TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, City Manager
FROM: Courtney Knox Busch, Chief Strategy Officer
SUBJECT:
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Advancing 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:
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In July 2025, the City began the process of updating its Strategic Plan. In preparation for the November 17, 2025 Work Session and to build an environmental scan which includes a multitude of perspectives on the City’s current situation, the team reviewed available documentation and data, and received input from members of City Council and City management.
The goals of the work session are to (1) share findings and review the situation assessment prepared by Baker Tilly, (2) gather Council input on the City’s current mission, vision, and value statements; and (3) gather Council input on strategic goals and potential objectives to guide the City for the next five years. The Work Session will be facilitated by members of the Baker Tilly team.
There will be more touch points in 2026, as the Strategic Plan begins to take shape, including opportunities for community input through a survey in February with Council consideration of a final draft anticipated for March 2026.
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ISSUE:
Information only.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only.
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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.
• Implementation and Monitoring: Putting the plan into action and tracking progress over time.
Progress to-date. In July 2025, the City began the process of updating its Strategic Plan. In preparation for the November 17, 2025 Work Session, the team reviewed available documentation and data, including the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey <https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/salem-strategic-plan>, and received input from one-on-one interviews with all members of City Council and City management.
Next Steps. Additional engagement opportunities will occur in 2026, as the Strategic Plan continues to develop, including opportunities for community input through a survey in February with Council consideration of a final draft anticipated for March 2026.
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
Chief Strategy Officer
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