The Salem City Council is made up of eight City Councilors, each elected to represent one of Salem's Wards and the Mayor, who is elected by voters throughout the City. They are volunteers who spend countless hours studying city issues and working to both solve problems and take advantage of the opportunities facing local government.
Over the years, the Council has developed an extensive system of citizen groups established to advise them in specific subject areas, such as, the budget, land use, and social services.
The City currently has 20 boards, commissions, and committees appointed to research and advise the Council on issues in each specifically focused area. Please browse through the column on the left and find a wide variety of information on each board & commission, including current members and membership requirements. Applications are considered active for two years. Please feel free to contact the City Manager's office at (503) 588-6255 if you have general questions related to Boards & Commissions.
Current Board and Commission Vacancies:
Citizen Budget Committee:
Two vacancies - one representative from Ward 2 and one representative from Ward 7
Citizen Advisory Traffic Commission:
Three vacancies - at large positions
Citizen Police Review Board:
One vacancy and two alternate positions
North Gateway Redevelopment Advisory Board:
One vacancy - representing a business/property owner within the North Gateway Urban Renewal area
Salem Housing Advisory Committee:
Three vacancies - one representative from a tenant assisted by Salem Housing Authority, one representative from the Salem/Keizer School District, and one representative from a Social Service Agency
Housing & Urban Development Advisory Committee:
One vacancy for a representative from the Salem Housing Advisory Committee
Senior Center Advisory Commission:
Three vacancies - two at-large positions and one representative for a "partner" of the Senior Center
Social Service Advisory Board:
Two vacancies - one at-large position and one representative from the Human Rights & Relations Advisory Board
Application: See application