The shortfall is significant, and without the proposed levy, cuts to programs and services are unavoidable. The city should prioritize spending, operate transparently, and engage the community. When people understand how funds are used, they’re more likely to grasp the urgency and help find creative solutions.

The first challenge is the budget. Without the proposed levy, the city faces deep cuts. Prioritizing spending with full transparency is essential. Second is housing. Salem’s growth has outpaced construction, causing a shortage of affordable homes and increasing homelessness. Supporting affordable housing can boost supply. Lastly, working with nonprofits and government partners is key to addressing the root causes of homelessness through wraparound services.

Salem faces a housing affordability crisis driven by income disparity, limited buildable land, and regulatory challenges. Population growth has outpaced construction, pushing demand—and prices—higher. Many residents spend 50–60% of their income on housing. High fees and complex rules raise development costs. The city should boost housing production, reform policies, and offer incentives for affordable homeownership. Partnering with nonprofits and regional agencies, Salem can pursue funding for land acquisition, rehab projects, and support tools like fee waivers, public-private partnerships, housing trust funds, and down-payment assistance.

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Recently, business leaders concluded Salem provides significantly more services for fewer dollars than peer cities. We must always strive for more efficiency, but that alone can’t solve our shortfall.

We need the State to pay for city fire and police services it gets as a major property owner. I’m the only candidate endorsed by multiple legislators, so I know how to build relationships and get this done.

But our long-term shortfall is larger than that. Last year’s Revenue Task Force recommended various actions, like increasing franchise fees on mega-corporations like Comcast and focusing our urban renewal areas, thereby bringing millions to the city. We should also adjust the operations fee to make sure big businesses pay their fair share

First, affordable housing - see the next question for my thoughts.

Second, safety and livability. We need to ensure streets and sidewalks are safe for people as they drive, walk and bike across East Salem. We also need to continue to support our police and fire services, and fund initiatives such the Community Violence Reduction Initiative.

Third, economic development. For Salem to thrive, our small businesses need to thrive. I support streamlined permitting for commercial and mixed-use developments, and will advocate for strategic tax incentives and enterprise zones that make Salem competitive for business relocation and expansion for family-wage jobs.

Finally, the budget challenge. I support a balanced, thoughtful approach.

Being a renter, the cost of housing is always on my mind. I support responsible policies to increase affordable housing options, both for homeownership and renting. Housing is my top priority.

The local workers who serve Salem deserve a place to call home. Young people, and local seniors looking to downsize, should be able to live in the same neighborhood they live in now. Starter homes can build the foundation of economic stability and opportunity.

I support an all-of-the-above approach. We must complete the City’s Housing Production Strategy, assign a housing coordinator, streamline permits and codes, assist with rent and moving costs, incentivize affordable housing projects, and continue efforts to address homelessness.