • Strong and Diverse Economy and Urban Renewal Agency, Safe Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure result areas

April 29, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • State Revenue Public Hearing 
  • Safe Community, Good Governance result areas

May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • Recommendation of FY 2027 Budget to City Council and Urban Renewal Agency
 
After the Budget Committee completes their work, Salem’s City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the FY27 Budget on June 8, 2026. The City’s website hosts a complete schedule and more information on how you can participate.

Salem Presents FY27 Proposed Budget: Advancing Financial Stability And Community Priorities - 04/10/26

Salem, Ore. – On April 15, 2026, the City of Salem Budget Committee begins its review of the City Manager's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget. The proposed budget reflects Salem's commitment to innovation and collaboration as it navigates ongoing financial challenges and emerging opportunities.  
 
In releasing her proposed Budget, City Manager Krishna Namburi reflected on the FY27 Budget as "meaningful progress in stabilizing our financial position and addressing structural challenges. It is a testament to what can be achieved when the community, City Council and staff come together to ensure Salem remains a safe, vibrant and livable city."
 

Key Highlights of the FY27 Proposed Budget

  • Long-Term Fiscal Health: In all, the City’s FY27 Proposed Budget represents $816.1 million supporting over 550 specific programs, and is set to begin on July 1, 2026. The budget represents a single fiscal year, developed within the context of the City’s multi-year financial forecast, ensuring our decisions support Salem’s long-term fiscal health. The proposed budget achieves balance through FY 2028 and remains within the City Council’s General Fund balance policy.
  • Community Priorities: The voter-approved 2025 Livability Levy continues to play a critical role in restoring and maintaining library services, protecting parks and recreation and supporting senior programs at Center 50+.
  • Public Safety Focus: The budget prioritizes emergency services, including Police, Fire and 9-1-1 operations, with an operating budget of $225.8 million, representing 27.7 percent of the total budget.
 

Strategic Initiatives for FY 2027

  1. Pilot Programs: The City is expanding its use of pilot programs to test and refine services on a small scale before expanding. For FY2027, the City proposes extending the Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem pilot; implementing a new approach to reduce substance use and enhance community health through Prevent, Treat and Enforce initiative; and piloting downtown community policing funded by paid on-street parking.
  2. Efficiency, Improving Operations and Cost Savings: Building on prior efforts, the City made targeted adjustments and cost containment measures to meet the City Council fund balance policy through FY 2028 by:
    1. Reducing department budgets by a total of $150,000 annually;
    2. Altering positions in the Fire Department to support training capacity and reduce overtime; and 
    3. Adjusting non-represented employee share of health insurance premiums from 5 to 10 percent.
  3. Focus on Communications and Community Engagement: To advance City Council priorities and respond to performance audit findings, the City is making thoughtful adjustments to staffing and organizational structure to strengthen communications, Council support and community engagement.
 

How to Get Involved

The City of Salem invites residents to review the FY27 Proposed Budget and participate in upcoming Budget Committee meetings. The Budget Committee’s work begins April 15, 2026, and continues through May 6, 2026, to form its recommendation to City Council on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget.  
 
The Committee considers testimony — both in-person and in writing — and holds public hearings on Capital Improvement Fund and projects and State Shared revenues. At each meeting, the City provides responses to questions. All the Budget Committee’s materials, and the Proposed FY27 Budget, are available on the City’s website. 
 
Topics the Budget Committee will consider at each meeting include:
 

April 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • City Manager presents Proposed FY 2027 Budget
  • Welcoming and Livable Community, Natural Environmental Stewardship result areas

April 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • Capital Improvement Program public hearing
  • Strong and Diverse Economy and Urban Renewal Agency, Safe Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure result areas

April 29, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • State Revenue Public Hearing 
  • Safe Community, Good Governance result areas

May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. 

  • Recommendation of FY 2027 Budget to City Council and Urban Renewal Agency
 
After the Budget Committee completes their work, Salem’s City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the FY27 Budget on June 8, 2026. The City’s website hosts a complete schedule and more information on how you can participate.