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Mayor and advocates press livability levy as city faces $13.8 million shortfall
Summary
Mayor Julie Hoy and councilors reiterated support for a proposed livability levy to cover a projected $13.8 million shortfall; Yes For Salem campaign outlined outreach plans and yard-sign distribution. Public commenters both supported and criticized council leadership.
Mayor Julie Hoy and city councilors on April 14 emphasized the urgency of the Salem livability levy, which the mayor said was placed on the May ballot to address a projected $13,800,000 shortfall for the 2026 fiscal year.
"This levy would cost the average household $19 a month and generate $14,000,000 a year over the next 5 years," Mayor Julie Hoy said, explaining the proposal's projected revenue and intended uses. She told the council the funding would directly support libraries, parks, and Center 50 Plus and would preserve existing funding levels for police and fire services.
The mayor warned of consequences if the levy fails: "If the levy fails, the consequences will be immediate. 39 employees will lose their jobs this July. Library hours will be reduced. Parks and splash pads may go without maintenance. Center 50 plus will lose staff." She also referenced Oregon Measures 5 and 50 in describing the city's constrained property tax capacity compared with other jurisdictions.
Public comment reflected both organized campaign activity and political criticism. David Levy, co-chair of the Yes For Salem campaign, updated the council on outreach and said volunteers had already signed up for yard signs; he encouraged residents to visit yesforsalem.org to endorse or request materials and said the campaign planned presentations and outreach events in April.
Not all commenters supported the mayor. Rachel Acheson, speaking during public comment, criticized the mayor's leadership and transparency and warned that if the levy failed she would consider a recall effort. "Salem citizens are paying attention, and we won't forget all this," Acheson said.
Councilors also noted outreach events scheduled ahead of the vote: a Salem Reporter town hall co-hosted with the Chamber and other community presentations. Council members and staff present at the meeting were listed as participants in some of those outreach events.
The council previously voted to place the levy on the ballot, a fact the mayor referenced during remarks. No new council action on the levy itself was taken at the April 14 meeting; the agenda item consisted primarily of council remarks and public comment and an update from the campaign.
