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Committee hears Artist Row and tourism updates; trolley service removed from FY27 budget
Summary
Director Tom Daniel described Artist Row operations and Destination Salem marketing; councilors discussed occupancy, Moon/Moonbase licensing issues and restroom management. The committee also noted the removal of the free summer trolley service from the FY27 budget due to low ridership.
The committee received a briefing on Market & Tourism programs and Artist Row operations as part of the planning department presentation.
Tom Daniel said Artist Row provides low-rent space to support creative entrepreneurs under a two-year RFP tenancy and that the program includes technical assistance to help tenants scale to permanent businesses. He said occupancy issues have largely been manageable but pointed to one space (Moon) that experienced an operational pause tied to a noise complaint and entertainment licensing requirements; Daniel said Moon is resuming programming after resolving licensing concerns.
Councilors asked about restroom management and activation strategies for Oldtown Hall and other public spaces. Daniel said the city has used attendants during peak season to keep public restrooms open and that Oldtown Hall revenue (including October event programming and some weddings) helps support repairs and upkeep.
On tourism, Daniel explained Destination Salem’s role is marketing and promotion rather than event production; councilors urged greater outreach to businesses outside the downtown core so more areas benefit from visitor activity. Separately, committee members confirmed the FY27 budget no longer includes free summer trolley rides for residents, citing declining ridership and budget pressures.
Councilor King moved to recommend approval of marketing and tourism expenditures; the motion carried with five hands in favor.
