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News Release

Salem To Resume Safety-Focused Enforcement Of Sidewalk Signs And Other Temporary Signs Oct. 19 (Photo) - 10/16/26

Outreach, Education Regarding Sign Regulations Continues

  • Temporary signs like sidewalk signs, feather flags, or lawn signs can cause safety issues that distract drivers and impede vision.

  • Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way, which includes places like sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles and planter strips.

  • Enforcement of non-compliant temporary signs resumes in Salem on Mon., Oct. 19, 2026.

  • In January, Salem paused enforcement to address business and community concerns.


Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem will restart safety-focused enforcement of temporary signs on Mon., Oct. 19. Temporary signs include signs in the public right-of-way and on private property such as sidewalk signs, rigid signs, feather flags, lawn signs, pennants and banners.

 

Resuming enforcement of temporary signs will allow the City to better address potential safety issues with non-compliant signs that distract drivers and impede vision, while allowing the City to make process improvements before resuming all aspects of sign code enforcement and education.

 

The pause on temporary sign enforcement began in January 2026 in response to business and community concerns. During the pause, Salem initiated an assessment of its sign code, looking at process improvements and customer service metrics. During this time, staff shifted focus to education and outreach about sign codes in the city.

 

Sign Code Assessment, Recommendations

Salem engaged a performance consulting firm, Baker Tilly, to conduct a Sign Code Process and Customer Service Assessment. 

 

The assessment noted that Salem has an efficient and well-functioning permitting process; a commitment to helping customers achieve code compliance; high levels of resolution of code compliance cases through communication and corrective action; and provides multiple avenues for customer support, including phone, email, in-person assistance, on-site assistance and online resources. Baker Tilly also observed that the City can improve by engaging customers and businesses earlier in the process and providing better guides and website tools to help customers understand sign requirements, permitting expectations and available options before making signage decisions.  

 

The completed assessment recommends actions to improve the permit and enforcement process including updated webpages and resources, consistent customer service standards, strengthening relationships with partner organizations, implementing routine customer feedback and exploring options to engage with businesses earlier in the process. 

 

Work on many of the recommendations has already begun, while implementation of others requires additional time and resources.

 

Learn More About Temporary Signs

Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way in Salem. Public right-of-way includes sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles, planter strips, etc. Signs placed in the right-of-way may be removed by City staff and a retrieval fee may be required prior to the owner claiming the sign.


There is an exception, subject to permits and limitations, for sidewalk signs downtown and in mixed-use zones. Learn more about the type of temporary signs that require permits in Salem.


# # #

Attached Media Files: Example of a temporary sidewalk sign.,

Salem To Resume Safety-Focused Enforcement Of Sidewalk Signs And Other Temporary Signs Oct. 19 (Photo) - 10/16/26

Outreach, Education Regarding Sign Regulations Continues

  • Temporary signs like sidewalk signs, feather flags, or lawn signs can cause safety issues that distract drivers and impede vision.

  • Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way, which includes places like sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles and planter strips.

  • Enforcement of non-compliant temporary signs resumes in Salem on Mon., Oct. 19, 2026.

  • In January, Salem paused enforcement to address business and community concerns.


Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem will restart safety-focused enforcement of temporary signs on Mon., Oct. 19. Temporary signs include signs in the public right-of-way and on private property such as sidewalk signs, rigid signs, feather flags, lawn signs, pennants and banners.

 

Resuming enforcement of temporary signs will allow the City to better address potential safety issues with non-compliant signs that distract drivers and impede vision, while allowing the City to make process improvements before resuming all aspects of sign code enforcement and education.

 

The pause on temporary sign enforcement began in January 2026 in response to business and community concerns. During the pause, Salem initiated an assessment of its sign code, looking at process improvements and customer service metrics. During this time, staff shifted focus to education and outreach about sign codes in the city.

 

Sign Code Assessment, Recommendations

Salem engaged a performance consulting firm, Baker Tilly, to conduct a Sign Code Process and Customer Service Assessment. 

 

The assessment noted that Salem has an efficient and well-functioning permitting process; a commitment to helping customers achieve code compliance; high levels of resolution of code compliance cases through communication and corrective action; and provides multiple avenues for customer support, including phone, email, in-person assistance, on-site assistance and online resources. Baker Tilly also observed that the City can improve by engaging customers and businesses earlier in the process and providing better guides and website tools to help customers understand sign requirements, permitting expectations and available options before making signage decisions.  

 

The completed assessment recommends actions to improve the permit and enforcement process including updated webpages and resources, consistent customer service standards, strengthening relationships with partner organizations, implementing routine customer feedback and exploring options to engage with businesses earlier in the process. 

 

Work on many of the recommendations has already begun, while implementation of others requires additional time and resources.

 

Learn More About Temporary Signs

Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way in Salem. Public right-of-way includes sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles, planter strips, etc. Signs placed in the right-of-way may be removed by City staff and a retrieval fee may be required prior to the owner claiming the sign.


There is an exception, subject to permits and limitations, for sidewalk signs downtown and in mixed-use zones. Learn more about the type of temporary signs that require permits in Salem.


# # #

Attached Media Files: Example of a temporary sidewalk sign.,

Oregon Artist Brings Nature To Salem’s Civic Center With Public Art Installation (Photo) - 10/15/26

Salem, Ore. — When the Salem Civic Center reopens next year following a seismic retrofit, visitors will be greeted by a new art installation from an Oregon artist reflecting the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley.

 

The art installation, inspired by Oregon’s white oaks and created by Michael Boonstra, will be located in the center open air atrium of the Civic Center. The work will consist of two 7’ by 24’ metal panels with 1/8” space between. To create the work, Boonstra uses a water jet to cut perforations in large steel sheets. Each panel will be 1/8” thick and will be mounted 2” from the surface of the concrete wall, allowing light to pass through the perforations created by the water jets. In the open air setting, the metal selected will rusts to create a patina that will add to the character and coloring of the material. 

 

“I’m excited to design and create this artwork for the City of Salem,” Boonstra said. “Examining various facets of a site's history is a major aspect of my creative practice. Linking visual elements of a century’s old oak tree with 20th century architecture that is being updated to 21st century standards presents a unique opportunity to honor the past while looking towards the future.” 

 

“My hope is that the design concept ties these layers together in a way that is visually engaging and meaningful for years to come.”

 

About the Artist

Boonstra received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan and his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon. He is the sculpture coordinator and co-founder of the Creative Field Work program at Oregon State University.

 

Boonstra’s studio work is included in the collections of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the City of Portland, Oregon State University Cascades, Umpqua Community College, the OSU School of Forestry and PacificSource. He has been an artist in residence at Playa Center for Art and Science, Djerassi, Caldera, Pine Meadow Ranch, Signal Fire and the Kesey Farm.

 

About the Civic Center Project and the Artist Selection

The City is required to spend half a percent of public building construction costs on public art, such as the Civic Center seismic retrofit. The total cost for Boonstra’s proposal is $130,000 from the Civic Center project. The 2022 voter-approved Safety and Livability Bond included $39.4 million for seismic, system improvements and accessibility upgrades to the Civic Center.

 

Similarly funded public art works can be found in the recent Salem Public Library and Salem Police Department Headquarters.

 

In 2023, design work began on the Salem Civic Center project. Construction began in July 2025. Civic Center services and staff are temporarily relocated during the construction. The building is expected to reopen in early 2027. 

 

The proposal from Eugene artist and Oregon State University art instructor Michael Boonstra was selected from 24 proposals and eight interviews by the Salem Public Art Commission. Boonstra’s inspiration for the art is from the many Oregon White Oaks that are native to the Willamette Valley. 

 

About the Salem Public Art Commission

The Salem Public Art Commission is charged with overseeing the City’s public art collection. The commission’s primary duties include acquisition and approval of the City’s public art collection; maintenance and repair; cataloging; decommission art within the City’s collection; and approving public murals.

 

The seven volunteer members of SPAC are appointed by Salem’s Mayor and City Council who have experience, training or expertise in the visual arts, art history, art criticism, museum curation and art education. The Commission helps identify the criteria, selection, acquisition and location of art for the City of Salem.

Attached Media Files: Artist's rendering; final art may differ after design and implementation is complete., Artist's rendering; final art may differ after design and implementation is complete.,

Oregon Artist Brings Nature To Salem’s Civic Center With Public Art Installation (Photo) - 10/15/26

Salem, Ore. — When the Salem Civic Center reopens next year following a seismic retrofit, visitors will be greeted by a new art installation from an Oregon artist reflecting the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley.

 

The art installation, inspired by Oregon’s white oaks and created by Michael Boonstra, will be located in the center open air atrium of the Civic Center. The work will consist of two 7’ by 24’ metal panels with 1/8” space between. To create the work, Boonstra uses a water jet to cut perforations in large steel sheets. Each panel will be 1/8” thick and will be mounted 2” from the surface of the concrete wall, allowing light to pass through the perforations created by the water jets. In the open air setting, the metal selected will rusts to create a patina that will add to the character and coloring of the material. 

 

“I’m excited to design and create this artwork for the City of Salem,” Boonstra said. “Examining various facets of a site's history is a major aspect of my creative practice. Linking visual elements of a century’s old oak tree with 20th century architecture that is being updated to 21st century standards presents a unique opportunity to honor the past while looking towards the future.” 

 

“My hope is that the design concept ties these layers together in a way that is visually engaging and meaningful for years to come.”

 

About the Artist

Boonstra received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan and his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon. He is the sculpture coordinator and co-founder of the Creative Field Work program at Oregon State University.

 

Boonstra’s studio work is included in the collections of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the City of Portland, Oregon State University Cascades, Umpqua Community College, the OSU School of Forestry and PacificSource. He has been an artist in residence at Playa Center for Art and Science, Djerassi, Caldera, Pine Meadow Ranch, Signal Fire and the Kesey Farm.

 

About the Civic Center Project and the Artist Selection

The City is required to spend half a percent of public building construction costs on public art, such as the Civic Center seismic retrofit. The total cost for Boonstra’s proposal is $130,000 from the Civic Center project. The 2022 voter-approved Safety and Livability Bond included $39.4 million for seismic, system improvements and accessibility upgrades to the Civic Center.

 

Similarly funded public art works can be found in the recent Salem Public Library and Salem Police Department Headquarters.

 

In 2023, design work began on the Salem Civic Center project. Construction began in July 2025. Civic Center services and staff are temporarily relocated during the construction. The building is expected to reopen in early 2027. 

 

The proposal from Eugene artist and Oregon State University art instructor Michael Boonstra was selected from 24 proposals and eight interviews by the Salem Public Art Commission. Boonstra’s inspiration for the art is from the many Oregon White Oaks that are native to the Willamette Valley. 

 

About the Salem Public Art Commission

The Salem Public Art Commission is charged with overseeing the City’s public art collection. The commission’s primary duties include acquisition and approval of the City’s public art collection; maintenance and repair; cataloging; decommission art within the City’s collection; and approving public murals.

 

The seven volunteer members of SPAC are appointed by Salem’s Mayor and City Council who have experience, training or expertise in the visual arts, art history, art criticism, museum curation and art education. The Commission helps identify the criteria, selection, acquisition and location of art for the City of Salem.

Attached Media Files: Artist's rendering; final art may differ after design and implementation is complete., Artist's rendering; final art may differ after design and implementation is complete.,

Paid Parking Generates More Than $2 Million For Salem In Its First Year - 10/13/26

Salem Converted to On-Street Paid Parking in July 2025

  • Paid parking meters were installed in downtown Salem in July 2025

  • Revenue collected during 2026 was $2,431,190.85 (approximately $1.03 million above initial estimate) 

  • Paid parking revenue is budgeted for Downtown Community Police pilot program and downtown security, beautification and garbage services, parking equipment costs and parkade maintenance 


Salem, Ore. – Salem introduced paid on-street parking on July 10, 2025. In its first year, the program generated approximately $2,431,200 in revenue from nearly one million transactions between parking meters and the Beep Beep Salem mobile payment application. 
 

“The program has made it easier to find on-street parking spaces, encouraged longer-term visitors and downtown employees to use the City's parking structures and established a more sustainable revenue source for future investments in downtown parking structures and other downtown-related services,” said Dana DeKlyen, assistant director of Urban Development.
 

Parking Meters and Beep Beep Salem App Use

In the first year, 148 parking meters generated about 706,000 transactions and the Beep Beep Salem mobile payment application recorded approximately 232,000 transactions.  
 
In September 2026, Salem announced a new Beep Beep Salem parking application that offers improved customer service and faster processing times. All users have until December 31, 2026 to transition to the new version.
 

Use of Parking Revenue

Revenue generated by Salem’s new paid parking system will fund the Downtown Community Police pilot program and downtown security, beautification and garbage services, parkade maintenance and parking equipment costs. The revenue has also eliminated the Downtown Parking Tax for businesses.
 

On-Street Parking and Parkade Permit Activity

With the launch of paid on-street parking, Salem’s downtown parkades (Liberty, Marion and Chemeketa) saw a 27% increase in permit activity compared to the prior year. The increased use of the parkades is consistent with one of the objectives of paid on-street parking: keeping on-street spaces for shorter-term customer and visitor parking by encouraging longer-term users, including downtown employees, to use off-street parking.
 

Use and Customer Feedback

The launch of paid parking also improved on-street parking space availability, with customers finding spaces closer to their destinations and spending less time searching for parking. Feedback from downtown businesses and visitors regarding improved parking availability and turnover has been positive. 
 

Background 
Following City Council direction and community engagement regarding the future of downtown parking, the City implemented paid on-street parking on July 10, 2025. 
 

In January of 2026 the City moved forward to eliminating the Downtown Parking Tax.
 

# # #

Paid Parking Generates More Than $2 Million For Salem In Its First Year - 10/13/26

Salem Converted to On-Street Paid Parking in July 2025

  • Paid parking meters were installed in downtown Salem in July 2025

  • Revenue collected during 2026 was $2,431,190.85 (approximately $1.03 million above initial estimate) 

  • Paid parking revenue is budgeted for Downtown Community Police pilot program and downtown security, beautification and garbage services, parking equipment costs and parkade maintenance 


Salem, Ore. – Salem introduced paid on-street parking on July 10, 2025. In its first year, the program generated approximately $2,431,200 in revenue from nearly one million transactions between parking meters and the Beep Beep Salem mobile payment application. 
 

“The program has made it easier to find on-street parking spaces, encouraged longer-term visitors and downtown employees to use the City's parking structures and established a more sustainable revenue source for future investments in downtown parking structures and other downtown-related services,” said Dana DeKlyen, assistant director of Urban Development.
 

Parking Meters and Beep Beep Salem App Use

In the first year, 148 parking meters generated about 706,000 transactions and the Beep Beep Salem mobile payment application recorded approximately 232,000 transactions.  
 
In September 2026, Salem announced a new Beep Beep Salem parking application that offers improved customer service and faster processing times. All users have until December 31, 2026 to transition to the new version.
 

Use of Parking Revenue

Revenue generated by Salem’s new paid parking system will fund the Downtown Community Police pilot program and downtown security, beautification and garbage services, parkade maintenance and parking equipment costs. The revenue has also eliminated the Downtown Parking Tax for businesses.
 

On-Street Parking and Parkade Permit Activity

With the launch of paid on-street parking, Salem’s downtown parkades (Liberty, Marion and Chemeketa) saw a 27% increase in permit activity compared to the prior year. The increased use of the parkades is consistent with one of the objectives of paid on-street parking: keeping on-street spaces for shorter-term customer and visitor parking by encouraging longer-term users, including downtown employees, to use off-street parking.
 

Use and Customer Feedback

The launch of paid parking also improved on-street parking space availability, with customers finding spaces closer to their destinations and spending less time searching for parking. Feedback from downtown businesses and visitors regarding improved parking availability and turnover has been positive. 
 

Background 
Following City Council direction and community engagement regarding the future of downtown parking, the City implemented paid on-street parking on July 10, 2025. 
 

In January of 2026 the City moved forward to eliminating the Downtown Parking Tax.
 

# # #

Center 50+ WOW Van And Connection Kitchen Honored For Innovative Outreach Services (Photo) - 10/09/26

Salem, Ore. - Center 50+’s Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van and Connection Kitchen was awarded the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s Section for Older Adult Resources Program of the Year at the 2026 state conference in Seaside, Oregon. 


The program, nominated for their exceptional innovation, impact and leadership in expanding access to essential services for older adults, has been supported by Center for Community Excellence, Salem Health Foundation, Home Instead and United Way of the Willamette Valley.

 

Traditional senior center programming often serves only those able to visit a physical facility. In response, Center 50+ identified a significant community need in the thousands of older adults who remain isolated due to mobility, transportation and health challenges.

 

The WOW Van and Connection Kitchen were created to close this gap by bringing connection, support and vital services directly to older adults where they live, be it in manufactured home parks, neighborhood clubhouses, local parks and even right to their front porch.

 

Strengthening Community Connections for Salem’s Seniors

The WOW Van travels to local parks, neighborhood clubhouses, housing communities and community hubs throughout Salem delivering fitness instruction, wellness and mobility programming, nutrition support, lifelong learning classes, technology tutoring and social check-ins.

 

The Connection Kitchen serves hot noon meals at local 55-and-older mobile home parks and independent living communities. The kitchen rotates between 13 locations including the Salem Housing Authority and 55-and-older mobile home parks throughout the month.

 

“This outreach-centered approach strengthens community well-being, fosters social connection and directly aligns with Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s mission to broaden access to meaningful recreational and wellness opportunities for all,” said Marilyn Daily-Blair, Center 50+ director. “The WOW Van and Connection Kitchen remain a lifeline, ensuring no older adult is left unseen or unsupported. Simple acts of kindness like sharing a meal, checking on a friend and engaging in community projects continue to create lasting ripple effects of belonging and resilience throughout Salem.”

 

By cultivating whole-person wellness, these programs help older adults build and sustain relationships, contribute to their neighborhoods and rediscover a sense of purpose, which are powerful tools in reducing isolation and loneliness.

Attached Media Files: Center 50 Plus WOW Van,

Center 50+ WOW Van And Connection Kitchen Honored For Innovative Outreach Services (Photo) - 10/09/26

Salem, Ore. - Center 50+’s Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van and Connection Kitchen was awarded the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s Section for Older Adult Resources Program of the Year at the 2026 state conference in Seaside, Oregon. 


The program, nominated for their exceptional innovation, impact and leadership in expanding access to essential services for older adults, has been supported by Center for Community Excellence, Salem Health Foundation, Home Instead and United Way of the Willamette Valley.

 

Traditional senior center programming often serves only those able to visit a physical facility. In response, Center 50+ identified a significant community need in the thousands of older adults who remain isolated due to mobility, transportation and health challenges.

 

The WOW Van and Connection Kitchen were created to close this gap by bringing connection, support and vital services directly to older adults where they live, be it in manufactured home parks, neighborhood clubhouses, local parks and even right to their front porch.

 

Strengthening Community Connections for Salem’s Seniors

The WOW Van travels to local parks, neighborhood clubhouses, housing communities and community hubs throughout Salem delivering fitness instruction, wellness and mobility programming, nutrition support, lifelong learning classes, technology tutoring and social check-ins.

 

The Connection Kitchen serves hot noon meals at local 55-and-older mobile home parks and independent living communities. The kitchen rotates between 13 locations including the Salem Housing Authority and 55-and-older mobile home parks throughout the month.

 

“This outreach-centered approach strengthens community well-being, fosters social connection and directly aligns with Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s mission to broaden access to meaningful recreational and wellness opportunities for all,” said Marilyn Daily-Blair, Center 50+ director. “The WOW Van and Connection Kitchen remain a lifeline, ensuring no older adult is left unseen or unsupported. Simple acts of kindness like sharing a meal, checking on a friend and engaging in community projects continue to create lasting ripple effects of belonging and resilience throughout Salem.”

 

By cultivating whole-person wellness, these programs help older adults build and sustain relationships, contribute to their neighborhoods and rediscover a sense of purpose, which are powerful tools in reducing isolation and loneliness.

Attached Media Files: Center 50 Plus WOW Van,