Salem Business Journal archive
680 articles · Page 44 of 68
Multi family housing makes it more affordable? All of Oregon's Cities over 100k make the list for their size in new construction.
New housing construction in the U.S. is declining, affecting first-time homebuyers. Despite a rise in multi-family units, median home prices remain high, peaking at $348,200 in early 2020. Analysis of building permits reveals varied investments across metropolitan areas, highlighting Oregon's performance and lack of correlation between prices and multi-family construction.
New Developments in Salem
Several developments are ongoing in Salem, including Checkpoint 221, a new food cart pavilion with 16 carts and a bar set to open by Christmas, and Travel Salem's relocation to a renovated former bank. Additional projects include medical offices, a Tesla store, and a new apartment complex, enhancing the local landscape.
Marion, Polk County Key to Deciding Legislative Majorities
In Oregon's competitive gubernatorial race, voters in Marion and Polk counties, especially Salem, will influence party majorities in the legislature. Democrats have held power for a decade, but upcoming elections feature tight contests, especially in Senate Districts 10 and 11, potentially reshaping Oregon's political landscape depending on voter turnout.
Fake it till you make it? The average Oregon job seeker admits their resume is only 73% accurate, according to a survey.
A survey of 3,351 job seekers reveals that resumes are, on average, 73% accurate in Oregon, slightly above the national rate of 72%. Finance applicants tend to have the lowest accuracy at 34%, while real estate boasts 90%. Many believe lying on resumes should be illegal, and Harvard tops the list of falsely claimed colleges.
New Homeless Alliance Initiative Addresses Unsheltered Chronic Homelessness
The Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance in Salem has launched a comprehensive plan to tackle chronic homelessness among unsheltered adults in the Marion-Polk region, where 62% are affected. The initiative includes expanding shelter and supportive housing, enhancing social services, and securing HUD funds to connect vulnerable individuals with essential resources and housing opportunities.
Residential Real Estate Update
The residential real estate market is still active despite cooling compared to previous years, with low inventory at 2.6 months. This is a favorable time for seniors to sell, leveraging home equity for retirement transitions. Sellers can attract buyers by offering interest rate buy downs, easing affordability issues amid rising rates.
Downtown Holiday Parade
On November 26th, the Salem Main Street Association will host a Winter Holiday kickoff with a parade and tree lighting to enhance downtown's festive spirit and support local businesses. Emphasizing the local economy's importance, they encourage community involvement and volunteerism for decorations and events throughout December, fostering community engagement.
El Torito Market expands to seven locations, including two in Salem
Alfredo Mendez and Liliana Perez founded El Torito Meat Market in McMinnville 20 years ago, growing it into a prominent Mexican market in Oregon with seven locations. Originally a meat market, they expanded to include grocery items, a bakery, and a restaurant, successfully navigating pandemic challenges and planning further expansion in Salem.
Shocking the Electric Vehicle System
Last month, California’s Air Resources Board voted to ban new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, prompting Oregon to consider similar rules. While aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality, challenges include high EV costs, low inventory, and limited consumer rebates. Economic factors may hinder the success of these ambitious policies, risking backlash from voters.
OREGON NEWSPAPERS FACE CRISIS, CLOSURES
Oregon's top newspapers are facing significant challenges, including layoffs and closures, exemplified by Guard's 400 job cuts and the impending shutdown of the Catholic Sentinel. Labor shortages also affect the Oregonian's delivery. The state needs independent, unbiased journalism, as shown by the Malhuer Enterprise’s success in investigative reporting amid adversity.