# City of Salem Council Meeting - August 24 , 2026

The Salem Housing Authority, Urban Renewal Agency, and City Council met on August 24, 2026. The Housing Authority rejected a motion to have staff reevaluate the proposed disposition of scattered-site housing assets in light of a longer-term “First Keys” funding model. It then approved Resolution 2327 to proceed with the Habitat for Humanity partnership, beginning with a proposed disposition of nine properties at about 15% of fair market value; staff described a broader effort to assess up to 33 homes. Speakers and commissioners discussed preserving affordability, Habitat’s rehabilitation investment, HUD requirements, and the alternative proposal’s potential to generate about $25 million versus just under $6 million under the current approach. Staff said it plans to return with further information in spring 2027. The Urban Renewal Agency also approved its consent calendar, which included a transfer of FY2027 appropriations for the Marian Parkade revitalization and SHA leasehold projects; no transfer amount was stated.

The City Council unanimously authorized the city manager to execute a telecommunications franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37 LLC for service in city rights-of-way. The company, a subsidiary of AT&T, cited a $100,000 performance bond and separate construction bonds for individual permits; council and staff discussed recovering inspection and permitting costs and protecting residents during construction. The council continued consideration of the proposed North Waterfront urban renewal area to September 14 for written responses to public questions. The proposal covers 421 acres, allows up to $199.4 million in maximum indebtedness over an estimated 33-year period, and would support infrastructure, housing, business development, and environmental projects. The council also continued a separate hearing to September 28. No other specific contract awards or bid approvals were identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** August 25, 2026

### Sources
- [City of Salem Council Meeting - August 24 , 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkkHNbvUa4s) - Capital Community Media