What is Salem's stimulus objective?

Salem's objective is to respond quickly and accurately to the Recovery Act’s funding opportunities for projects that will accomplish the following:

• Meet appropriate federal or state funding criteria, including immediate creation of jobs and degree of readiness;
• Create long-term jobs, thereby having a positive secondary economic impact;
• Address identified needs and meet the City’s strategic goals;
• Leverage other funds or allow existing funds to be reallocated; and
• Serve large portions of the community

What is the City doing to ensure stimulus funds reach our community?

To achieve this objective the City has taken the following steps:

• Staff identified projects that met the stated goals of the proposed stimulus legislation and worked with Congressional representatives to help shape the bill by providing examples of projects that could benefit from economic stimulus funds.
• In February the City Council established a Council Economic Stimulus Subcommittee to prioritize potential stimulus projects and approve applications for funding prioritized projects.
• Prior to the Recovery Act's enactment, the City Manager convened a work group of key staff to identify the method, timelines, and criteria under which funds will be allocated. The work group continues to meet on a weekly basis to discuss funding opportunities, potential projects, application deadlines and criteria, and communications the City has had with agencies and officials administering the distribution of ARRA funds.
• The Mayor, a member of the City Council, and City Manager recently attended the National League of Cities Conference in Washington DC to receive additional information relating to the stimulus bill.

How can I stay informed of the City's efforts to pursue funding opportunities and the impact of ARRA on our City?

In an effort to maintain accountability and transparency, the City will provide updates to this website notifying citizens of funding applications, awards and the manner in which stimulus funds are being spent within Salem.