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News Release

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 12th 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.

 

# # #

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 12th 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.

 

# # #

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.

 

# # #

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.

 

# # #

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

Salem, Ore. – Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi today announced the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Trevor Womack. 
 
After over 34 years in law enforcement and more than five years serving the Salem community, Chief Womack informed me of his decision to retire as chief of police, effective May 22, 2026.
 
Chief Womack joined the Salem Police Department in December 2020 during a time of significant pressure and uncertainty for law enforcement and our community. His leadership through challenges and opportunities has laid a solid foundation for the agency's future. 
 
One of Chief Womack’s signature achievements has been leading the development and execution of the department’s first public strategic plan, which set clear goals to enhance community safety, build police-community trust, and strive for excellence.
 
Under his leadership, the department has:
  • 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
 
These accomplishments reflect significant progress toward the department’s goals and demonstrate a commitment to modern, community-focused policing.
 
Like many departments across the country, Salem has faced ongoing staffing challenges. Chief Womack worked diligently to maintain essential public safety services while advocating for resources to support officers and the community.
 
Throughout his tenure, Chief Womack emphasized effective communications, internally and with the community. His commitment to open communication with the public and the media meant regularly sharing departmental information and directly addressing difficult or unexpected questions. Beyond public communication, his leadership was characterized by active listening, seeking input, and fostering collaboration throughout the department.
 
“On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated Chief Womack’s analytical approach and intellectual curiosity. Every conversation with him yielded thoughtful suggestions and new ways to serve our community,” said City Manager Namburi. Regarding his leadership, she added, “He embraced the City of Salem, this community, and his staff, making Salem his home and always striving to build trust and do what is right for the community. He has been a strong team member and leader in our Leadership Team and One City approach, particularly during the development of the Safe, Clean, Healthy Salem initiative, where his enterprise-wide solutions were invaluable. I will miss these conversations and his thoughtful leadership and partnership.”
 
Of his retirement, Chief Womack noted, “Serving this department and community has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Salem welcomed me from day one, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together: stronger partnerships, a clear strategic direction, and a department committed to safety, trust, and excellence in everything we do.”
 
To ensure continuity and stability in the department, Assistant Chief Brandon Ditto will serve as interim police chief for at least six months following Chief Womack’s retirement. During this time, we will assess the needs of the Salem Police Department and the community to determine the most appropriate path forward for permanent leadership.
 
“Please join me in thanking Chief Womack for his service, leadership, and dedication to Salem, and in wishing him the very best in his retirement,” concluded the city manager.

Attached Media Files: Shaping the future: Chief Trevor Womack seated in front of a visual for the department's first public strategic plan, which set clear goals to enhance community safety, build police-community trust and strive for excellence.,

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

Salem, Ore. – Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi today announced the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Trevor Womack. 
 
After over 34 years in law enforcement and more than five years serving the Salem community, Chief Womack informed me of his decision to retire as chief of police, effective May 22, 2026.
 
Chief Womack joined the Salem Police Department in December 2020 during a time of significant pressure and uncertainty for law enforcement and our community. His leadership through challenges and opportunities has laid a solid foundation for the agency's future. 
 
One of Chief Womack’s signature achievements has been leading the development and execution of the department’s first public strategic plan, which set clear goals to enhance community safety, build police-community trust, and strive for excellence.
 
Under his leadership, the department has:
  • 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
 
These accomplishments reflect significant progress toward the department’s goals and demonstrate a commitment to modern, community-focused policing.
 
Like many departments across the country, Salem has faced ongoing staffing challenges. Chief Womack worked diligently to maintain essential public safety services while advocating for resources to support officers and the community.
 
Throughout his tenure, Chief Womack emphasized effective communications, internally and with the community. His commitment to open communication with the public and the media meant regularly sharing departmental information and directly addressing difficult or unexpected questions. Beyond public communication, his leadership was characterized by active listening, seeking input, and fostering collaboration throughout the department.
 
“On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated Chief Womack’s analytical approach and intellectual curiosity. Every conversation with him yielded thoughtful suggestions and new ways to serve our community,” said City Manager Namburi. Regarding his leadership, she added, “He embraced the City of Salem, this community, and his staff, making Salem his home and always striving to build trust and do what is right for the community. He has been a strong team member and leader in our Leadership Team and One City approach, particularly during the development of the Safe, Clean, Healthy Salem initiative, where his enterprise-wide solutions were invaluable. I will miss these conversations and his thoughtful leadership and partnership.”
 
Of his retirement, Chief Womack noted, “Serving this department and community has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Salem welcomed me from day one, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together: stronger partnerships, a clear strategic direction, and a department committed to safety, trust, and excellence in everything we do.”
 
To ensure continuity and stability in the department, Assistant Chief Brandon Ditto will serve as interim police chief for at least six months following Chief Womack’s retirement. During this time, we will assess the needs of the Salem Police Department and the community to determine the most appropriate path forward for permanent leadership.
 
“Please join me in thanking Chief Womack for his service, leadership, and dedication to Salem, and in wishing him the very best in his retirement,” concluded the city manager.

Attached Media Files: Shaping the future: Chief Trevor Womack seated in front of a visual for the department's first public strategic plan, which set clear goals to enhance community safety, build police-community trust and strive for excellence.,

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.

Attached Media Files: High Street Speed Cushion,

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.

Attached Media Files: High Street Speed Cushion,

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.

# # #

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 (5th floor). For more information about activities and fee waivers, go to www.cityofsalem.net/activities.

 

# # #

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 (5th 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-

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!

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