Government » City Council & Mayor

Mayor

The Mayor's Background

Salem Mayor Chris  Hoy took office November 2, 2022, after serving as Salem City Councilor for Ward 6 since March 2017.

He is a 4th generation Oregonian. He grew up on the Oregon coast where his family was one of the earliest Dungeness crab processors. He graduated from Willamette University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in English before beginning his 30-year career in law enforcement. Chris was the Undersheriff in Clackamas County when he retired in the spring of 2019. During his 30 years of public service, Chris held the ranks of Records/Evidence Technician, Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Chief Deputy, and Undersheriff.

Throughout his career, Chris worked to help those individuals in the system have better outcomes and reduce recidivism. Some of the highlights of his career include helping people with mental illness avoid criminal penalties for low level offenses, he oversaw a residential alcohol and drug treatment program and started a program dedicated to treating drug-addicted women through trauma-informed care. 

He initiated one of the first cognitive behavioral programs for inmates in custody to help reduce recidivism, he implemented programs for children of incarcerated parents and he was a leader in implementing evidence-based practices in corrections in Oregon. One of Chris’ most rewarding experiences was working with domestic violence survivors to break the cycle of domestic abuse. Chris has served on the Governor’s Re-entry Council for a number of years.

He was first elected to the Salem City Council in a special election in March 2017 and was re-elected in May 2018. He was elected president of the City Council by his peers every year since 2019. In that role, Chris served as the Chair of the Salem Housing Authority. Chris has led the council’s efforts to address the shelter crisis and serves as the vice chair of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance.

Chris was appointed to the State Legislature in December 2021 to fill the remainder of the term for House District 21.

Chris lives in east Salem with his two rescue dogs. During his free time, he enjoys photography and cycling.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Mayor is a representative for everyone who lives in Salem and helps build partnerships throughout the community. The Mayor is a voting member of the city council and leads council meetings. At these meetings, the Mayor:

  • Presides over deliberations
  • Preserves order
  • Enforces council rules
  • Determines the order of business of the meeting

The Mayor also appoints members of council committees as well as volunteer members of boards and commissions.

Committees

  • Board & Commission Appointments
  • Capitol Planning Commission (CPC)
  • Council of Governments Board (MWVCOG)
  • Council Rules Committee
  • Hospital Facility Authority Board
  • Legislative Committee
  • Manager's Performance Review Committee
  • SEDCOR
  • Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance
  • Climate Action Plan Subcommittee, Chair
  • Bond Steering Committee, Chair
  • Public Works Operations Building Council Oversight Committee, Chair

2024 State of the City Address

Text of 2024 State of the City Address

2024 State of the City Address Handout

In English:

In Spanish:

 Previous State of the City Videos