At our monthly Business Advocacy Committee meeting on March 7, 2024, the business community received updates on four important and timely topics with major local impacts.
First, Bark Boys, Inc. Owner and volunteer Salem Revenue Task Force Member Bill Riecke joined us to share takeaways from the initial task force meetings, providing insight on what the business community may expect regarding future revenue pursuits by the city.
Next, Salem Chamber Lobbyist Nicole Palmateer Hazelbaker (Bravio Communications) provided an overview of the results from the 2024 Legislative Short Session, including bills we were watching and where they ended up.
Then, Salem-Keizer School District Superintendent Andrea Castañeda shared updates on the district’s current budget situation, along with negotiations between the district and the educator’s union.
Lastly, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Executive Director Jimmy Jones presented some eye-opening statistics on the homeless population in our region, as well as the latest efforts to engage with that community and drive progress.
Thank you to everyone who attended in person and online. We also thank our panelists for their time and Salem Chamber Business Advocacy Co-Chair Jeff Miller for moderating.