The Salem Strategic Plan, updated by City Council in March 2021, articulates the mission, vision, values, and goals of the City. The plan charts a course for the City moving forward based on findings from an assessment of current conditions in our community, impacts of anticipated change in the region, and perspectives of residents, community leaders, and Council.

OUR VISION IS …

A safe, livable, and sustainable capital city, with a thriving economy and a vibrant community that is welcoming to all.

OUR MISSION IS TO …

Provide fiscally sustainable and quality services to enrich the lives of present and future residents, protect and enhance the quality of our environment and neighborhoods, and support the vitality of our economy.

WE ARE …

• COMMUNITY-FOCUSED: We strive to provide high-quality, responsive, and equitable services that meet the needs of our community.
• INCLUSIVE: We are committed to ensuring equity and accessibility across city services. We are an anti-racist organization that actively fights against racism and all other forms of discrimination. Diversity is a core strength of our community and we are dedicated to creating a city where everyone—regardless of culture, race, or ability—can thrive.
• PROACTIVE: We are innovative, action-oriented, and focused on delivering measurable results to our community. We actively seek and use data to make well-informed decisions.
• ACCOUNTABLE: We act with integrity and honesty. We take responsibility for our actions and communicate with residents to ensure transparency.
• RESPECTFUL: We strive to create a healthy work environment based on teamwork and mutual respect.

Through an annual City Council Policy Agenda, City Council makes its initial priorities for action clear to staff and the community, and provides direction on aligning resources towards the outcomes, or six result areas, through the City’s budgeting process.

Learn more about how the 2017 Strategic Plan was developed.

Annual Updates and Activities