SALEM, Ore. – Work is underway to address safety and livability concerns in downtown and northeast Salem, where most problem reports originate. At the August 11 City Council meeting, Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi outlined both immediate actions and long-term strategies.
Short-term steps already in motion include:
- Increased police presence
- Expanded downtown cleaning efforts
These measures are funded through the current budget, using police overtime from unfilled positions and General Fund dollars for temporary sanitation work.
From January to March 2026, the City plans to:
- Pair emergency medical response with mental health intervention
- Add two Homeless Services Team police officers for seven-day coverage
- Explore sustainable funding for expanded cleaning services
For longer-term solutions, Salem will collaborate with community partners such as Marion County and receive expert coaching from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative — a three-month, no-cost program that helps cities tackle complex challenges…