Traffic Alert: Street Closure Planned For One-Day Event Near Capitol Mall On May 17 -05/14/25

• Road closures and lane restrictions are expected surrounding the Capitol Mall
• Drivers should use extra caution in response to increased pedestrian traffic in the area
• The permitted event is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. May 17

Salem, Ore. — Street closures for an event near the Oregon State Capitol Mall on Saturday, May 17, will affect midday traffic. Permitted street closures for the event will include parts of Center Street NE between Cottage Street NE and Capitol Street NE from 2-4 p.m.

Drivers will see more pedestrians in the area and may experience delays. Temporary signs will show which roads are closed and where lanes are restricted.  Drivers should plan ahead, take different routes and drive carefully.

Closure Details

• Date: Saturday, May 17
• Time: 2-4 p.m.
• Affected Streets: Center Street NE, Chemeketa Street NE, Court Street NE, Cottage Street NE, Capitol Street NE and Winter St NE, all in the vicinity of the Oregon State Capitol and Capitol Mall.
• Details: Streets inside the area bordered by Center, Cottage, Court and Capitol streets will have full or partial closures. These closures will allow the event to take place and keep participants and visitors safe.
   

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

Those with questions or comments should contact the City of Salem’s Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.

Eastbound Traffic Closed On McGilchrist Street SE Through End Of 2025 -05/13/25

SALEM, Ore. — Drivers who use McGilchrist Street SE should be aware that eastbound traffic is closed through the end of the year between 22nd Street SE and 25th Street SE.

Local access will be available to all residences and businesses in the area. Signs pointing to traffic detours will be in place. Drivers are advised to watch for traffic signs and follow all instructions from crews working in the area.

This work is part of the McGilchrist Complete Street Project, Phase 2 construction. The cost is funded by the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, federal funds, urban renewal and other City funds.

The McGilchrist Complete Street project will transform the current two-lane arterial into a street that provides the necessary elements to support safe movement of goods and people by truck, rail, car, foot and bicycle. People will be able to use this corridor to support economic development in a sustainable manner while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, flooding concerns and improving the water quality for Pringle Creek. Learn more at https://salemor.gov/3ERFbED.

The McGilchrist Street SE eastbound closure will include travel lanes and parking spaces in the construction zone. 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: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/.

State Street, 25th Street SE Intersection To See Construction Through October -05/13/25

SALEM, Ore. — Construction activities will impact traffic around the intersection of State and 25^th streets SE through October of this year.

Activities for a Capital Improvement Project began May 12 at that intersection and are expected to continue intermittently through October. Traffic control will be set up to the east and west along State Street and south along 25th Street SE.

The project includes construction of accessible curb ramps and sidewalk, installation of a pedestrian island, modification and extension of an existing median island and signal improvements. This safety-oriented project is intended to reduce vehicle crashes, increase pedestrian visibility and bring the intersection up to current ADA standards.

This project is funded through Oregon Department of Transportation All Roads Transportation Safety Program, with the City’s match share coming from State Gas Tax Revenue.  

For more information about City of Salem Capital Improvements, see https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/capital-improvements.

Some night work will be necessary to complete this project. Pedestrians and drivers should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic-control signage.

Salem's Proposed Budget Advances To City Council -05/09/25

Salem, Ore. – On May 7, 2025, the City of Salem Budget Committee advanced the Interim City Manager's proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget to the Salem City Council.  The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget begins on July 1, 2025, and addresses the $13.8 million budget shortfall in funding for Salem Public Library, parks, recreation programs and Center 50+, and other General Fund programs.  Salem’s City Council will next pick up the FY26 Budget on June 9, 2025.
 

“This isn’t a fair budget—but it is impartial,” said Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. “It reflects the hard truth of our financial reality and the difficult situation we are in. The choices we face are not about one service being more important than another—it’s a response to a financial crisis, shaped by community priorities, that demanded hard, imperfect tradeoffs. I am deeply saddened by the impact this proposal has on the dedicated staff whose jobs are affected and on the community members who are losing access to essential services they rely on. I’m grateful to the Budget Committee for their thoughtful leadership, and to our community and staff for their resilience as we navigate this crisis together.”
 

The Budget Committee’s work began April 16, 2025 and continued through May 7, 2025.  The Committee considered in-person testimony and in writing sharing how these services have positively impacted their lives and voicing concerns over the potential cuts.  The Committee also held public hearings on Capital Improvement Fund and projects, and State Shared revenues discussed.  At each meeting, the City provided responses to questions.  All the Budget Committee’s materials, and the Proposed FY26 Budget, are available on the City’s website.
 

What Happens Next?

Salem City Council picks up the FY26 Budget on June 9, 2025.  The proposed budget balances costs with available revenues.  It does not account for the possibility of revenues from a proposed five-year local option levy. The City will also continue pursuing new revenue opportunities, identifying efficiencies and finding cost savings, including direct engagement with the State of Oregon to pursue funding support for public safety services to State facilities.
 

Local Option Levy. The local option levy will appear on Salem voters' ballots for the special election taking place on May 20, 2025.  When the outcome of the levy is known, if it passes, the Salem Budget Committee will reconvene to consider amendments to the FY26 Budget.
 

If the measure passes, the property tax revenue generated would be placed in a dedicated and protected account overseen by a committee to ensure that the revenue is used only for purposes outlined in the measure, including:

• Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services.
• Operation of Center 50+ classes, activities, outreach services, and support services.
• Recreation programming, including youth day camps, youth sports, and community events.
• Management and maintenance of more than 90 parks, including facilities, playgrounds, splash fountains, sports fields, trails, and more.

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CORRECTION: Traffic Alert: Street Closure Planned For One-Day Event Near Capitol Mall On Thursday, May 1 -04/24/25

• Road closures and lane restrictions are expected surrounding the Capitol Mall.
• Drivers should use extra caution in response to increased pedestrian traffic in the area.
• The permitted event in the public right-of-way is scheduled from 1 – 2:30 p.m. May 1.

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is alerting the public about street closures related to a planned one-day event 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 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
 

Drivers should 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: Thursday, May 1, 2025
• Time: 1 – 2:30 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.

If you have comments or questions, please contact the Public Works Department’s Public Information Office at jproberts@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6211 ext. 7630.

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What’s Next For The City Of Salem Budget? -04/18/25

• Comment on Capital Improvement Plan at April 23 meeting
• Hear report on efficiency and effectiveness on April 21

Salem, Ore. – On April 16, the City of Salem Budget Committee started its discussion of the Interim City Manager's proposed budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year. The discussion focused on plans to address a $13.8 million budget shortfall.

In the three stories below, we will recap the last budget meeting and preview two upcoming meetings that are important to the budget process:

1. Monday, April 21, 6 p.m. - Work session on Efficiency and Effectiveness measures aimed at making the most of our resources.
2. Wednesday, April 23, 6 p.m. - Budget Committee meeting where the budget conversation continues

All of these meetings will be available for viewing on YouTube.
 

April 16 Budget Committee: Community Services Face Deep Cuts

At the April 16 Budget Committee meeting, the focus was on the big impact of potential cuts to Salem’s community services, including the Salem Public Library, parks, recreation programs and Center 50+, among others.

“This is an incredibly difficult moment for our community, staff and everyone here tonight,” said Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. “Every reduction reflects people, programs, unmet service needs and the values we deeply care about. These are not the choices we wanted to make, but this is the reality in front of us.”

The cuts stem from a $13.8 million shortfall projected for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. As required by state law, the Interim City Manager proposed a balanced budget.

Recent cost-saving measures and one-time revenues reduced the gap and saved 41 full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs. However, the Proposed Budget still included significant reductions and could result in the loss of 51 additional FTE positions; 37 of these positions are filled and represent people and their livelihoods.

The cuts identified to balance the budget were made based on data gathered from the 2024 Revenue Task Force, polls and surveys that consistently ranked public safety as the community’s top priority.

The proposed budget does not account for the possibility of revenues from a local option levy on the May 20 special election ballot. If the levy passes, property tax revenue will be dedicated to preserving these services. If it fails, services will not continue at current levels of service.

Community members at the meeting shared how these services have positively impacted their lives and expressed frustration over the potential cuts. Library advocates also questioned the viability of deep cuts in staffing and hours.

Budget Committee members also raised questions on topics, including the what Library schedule would be like with 20 hours per week and the impact of a nearly 30% cut to the parks and recreation budget, which would end most City-sponsored recreation programs and reduce park maintenance.  The City will provide responses to some of these questions at the April 23 Budget Committee meeting.
 

Council Work Session Focuses on Efficiency and Effectiveness

The Salem City Council will hold a work session on Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers to hear a report on performance auditing. The City Council’s Finance Committee regularly evaluates priorities for the City’s performance auditing program and provides periodic updates to the full Council. In September 2024, the committee identified key focus areas, including:

• Savings in the General Fund
• Efficiencies and cost savings by program budget and employee count
• Potential enterprise-wide impacts
• Alignment with the City’s strategic goals and Council priorities
• Negative impacts on other programs or services
• Legal mandates

For more details, visit the City’s Efficiency and Effectiveness Measures webpage.
 

Comment on the Capital Improvement Plan at April 23 Budget Committee Meeting

The Wednesday, April 23, Budget Committee meeting will start at 6 p.m. in Counciil Chambers The meeting will provide a chance to comment during a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

The Capital Improvement Plan is a five-year forecast that identifies major (capital) projects requiring the use of public funds over and above routine annual operating expenses.

A capital project creates, improves, replaces, repairs or permanently adds to City assets including land, site improvements, parks, buildings, streets, bike paths, bridges, utility improvements, major equipment, computer hardware and communication systems purchases.

The Capital Improvement Fund document and resources online can provide information about upcoming projects.
 
The Budget Committee will also review Strong and Diverse Economy, Urban Renewal Agency, Safe Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure result areas.
 
The Budget Committee will resume its work on April 30 and May 7.  

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