City Initiatives

The City of Salem has embraced sustainable development as a way to confront future demands on resources in a way that is fiscally prudent and socially responsible.

Oregon is leading efforts to attract sustainable industry and jobs, promote policy and programs that encourage environmental stewardship and green innovation, and maintain natural resources for recreation and quality of life. As the capital of Oregon, Salem aims to build on this reputation. Salem is home to sustainable businesses and industries like Kettle Foods, SANYO Solar, and SeQuential Biofuels, and is home to Pringle Creek Community, one of the most sustainable communities in the nation.

What is the City Doing to Promote Sustainability?
The City is undertaking and supporting actions to improve sustainability through a variety of initiatives, by partnering with state or local organizations, leading efforts in its own buildings, and providing conservation, energy efficiency and pollution prevention programs for community residents.

Energy

Environmental Action Plan

This Plan includes goals and action items related to energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, water quality, and waste management.

Salem Renewable Energy and Technology Center

This Center is 80 acres of prime industrial land planned to attract renewable energy, manufacturing, research, and support uses. This site aims to serve as a model in sustainable industrial site development. (Photo by Ron Cooper.)

Salem's Community Energy Strategy

The Strategy serves as a road map for energy saving efforts communitywide, now and in the future.

Water

Stormwater

This system conveys stormwater from the land to the Willamette River and includes the maintenance of over 14,000 catch basins, 420 miles of drainage pipes, 796 detention facilities, 2,300 cleanouts, 4,834 manholes, 1,228 culverts, and 3 fish ladders.

Watershed Education

These free educational presentations and tours regarding the City’s utilities are available to schools and civic groups. We invite you to take advantage of this incredible resource.

Wastewater

This system transports sewage from homes, businesses, and industries to the wastewater treatment facility for processing, and requires the routine inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of over 772 miles of pipeline and nearly 16,000 manhole structures.

Water Conservation

The City’s outreach and education programs promote water conservation with schools, residents, and businesses to achieve its summer water conservation goal of using less than 50 million gallons of water per day.

Transportation

Bicycle Routes and Lockers

Included in the Salem River Crossing Project or in the Salem Transportation System Plan.

Electrical Vehicles

Oregon has been named as one of five test markets by the Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec) as part of a $99.8 million federally funded effort.

Other

Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI)

The University of Oregon selected Salem for the SCI, which matches professors and students in multiple disciplines to address City goals and leverage existing limited resources to move projects forward.

Energy

Water

Transportation

Other

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