At our monthly Business Advocacy Meeting on March 6, 2025, the business community heard presentations on two key ballot initiatives that voters will decide on during the upcoming May Election.
First, representatives of Chemeketa Community College and its Bond campaign, including Chemeketa President Dr. Jessica Howard, presented on the school’s new bond proposal. Last November, voters did not approve the Chemeketa Bond, but after seeing public support through polling and some misunderstanding about the tax rate, the school has decided to put the proposal in front of voters again this May.
Then, we heard from a panel representing the City of Salem about its Livability Levy proposal, which would directly fund Parks and Recreation, Libraries, and Center 50+ while also helping alleviate the City’s overall budget deficit.
Thank you to everyone who attended this important meeting and to our impressive panel of presenters.
Chemeketa Community College Bond Campaign Presenters:
- Dr. Jessica Howard, President, Chemeketa Community College
- Ken Hector, Chemeketa Community College Board of Education Member, Chemeketa District Zone 4
- Ryan Allbritton, SVP Chief Banking Officer, Willamette Valley Bank, SEDCOR Executive Council, Chair
City of Salem Livability Levy Campaign Presenters:
- Mayor Julie Hoy
- Councilor Paul Tigan, Ward 1
- Councilor Linda Nishioka, Ward 2
- Councilor Deanna Gwynn, Ward 4
- Krishna Namburi, Acting City Manager
- David Levy, Salem Public Library Advisory Board, Chair
- Taylor Sarman, Salem Public Library Foundation, Executive Director
- Brian Moore, City Efficiency Committee, Chair
Following Q&A with the presenters, our Business Advocacy Committee (those in attendance at this meeting) voted on recommendations for these ballot initiatives, which will be taken before the Salem Chamber’s Board of Directors for decisions on endorsements. So, please stay tuned to more news on potential Salem Chamber endorsements of these measures as we prepare to vote in May.