Salem's Boundary Expansion: What's The Plan?

does salem pan to expand it

Salem, Oregon, founded in 1842 and currently the third-most populous city in the state, has been undergoing a series of changes as part of its new land-use plan. The plan aims to promote housing density by allowing more apartment buildings in mixed-use zones, making it easier for residents to access amenities without relying on cars. Salem's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the 2022 fiscal year highlighted the need for more housing in the downtown core, with the city expected to be home to 273,902 people by 2035. The city council has also chosen new ward boundaries to accommodate future growth, particularly in west and south Salem, with the new map taking effect for the 2022 city council elections.

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Salem's population is expected to increase by 74,872 by 2035

Salem, Oregon is expected to see significant growth in its population by 2035, with an estimated increase of 74,872 people. This projection is outlined in the city's Comprehensive Plan, which aims to guide Salem's development over the next two decades. The plan addresses various aspects, including housing, transportation, and natural resource protection, to accommodate this population growth.

Currently, Salem's housing market is evenly split between renters and owners, with single-family homes accounting for 65% of the city's housing stock. To accommodate the growing population, the Comprehensive Plan promotes housing density by allowing more apartment buildings and multifamily housing options. This approach will provide a diverse range of housing choices to meet the needs of residents from all backgrounds.

The plan also focuses on creating more walkable neighbourhoods by expanding mixed-use zones. These zones will integrate retail businesses, offices, and apartments, making it more convenient for residents to access daily amenities without relying solely on cars. Additionally, the city will introduce "neighbourhood hub" zones in residential areas, allowing for clusters of restaurants, bars, retail stores, community centres, and medical offices, enhancing the livability of the city.

Salem's position as the state capital and its agricultural and food processing industries contribute to its economic growth. The city has also attracted computer-related manufacturing plants as part of its economic diversification efforts. However, some job losses occurred with the closure of silicon wafer plants in 2004.

To manage the expected population increase, Salem has chosen new ward boundaries that plan for future growth, particularly in the west and south of the city. The new map, known as "alternative three," ensures that the wards covering northeast, east, south, and west Salem remain below the target population. This proactive approach to boundary adjustments demonstrates the city's commitment to planning for the future and ensuring cohesive development.

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The city plans to expand its zoning to allow for more apartment buildings

Salem, Oregon, is undergoing a transformation as part of its new land-use plan, which will see the city expand its zoning to allow for more apartment buildings. The city's current housing is roughly evenly split between renters and owners, but the majority (65%) of its housing stock is made up of single-family homes.

The new plan, known as "Our Salem", aims to promote housing density by allowing for the construction of more apartment buildings. The city's new zoning map has expanded the areas where multifamily buildings can be built, with dark and light purple areas on the map showing the zones slated for mixed-use development, which can include apartments, retail, and offices. The plan also calls for the conversion of more residential land to apartments, with these buildings going up along Salem's major streets.

The city hopes that by expanding mixed-use zones, it will create more walkable areas and make it easier for residents to live in well-served areas with good access to public transport. The plan also requires new developments in these areas to include features for pedestrians, such as plazas and outdoor seating areas.

The "Our Salem" project has been in the works for several years, with the Planning Commission voting to recommend approval of the project with some revisions in April 2022. The project covers Salem's portion of the urban growth boundary, which goes beyond the city limits. The Comprehensive Plan, which the project falls under, is a long-range plan that aims to meet the needs of current and future residents, with goals, policies, and maps that shape everything from where multifamily housing is built to street design and natural resource protection.

Salem's population is expected to grow significantly by 2035, and the new land-use plan is designed to help accommodate this growth and transform the city to offer a range of housing choices that meet the needs of a diverse range of residents.

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Salem will add a dozen small neighbourhood hub zones to make it easier for residents to run errands

Salem, Oregon, has been working on a community growth plan called the "Our Salem" project since 2017. The project aims to understand how the community wants to grow over the next couple of decades and develop a long-range plan for future growth and development in the Salem area. The plan includes broad goals and a map depicting the community's vision for growth, with a focus on data, indicators, and scenarios.

One of the key aspects of the plan is to promote housing density by allowing more apartment buildings and expanding mixed-use zones. The city wants to make it easier for people to live in areas well-served by public transportation and create more walkable neighborhoods. Along with converting more residential land to apartments, the new plan allows for mixed-use centers along Salem's major streets, including retail businesses, offices, and apartments.

To make it more convenient for residents to run errands without using a car, the plan also adds a dozen small "neighborhood hub" zones in residential areas across the city. These hubs, typically located at one intersection, will allow for the clustering of restaurants, bars, retail stores, community centers, medical offices, and fitness venues. They are scattered across Salem and can be viewed on the city's updated zoning map.

The "Our Salem" project also includes recommendations for new ward boundaries to plan for future growth, particularly in west and south Salem. The new ward map, known as "alternative three," was chosen from three possible choices and will be in effect for the 2022 city council elections. The wards that cover northeast, east, south, and west Salem are all below the target population. The new boundaries are expected to go into effect in early 2023.

While the plan provides a framework for Salem's future growth, it won't transform the city overnight. It may take years for the changes to become visible in new construction or the city's project priorities. However, the city is committed to meeting the needs of its growing population and creating a more walkable and accessible community for its residents.

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The city's master transportation plan will include more features for pedestrians, like plazas and outdoor seating areas

Salem, Oregon, is expected to be home to 273,902 people by 2035, up from 199,030 in 2015. To accommodate this growth, the city has developed a new land use plan, which includes a comprehensive plan for future growth and development. This plan aims to promote housing density by allowing more apartment buildings and expanding the areas where multifamily buildings can be constructed.

One of the key features of Salem's new land use plan is the focus on creating more walkable neighbourhoods. The plan expands mixed-use zones, where retail businesses, offices, and apartments are all allowed, making it easier for residents to access amenities without relying on cars. The city has also added a dozen small "neighbourhood hub" zones in residential areas, allowing for the clustering of restaurants, bars, retail stores, community centres, and other amenities.

The new plan also includes a master transportation plan, which will improve pedestrian infrastructure. This includes the development of plazas and outdoor seating areas, as well as a pedestrian and bicycle network to connect residential areas with mixed-use centres. By enhancing walkability and providing more features for pedestrians, the city aims to make it more convenient and enjoyable for residents to move around without cars.

Salem's master transportation plan is part of a broader effort to update the city's comprehensive plan, which had not been significantly changed in decades. The updated comprehensive plan aims to reflect the community's vision for future growth and development. The process involved evaluating existing conditions, establishing a community vision, and updating the plan to implement the desired changes.

In addition to the transportation and land use plans, Salem has also adopted new ward boundaries to plan for future growth, particularly in the west and south of the city. The new boundaries, known as "alternative three," aim to distribute the population more evenly across the wards and prepare for future expansion. These changes demonstrate Salem's proactive approach to city planning, ensuring that the city can accommodate its growing population while improving livability and accessibility for its residents.

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Salem's Comprehensive Plan will shape the future of the city, from housing to street design

Salem, Oregon, is expected to witness significant changes in the coming years, as outlined in its Comprehensive Plan. This plan encompasses various aspects, including housing, transportation, and street design, all working towards meeting the community's future needs and shaping Salem's future development.

One of the primary goals of Salem's Comprehensive Plan is to promote housing density by allowing for more apartment buildings and multi-family housing options. Currently, the majority of the city's housing (65%) consists of single-family homes. By expanding the areas where multi-family buildings can be constructed, the plan aims to offer a diverse range of housing choices that cater to residents from all walks of life. This includes the conversion of more residential land into apartments and the establishment of mixed-use zones along major streets, integrating retail businesses, offices, and apartments.

The Comprehensive Plan also introduces the concept of "neighbourhood hubs" or "mixed-use centres and corridors". These hubs are designed to be walkable areas, well-connected to residential neighbourhoods, and easily accessible by pedestrians and cyclists. By clustering restaurants, bars, retail stores, community centres, and medical offices within these hubs, the plan aims to create convenient and car-free errand-running options for residents.

In terms of transportation, Salem's Comprehensive Plan lays the groundwork for the city's master transportation plan. The Salem Transportation System Plan (TSP) guides the city's actions and investments for the 21st century, focusing on creating mobility options for all modes of travel, including automobiles, transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. This includes improving pedestrian features, such as plazas and outdoor seating areas, to enhance the walkability of the city.

Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan addresses the need for efficient public facilities. The Public Facilities Plan outlines the requirements for water, sewer, and stormwater management to support the designated land uses. Salem is also committed to improving its airport infrastructure, with plans for a longer runway and an expanded terminal building.

Salem's Comprehensive Plan is a dynamic and comprehensive guide that will shape the city's future. While the changes may take time to become visible, they are designed to meet the community's evolving needs and create a more livable and accessible Salem.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Salem has plans to expand its boundaries. The city's Comprehensive Plan outlines Salem's vision for future growth and development, aiming to meet the needs of its growing population, which is expected to reach 273,902 by 2035.

Salem's expansion plans, known as the "Our Salem" project, involve various factors, including housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental impact. The plan aims to increase housing density by allowing more apartment buildings and mixed-use zones, creating walkable neighbourhoods, and improving public transportation.

Salem plans to promote housing density by allowing more apartment buildings and mixed-use developments, which can include retail, offices, and residential spaces. The city has expanded the areas where multifamily buildings can be constructed, aiming to offer a range of housing choices for residents.

According to the plan, Salem's population is expected to reach 273,902 by 2035, a significant increase from 199,030 in 2015. This growth will be accommodated through the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and its associated revisions.

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