TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, City Manager
FROM: Courtney Knox Busch, Assistant City Manager/Director for Strategy and Engagement
SUBJECT:
title
Adopting the City of Salem’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Good Governance; Natural Environment Stewardship; Safe and Healthy Community; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure; Strong and Diverse Economy; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
summary
In July 2025, the City began the process of updating its Strategic Plan. Through work sessions, the City Council engaged directly in consideration of key elements of the City’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. At their April 27, 2026 meeting, City Council will consider input from community members and employees, and the final draft Strategic Plan for adoption.
At their November 17, 2025 Work Session, City Council (1) received findings from the situation assessment prepared by Baker Tilly, (2) provided input on the City’s current mission, vision, and value statements; and (3) shared views on strategic goals and potential objectives to guide the City for the next five years. Then, at a March 13, 2026 Work Session, City Council considered the goals, first-year activities, and milestones and measures by which to gauge progress. In early April, the draft Strategic Plan was shared for feedback with community members and employees.
meeting. The City Council is now considering the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan for adoption.
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ISSUE:
Consider the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan for adoption.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt the 2026-2031 City of Salem Strategic Plan.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Through the update of the City of Salem’s 2021 Strategic Plan <https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/5752/637804422145870000> and the development of the City of Salem 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, the City Council, community, and staff can assess progress, refine priorities, and create a clear roadmap for the next five years, ensuring that Salem continues to grow as a vibrant and resilient community.
Why is this update important? Strategic planning helps the City focus its resources on what matters most, responding to community needs, planning for future growth, and ensuring efficient, effective public services. By updating the 2021 Strategic Plan, we can build on what’s working, address emerging challenges, and adapt to the changing needs of our city.
In developing the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, City Council will consider:
• Visioning: Revisiting our shared vision for Salem’s future in light of recent progress and new challenges.
• Assessment: Evaluating the City’s current strengths, areas for improvement, and future opportunities.
• Goal-Setting: Reviewing and updating strategic goals that reflect the values and priorities of Salem’s diverse communities.
• Action Planning: Developing clear, measurable strategies to achieve each goal. Year 1 for the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan will include activities currently underway.
• Implementation and Monitoring: Putting the plan into action and tracking progress over time.
Progress to-date. Through work sessions, the City Council engaged directly in consideration of key elements of the City’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. In July 2025, the City began the process of updating its Strategic Plan.
• At their November 17, 2025 Work Session, City Council (1) received findings from the situation assessment prepared by Baker Tilly, (2) provided input on the City’s current mission, vision, and value statements; and (3) shared views on strategic goals and potential objectives to guide the City for the next five years.
• Then, at a March 13, 2026 Work Session, City Council considered the goals, first-year activities, and milestones and measures by which to gauge progress.
• In early April, the draft Strategic Plan was shared for feedback with community members and employees.
At their April 27, 2026 meeting, City Council will consider input from community members and employees, and the final draft Strategic Plan for adoption.
Community member and employee feedback. In early April, community members and employees were invited to share their feedback on the draft Strategic Plan, guiding principles and measures through a survey (Attachment 2). Both the survey and the initial draft of the Strategic Plan were provided in both Spanish and English. More than 620 people participated in the survey, which was open from April 3 to April 12, 2026.
More than half of respondents were long-time residents or workers in Salem and connected to Salem as residents (37%), property owners (27%) or workers (17%). About 63% described the overall outlook on the goals and direction of the City as extremely positive or somewhat positive. Almost half (43%) offered additional feedback which included: a general concern about affordability, importance of prioritizing core services and basic City functions - alongside any new initiatives, an interest in greater transparency about funding, and more reporting on value of and effective management of services.
Overall, 90% of respondents indicated that proposed outcome measures in the Strategic Plan aligned well or somewhat well with community priorities. Comments and suggestions for improvement to performance measures included adding specificity in defining targets for the measures, providing more regular reporting, and showing more metrics around the City’s progress in responding to homelessness.
BACKGROUND:
In July 2025, the City began the process of updating its the 2021 Strategic Plan <https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/5752/637804422145870000>. On October 13, 2025, Salem City Council received a detailed report on the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey <https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/salem-strategic-plan> to assess residents’ satisfaction with City services and communications, gather opinions on the value and distribution of City resources, and gauge residents’ sense of safety and livability. Insights from this survey and other outreach activities are critical in assessing progress, refining priorities, and creating a clear roadmap for the next five years.
A complete schedule for development of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan along with the City’s current Strategic Plan, annual City Council Policy Agendas or work plans, and community satisfaction surveys are found on the ’Citys Strategic Plan web page <https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/salem-strategic-plan>.
Courtney Knox Busch
Assistant City Manager/Director for Strategy and Engagement
Attachments:
1. 2026-2031 City of Salem Strategic Plan.
2. Salem Strategic Plan survey feedback.