Christine Drazan says Oregon should focus more closely on the results produced by homelessness funding, including whether programs are helping people move from the streets into shelter and housing. What should accountability look like when public money is involved?

“I can’t afford to live here. I can’t afford to die here.” Christine Drazan points to Oregon’s estate tax as part of the problem. What do you think? Should Oregon change its estate tax? #OregonEstateTax #TaxPolicy #OregonPolitics #OregonBusiness #SalemBusinessJournal

Sarina’s Italian Kitchen is planning a brick-and-mortar restaurant at Salem Center with a full bar and patio seating. The project is in the demolition stage, and hiring for about 20 jobs is expected to start mid-January. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

🏀🏐 The PAC Community Center will reopen on January 1 under NPJ Sports Complex management, bringing weekday recreational sports, weekend tournaments, and expanded opportunities for youth and adult athletes in Salem. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Celebrating 17 years of community and tradition 🤍 From early mornings to family celebrations, Maravilla’s Bakery & Coffee has been part of Salem’s everyday moments and biggest milestones. More than bread, it’s a place that feels like home. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Pacific and Willamette Universities have taken the first step toward a merger that would create Oregon’s largest private university under the provisional name University of the Northwest. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Carmen’s story shows how quickly someone can fall into homelessness and how complex the path out can be. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

An independent fiscal review found that Church at the Park directs about 91% of its budget to program services, addressing online claims that most funds go to staff pay instead of shelters. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Salem has declared a local state of emergency over rising ICE activity. While this reinforces sanctuary protocols, the reality remains: The City cannot stop ICE operations or physically interfere with federal enforcement. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

New boost for Salem & Keizer entrepreneurs! 🚀 WaFd Bank, Keizer Chamber & FINSYNC have launched the CO.STARTERS accelerator to help first-time founders turn ideas into viable companies. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Salem City Council voted 7–2 to reaffirm the city’s sanctuary status and 6–3 to direct staff to draft a possible emergency declaration related to federal immigration activity. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

We put three local favorites to the test: iWingz, Roger That BBQ, and Half Time Bar & Grill. One brings the fire, one brings the comfort, and one is just tender to the bone. Do you agree with our verdict? salembusinessjournal.org/202…

We’re back with another Downtown Lights drop 📷 We want to spotlight the crew of volunteers from the Salem Main Street Association putting in the work so Salem’s core can shine a little brighter.

Salem Center just got a little more futuristic 🤖✨ Daxbot security robots are now patrolling the mall—spotting issues, supporting staff, and saying a friendly hello along the way. A new kind of “mall cop”? You could say that. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Homelessness in the Mid-Willamette Valley has hit record levels — 2,154 people unhoused in Marion & Polk, and nearly half are new to homelessness. Cities and nonprofits are spending millions just to manage the crisis. salembusinessjournal.org/202…

The World According to Snoopy!!! is coming to the Verona Studio at the historic Reed Opera House — led by a talented local cast ages 11–18. Holiday music, Peanuts nostalgia, and a big boost for downtown arts all in one show. 🎭🎄 salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Oregon’s new gas + payroll taxes are stirring debate. A citizen referendum seeks to let voters decide if they stay. State leaders say the funding is vital — critics say the people deserve a vote. 🔗 Salem Business Journal: “Your Wallet, Your Voice.” salembusinessjournal.org/202…

🏀 A new era for Salem basketball! The Salem Capitals are helping revive the historic USBL, bringing pro-level hoops and community pride to Oregon. Read full story at Salem Business Journal website salembusinessjournal.org/202…

Pop Up & Pitch Marketplace returns to Salem on Fri, Nov 21 (3–6 p.m., The Grand Hotel lobby) 🗓️⏰📍. Sample, shop, and meet 22 local food & beverage makers 🍞🧀🥤salembusinessjournal.org/202…

🧪 Salem’s Gilbert House Children’s Museum just opened its brand-new Science Lab! 🎟️ Now open to the public! 📍 Discover what’s inside and why it matters for our community salembusinessjournal.org/202…