🌮 11 things to do in Salem on Memorial Day Weekend

I heard we are all making friends this weekend!

AuthorAuthor

Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
May 22, 2025

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Big News: Livability Levy Wins

  • Vote: 54 % Yes – 46 % No

  • Cost: 98¢ for every $1,000 of assessed value
    About $18 a month for the average home

  • Money Raised: About $14 million a year (for 5 years)

  • What It Saves:

    • Salem Public Library (full hours, West Salem branch)

    • All 90 city parks, splash pads, and youth camps

    • Center 50+ classes and meals for seniors

  • Oversight: A citizen board will track every dollar

  • Timeline: Starts July 1; ends in 2030 unless voters renew it

Quotes from around the city:

“I’ve been moved by the outpouring of support for our library, our 90 parks and countless programs… I’m looking forward to sharing the good news for our community.”

Mayor Julie Hoy

“A diverse team of leaders, workers, and park and library fans powered this levy. It’s a win for everyone who loves these spaces.”

Councilor Vanessa Nordyke

“If the early results hold, we can keep the services our community wants—and keep the staff who provide them.”Was this email forwarded to you?

Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi

Was this email forwarded to you by a friend?

Today’s Email is Presented by:

  • Leaky faucets → fixed

  • Sluggish drains → turbo-cleared

  • Ice-cold “surprise” showers → same-day water-heater swaps

  • Full remodels, repipes & commercial fixes → absolutely

Family-owned, Willamette Valley-proud, and known for showing up when they say they will.

Your move:
Call or text 503-991-4822 or CLICK HERE for a free, no-pressure quote

Salem Voters Approve Levy to Save Libraries, Parks and Senior Services

With 56% support and thousands of ballots counted, Salem voters appear to have passed a five-year property tax levy to prevent sweeping cuts to libraries, parks, and senior programs. Library volunteers and staff celebrated the news Wednesday morning as doors opened to a crowd at the Salem Public Library — one of the key services spared by the new funding. The levy will generate $76 million through 2030, with property taxes increasing by 98 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The city plans to finalize results later this week and revise next year’s budget to restore threatened services. (Salem Reporter)

Oregon Sets Homeownership Goal, Aims to Close Racial Disparities

Oregon lawmakers have passed House Bill 2698, setting a new statewide goal to reach 65.05% homeownership by 2030, with incremental increases through 2045. The bill, which now awaits Governor Tina Kotek’s signature, also requires a public dashboard tracking progress by race, ethnicity, and region. While supporters say the bill promotes generational wealth and accountability, critics argue that real change will require loosening regulations to boost housing supply. Currently, Oregon’s homeownership rate trails the national average and shows major racial disparities, with most nonwhite groups owning homes at rates between 30% and 50%. (KATU)

This Week on the Podcast!

A few updates with the podcast.

1) We have a new co-host filling in for a bit. Salem comedian superstar Eleanor Ryan is bringing a great energy and I’m so excited to have her on board.

2) We are now releasing each episode on Wednesdays. So don’t forget to tune in on your podcast platform of choice

  • Maria and Allan’s shared commitment to making public transportation more accessible and sustainable in Salem.

  • How Cherriots is expanding service, adding electric buses, and using technology to enhance rider experience.

  • The social, economic, and environmental benefits of transit and how it's shaping the city's future.

  • And much more!

Friday, May 23

😂MonsterBox Comedy Presents: Subhah Agarwal • Infinity Room • 7PM

⭐Open Roller Skate: Superhero/Villain Night • Cherry City MadHouse • 7:30PM⭐

🎶Live Bluegrass Music: Poor Man's Whiskey • Historic Grand Theatre • 8PM

Saturday, May 24

⭐Feria Del Libro Oregon Book Fair • State Fairgrounds • 10AM⭐

⭐FREE Adult Painting Class • Salem Public Library • 10AM⭐

⭐Cascadia Pizza Co Rooftop Grand Opening • Cascadia Pizza Co, 500 Liberty St SE • 11AM⭐

🎶Live Rock Music: LABANSKY with Eichsteadt • Historic Grand Theatre • 7PM

🎶Live Music: Wild Ire, Ferenjis, Sadgasm • Infinity Room • 7PM

🎶Live Music: BrandonLee Cierley Quartet • Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge • 7PM

⭐Noche de Baile: Salsa Lesson • Xicha Brewing North • 8PM⭐

⭐R&BAE: 2 Much Luv • The Side Hustle Bar • 11PM — 2AM⭐

Sunday, May 25

⭐Casual Chess • The Yard Food Park • 2:30PM — 4:30PM⭐

⭐Salsa Bachata Sundays • VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE • 6:30PM⭐

Monday, May 26

⭐Noche de Loteria • Xicha Brewing North • 6PM⭐

⭐Yoga + Wine • Cubanisimo Vineyards • 6PM⭐

⭐Musical Bingo • South Liberty Bar • 6:30PM⭐

Discover More Events: Check out EVERYTHING happening this week on our BRAND NEW event calendar right here.

😸PET OF THE WEEK: Gus

Meet Gus! This 3-year-old orange tabby is the definition of chill. He’s a sweet kitty boy who loves to lounge, lets it all hang out, and somehow manages to be adorable 24/7. 🧡🐾😽

Our Job Board is now FREE for Salem employers to use. 🙂 

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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie

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