Editors: Please note that this copy of the press release contains a corrected link to the Community Report.
Salem, Ore. – The 2024 Community Report highlights the City of Salem’s efforts to boost services for current and future residents, improve our environment, and support the local economy.
The main focus this year is on maintaining infrastructure and services. Since the 2008 recession, and through COVID, funding daily operations has been challenging. Progress has been made on projects approved by voters in the 2022 Community Improvement Bond, which supports needs like fire engines, street upgrades, parks, affordable housing, and shelters.
The City also focused on reducing costs, looking at process and performance auditing. Also in 2024, the Revenue Task Force looked at ideas for how to fund ongoing City operations that rely on the General Fund, including police, fire, library services, parks and recreation, senior services, and support for those in need.
The City also used grant funding for City Council and community priorities, such as:
- McGilchrist Complete Street: $13. 2 million from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT)
- New Pedestrian Connections and other street-related work: $11.7 million from USDOT
- Riverfront Park Playground: $750,000 from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Community engagement remains a priority, with efforts to improve transparency and trust. City staff are increasing participation through outreach and promotion of volunteer involvement in neighborhood associations and advisory boards. The City’s one-stop Customer Service Center also makes it easier to access services, while online streaming of meetings in Spanish and American Sign Language helps the community understand City processes.
The Community Report covers various initiatives to enhance Salem, such as:
- Community Violence Reduction
- Downtown Revitalization
- Salem in Motion, the update to the Transportation Systems Plan
- Housing Production Strategy
This report plays a key role in the City Council’s annual work plan and budget, providing a glimpse of our achievements this year and our plans for the future. Find more information about Salem projects and plans in the City’s Shaping Salem’s Future web section.
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