Why a Strategic Action Plan?

A Strategic Action Plan was completed in 2011 to inform decision makers on the best use of Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area (RDURA) funds. The Action Plan outlined a multi-year strategy and projects to prepare Salem for recession recovery.

The projects that emerge from the Action Plan help preserve downtown Salem’s historic district, enhance the retail core, increase housing, and strengthen partnerships to ensure that RDURA’s funds are invested where they will maximize leverage, fulfill community visions, and increase the attractiveness of downtown Salem as a place to live, work, and play. A successful downtown will help Salem attract new employers and grow existing employers.

Since its adoption in 2011, RDURA funds have been leveraged to renovate buildings in order to reduce vacancy and attract new business, contribute to the funding of the signature Peter Courtney Minto Island Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, bike lane conversions, and art pedestals.

Action Plan Documents

• Downtown Strategic Action Plan
• Appendix A Project Sheets
• Appendix B Evaluation Matrix
• Appendix C Existing Conditions Report
• Appendix D Salem Plan Review Memo
• Appendix E Historic Downtown Core Interview Notes

Downtown Salem Streetscape Plan

In 2018, a $30M bond which funded the construction of the Downtown Salem Convention Center will be retired. The City of Salem, Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Area (RDURA) will have an opportunity to fund larger qualified projects with the retirement of this bond.

A Strategic Action Plan was completed in 2011 to inform decision makers on the best use of RDURA funds. In 2017, the City held a series of focus group meetings to review these projects and prioritize funding. Streetscape was ranked as a high priority to positively impact the downtown property values, tourism, business recruitment/retention/expansion, livability and job creation. A Request for Proposal (RFP) #178065, was issued on May 25, 2017 which will provide opportunity for public input on a Downtown Salem Streetscape Plan prior to finalizing a project for our community. The RFP will close at 4:00 p.m. July 14, 2017.