Salem Politics

Kotek and Drazan Face Harder Questions in Second Gubernatorial Debate

The first debate between Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican challenger Christine Drazan helped establish a fundamental question facing Oregon voters.

Kotek Gives Oregon a ‘B’ on Business; Scorecard Puts State at No. 42

Oregon ranks near the bottom nationally for business friendliness and cost of doing business, even as Gov. Tina Kotek argues the state is moving in the right direction.

Kotek Defends Four-Year Record as Drazan Presses Case for Change in First 2026 Debate

Four years ago, Tina Kotek and Christine Drazan asked Oregonians to choose between two competing visions for the state. Thursday night, they met again. But this time, the question was differ...

Salem Council Leans Toward Tiered Operations Fee for Businesses

The city is considering a formula based on business activity and building size, but no new rates were approved Wednesday.

Salem Enacts 120-Day Moratorium on Data Center Development

Salem Adds $1.37 Million to Casa Loma After Split Vote

The additional bond money will pay eligible public infrastructure costs for the planned 279-unit affordable housing development, leaving about $5.1 million in Salem’s housing fund.

Marion County Workers Authorize Strike as Contract Fight Escalates

SEIU 503 members are preparing for picketing as disagreements over wages and health care costs remain unresolved.

Salem Opens New Financing Program for Commercial Property Upgrades

Salem commercial property owners now have a new financing option for costly building upgrades, with applications opening Wednesday for the city’s new Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energ...

Who Are We Really Holding Accountable?

Oregon’s new Education Accountability Act puts attendance under the microscope. But who actually has the power to change it?

Salem Data Center Awaits City Review as New Water Details Emerge

Keizer Police Fee Changes Take Effect Sept. 1, Reshaping Costs for Businesses

Most Independence Parks Stay Closed as Funding Fee Heads to November Vote

Brooks Eyes 10-Year, $450,000 Water Deal With Chemeketa

Nordyke’s Fifth Cleanup Draws Volunteers to Cascades Gateway Park

Marion County Challenges State Rules After Mental Health Workers Raise Safety Concerns

Salem Faces $11 Million Annual Gap Just to Keep Streets From Getting Worse

Keizer Council to Weigh 118-Lot Windsor Island Housing Project Tonight

Oregon Expands New Job Tax Credit to More Manufacturers

Marion County Seeks Court Order to Halt Detroit Lake Deep Drawdowns

One Year Into City-Run Ambulances, Salem’s Early Results Show Higher Demand and Strong Response Times