City of Salem – 11/23/21 4:00 PM
Salem, Ore. — Salem City Council approved an option at their November 22 meeting for future ward boundaries intended to prepare for growth in outer wards over the next 10 years.
Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments developed three alternatives for the community to consider. They followed guidance from the Oregon Secretary of State redistricting directive. In addition, Council member interviews provided additional guidance to:
- Follow neighborhood association boundaries where possible,
- Minimize the number of small sections of neighborhood associations in each ward,
- Use natural boundaries where possible.
Community members were also invited to share their opinions on either the interactive maps or during virtual open houses, yielding 26 comments.
The goal of redrawing the boundaries is to get all eight wards as close as possible to 21,942 people, one-eighth of Salem’s 2020 Census population of 175,535. Wards are the areas represented by individual city councilors.
The City Council approved Alternative 3, which is designed to accommodate future growth in outer wards.
Watch the Council Ward Discussion.
The December 6 City Council meeting will include a first reading of the ward ordinance. The second reading will be at the December 13 meeting.
Delayed Census results have put ward reapportionment on a tight timeline. February 7 is the last day county clerks can review voter precincts. March 8 is the deadline for candidates to file under the new ward boundaries.
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