Good morning, Salem.

Today, Lore Christopher and Kyle Juran speak on the Salem Business Journal Podcast about opportunities and challenges in Salem and Keizer—covering business trends, retail, politics, housing, and community growth.

Their discussion provides clear insights for local decision-making.

The Bureau of Land Management began prescribed burns in Oregon and Washington yesterday—using both broadcast and machine pile ignition methods—to reduce wildfire risk and restore native lands.

The burns will continue through fall and winter, and residents are advised to close windows at night as smoke may settle in low areas.

McKenzie River Highway 242 reopened on Sept.

29 after firefighters mostly controlled the wildfire that caused the Foley Ridge closure — ODOT must still complete a safety check before fully opening the roadway. Only Rainbow Falls and Separation Lake trailheads remain closed.

Oregon is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October to honor the contributions of workers with disabilities—organizers will host a series of webinars on Oct.

7, 14, and 28 and offer resources to support job training and financial planning.

Oregon Housing and Community Services is urging survivors of the 2020 wildfires to apply for the HARP program before it stops accepting new applications on Dec.

31. The two-step online process helps families rebuild — local HARP Intake Centers offer assistance in gathering required documents.

Paratransit drivers from the Cherriots LIFT service picketed downtown Salem last week to demand a 9% raise and improved benefits amid chronic understaffing—union members said low wages are causing service delays for riders—and they are now negotiating with MTM Transit, Inc. to secure fair pay and better health coverage. This union action follows a contract that expired last year, leaving drivers with wages around $23 per hour while nearby operators earn significantly more.

Salem city government and Salem-Keizer School District will face a 20% rise in pension contributions starting July 1 due to expiring pension side accounts, with overall increases of $1.6 billion expected for the 2027 cycle—placing extra pressure on local budgets.

For example, Rainier School District could see its costs jump by $1.2 million a year—about the pay for 14 full-time teachers, prompting leaders to plan for higher expenses.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services published the maximum legal rent increases for 2026 on Sept.

30—facilities with 30 or fewer spaces may see a 9.5% increase while larger properties are capped at 6.0%. The limits, based on a formula that adds 7% to the cost-of-living change, are designed to protect tenants and set the stage for next year's update on Sept. 30.

National Guard troops from Salem and Woodburn have been deployed to Portland under federal directives, beginning processing on Sept.30 and Oct.1 before three days of crowd-control training by U.S. Army North.

State officials and local lawmakers have raised concerns over the move's legality—while a lawsuit has been filed to block the federalization.

Insight Northwest Recovery will soon open a clinic at 2525 12th St. S.E. to give group therapy and intensive outpatient treatment to teens and others facing addiction and mental health challenges.

The clinic accepts Medicaid and major insurance—offering structured sessions grouped by age with in-person appointments starting Oct. 6.

The Forge, a downtown shopping center that replaced Liberty Plaza, opened earlier this year and is nearly full as construction continues for holiday season businesses—investors plan a secret mid-October opening for a 200-person event venue called Cellar 54.

The project will add more retail, dining, and event spaces to support local business growth.

Michael Carbonaro Live Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — All ages welcome — Experience the magic and comedy of Michael Carbonaro known for his hidden camera magic series.

Sonic Journey – Sound Bath Experience

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Immerse yourself in a meditative sound bath with gongs and crystal singing bowls for profound relaxation.

Oregon Ready Fair 2025

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — 3930 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR — Free entry — A community event focused on practical emergency preparedness and hands-on learning for all ages.

Spooky Boo Paint Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Valiant the Sandwich — All materials included — Unleash your creativity with a ghostly painting experience this Halloween.

Spooky Cute Paint Night

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery + Taphouse — All materials included — Unleash your creativity with a fun, spooky painting experience designed for all skill levels.

The Winery Comedy Tour

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Drinks available — Enjoy a night filled with laughter from some of the funniest comedians in the country.

Author Meet & Greet Book Signing

1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble Salem — Free entry — Celebrate the release of the final book in the Alex McKenna series with a cozy book signing event.

North East Salem Community Association Meeting

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jory Apartments — Free entry — Engage with your community and participate in important neighborhood discussions.

Needle Felting Class - Pumpkin

6-8 p.m. — CreativiTee — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a pumpkin and expand your fiber arts knowledge this fall.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Discover local vendors and enjoy the warmth of the indoor market this winter.

Finding Hope, Resilience, and Strength During Turbulent Times All-inclusive Retreat

This retreat will offer a restorative space to rest and rejuvenate in the healing waters as well as guide you on your journey to mindfulness and hopefulness. Find healing and hope through activities like guided meditations, exploration and discovery of strengths and resilience, movement and mobility, soothing sound baths, artistic endeavors, and more!