A draft of Salem's updated Comprehensive Plan and associated maps is complete, marking a major milestone in Salem's efforts to plan for future growth and development. These documents will be presented to the City Council and Planning Commission at a virtual work session Monday, October 18, at 6 p.m.

The draft Salem Area Comprehensive Plan and maps are the result of a three-year project called Our Salem, which involved extensive community engagement. The draft plan and maps represent the community's vision for tackling a broad range of priorities such as:

• Addressing Salem's housing needs,

• Helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency, and

• Advancing equity and inclusion.

A variety of other planning-related topics are also addressed, including economic development, transportation, and infrastructure. In addition, several newer priorities are included, such as access to food and community spaces. You can review the draft Comprehensive Plan and proposed zoning map (in English and Spanish) online. Zoom in on the map to see proposed changes on specific properties and other details. You can also click on the name of each zone in the map's legend for more information. The proposed maps are also hanging in the windows near room 305 on the third floor of City Hall at 555 Liberty St. SE. Planning staff are available at the Planning Desk in the Permit Application Center (Room 320) to answer your questions about the maps. At the joint work session in October, the City Council and Planning Commission will get the opportunity to discuss the draft Comprehensive Plan and maps. No decisions are expected to be made during the work session.

At the end of this year, staff plans to start the adoption process for the proposed Comprehensive Plan, as well as associated maps and zoning code amendments. There will be more opportunities for the public to comment during the adoption process, which is expected to stretch into next year.