City of Salem Council Meeting - September 28 , 2026

The Salem City Council meeting on September 28, 2026, included a Salem Housing Authority update and a public hearing on Ordinance Bill 14-26. The Housing Authority reported that HUD had released it from shortfall status, allowing a cautious resumption of housing voucher issuance while the agency monitors its budget. It reported $3.17 million in housing-choice voucher payments to the community in the prior month and $7,500 in additional administrative fees, and described a new supportive-services partnership for young adults. The meeting also included adoption of a fiscal year 2026–27 Housing Authority budget resolution on the consent calendar, though the transcript does not provide its amount.

For transportation infrastructure, staff recommended 20 mph limits on local residential streets and low-volume collector streets. The city’s $2.8 million federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant includes an estimated $2 million for installing about 3,000 speed-limit signs and 13 radar-feedback signs; installation is expected to begin in early 2027, with the work to be contracted through a future bid process. The council voted to advance the ordinance to second reading. In a separate land-use appeal concerning 1505 Front Street NE, council passed a substitute motion to give staff and the applicant another opportunity to discuss possible conditions rather than immediately affirming or overturning the Planning Commission decision. A proposal to declare two budget committee positions open failed; the remaining appointment recommendations were subsequently approved.