Neighborhood associations give Salem residents a voice in the workings and development of their local community and the city as a whole.

Each neighborhood association (NA) has a Neighborhood Services Specialist and staff liaison from the City assigned to assist them with communications, obtaining information, and better organizing. Neighborhood association volunteers make a difference in the Salem community by providing information to decision-makers, working on self-help projects, and acting as a communication link between the City and other citizens. Neighborhood Services staff assist neighborhood associations in achieving their goals.

How to Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood

Each of Salem's 19 neighborhood associations meets on a regular basis to discuss issues that pertain to the neighborhood. NAs are recognized by City Council as an official voice of the community. Associations make recommendations to City Council and take action in their own neighborhood. Topics that are frequently on neighborhood association agendas include:

• Neighborhood crime and crime prevention
• Traffic and transportation planning
• Land use (zoning, planning, new construction, renovations, etc.)
• Neighborhood parks and park partnerships
• Community events

Refer to the map of neighborhood associations and the list of association chairpersons (pdf) to identify whom you can call for more information about your neighborhood association.

The weekly meetings of all neighborhood associations are posted on the City's website. The meeting calendar is available as well from Neighborhood Services; contact us to get on the mailing list or sign up for an electronic version.

You can address your neighbors at a neighborhood association meeting; find out how to get on the agenda.

Stay Informed

Each month, the City produces a newsletter that includes information on public forums, neighborhood activities, City projects, and opportunities to learn more or take an active role in civic affairs. The Salem Community Connections newsletter is posted on the City's webpage. Citizens also may request to be placed on the mailing list for a hard copy by contacting Neighborhood Services, or sign up for an electronic version to be emailed to you every month.

A weekly calendar of NA meetings (pdf) is also available online or via US mail. Contact Neighborhood Services to get on the mailing list, or--for an electronic version sent to your email address--sign up online.  Sign up to receive agendas the same way. Currently, minutes from NA meetings are not available electronically, although you can ask to be added to the mailing list for a hard copy.