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City manager’s Salem update: Sandy’s projects remain active but session politics could affect funding
Summary
City staff reported continued positive feedback on Sandy’s state funding requests but said political bargaining over wildfire mapping and the transportation package creates uncertainty; staff will continue lobbying for capital projects.
A city legislative update provided during the city manager’s report said Sandy’s state funding requests remain in play but that end‑of‑session politics in Salem could affect outcomes.
Neli, the city’s state‑legislative liaison, told the council that several capital‑construction and ways‑and‑means committee meetings have produced “positive feedback” for Sandy’s project requests but warned the legislative session’s final weeks are politically active. “We just finished the second chamber of origin deadlines…now we're getting into the real meat of the legislative session,” she said.
Neli highlighted two items that could influence funding availability: negotiations over the state transportation package and a contentious bill on wildfire risk mapping. She described the wildfire‑mapping debate as politically charged and noted that the governor proposed directing a portion of the state “kicker” payment toward wildfire relief — a move that could shift available lottery or other funds.
Council members asked whether transportation package decisions could reduce lottery funds available for local projects; Neli said most of the transportation package is typically funded with gas‑tax or bond instruments separate from lottery funds, but acknowledged there had been discussions about using lottery funds for at least one large transportation project.
Neli said the city will continue meetings with state representatives and senators and will keep council informed as the session concludes.
No formal council action was taken; the item was presented as an informational update and staff will continue advocacy and report back as developments occur.
