​The City of Salem has begun a community-wide effort to develop a Climate Action Plan for Salem. The Climate Action Plan will set the course for the city to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and increase its resilience to climate change. The planning process will seek to develop strategies that reduce emissions and strengthen infrastructure. It will also pursue strategies that build community partnerships, spur innovation, and increase equitable access to services. This approach will help ensure Salem’s resilience through climate change expected through the coming decades.

Impacts from climate change are already visible in the Pacific Northwest. Wildfires, floods, and drought have affected Salem in recent history. The fires of 2020 and the flood of 2012 are two of the most notable examples.

The Climate Action Plan will be a community plan that will include the ideas and commitment of a broad range of community members. Having community input and building a community strategy is a vital component of the Climate Action Plan. You are invited to join the planning process, with activities that align with each phase of the project. Your knowledge and suggestions will make the plan come to life, so we encourage you to take part in the process.

Request Virtual Presentation

Email us at [email protected] to have our team present to your community group. The Climate Action Plan project team is offering presentations to community groups who would like to learn about the planning project and provide feedback.

• Salem Climate Action Plan Task Force Agenda for April 7, 2021; Detailed Agenda

• Salem Climate Action Plan Task Force Agenda for March 3, 2021; Detailed Agenda

• Salem Climate Action Plan Task Force Agenda for January 13, 2021;
  Detailed Agenda

• Salem Climate Action Plan Task Force Agenda for November 18, 2020

• Salem Climate Action Plan Task Force Agenda for November 12, 2020

• Salem Climate Action Plan Task Force Agenda for November 5, 2020

• March 2021 Strategy Ranking Survey Results (PDF)
• Climate Action Plan Task Force (PDF)
• Salem Climate Action Planning Process Outline (PDF)
• Climate Actions Audit (PDF)
• October 2020 Community Survey Results (PDF)
• Salem 2016 Sector-Based Greenhouse Gas Inventory (PDF)
• Salem 2016 Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Inventory (PDF)
• Understanding Salem's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories (PDF)
• Climate Vulnerability Assessment Highlights (PDF)
• Climate Vulnerability Assessment Highlights - Spanish (PDF)

Climate Action Plan Task Force
A task force is guiding the development of the Climate Action Plan. It consists of a cross section of community and organizational stakeholders representing sectors such as education, business, vulnerable populations, insurance, emergency preparedness, public health, transportation, energy, environment, land use, and three city councilors.

You
There are different ways to participate in Salem's community-wide climate action planning process. Check out our online public engagement platform where you can share ideas and stay informed throughout the process. We plan to send out surveys and host public forums as we move through the project phases.

Consultants
A consultant team led by Verdis Group is providing technical expertise.

Staff advisors
City staff is providing the consultant team advice and sharing knowledge about the City and the Salem community.

What is the Climate Action Plan?
The Salem Climate Action Plan will be a strategic plan to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. The plan will be co-created with the Salem community and organizational partners and will help guide municipal and local work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for and adjust to the current and future impacts of climate change.

Why is the City doing this project?
City Council called for the preparation of a climate action plan as part of their 2019 Policy Agenda. The City Council's decision follows a recommendation from the 2017 Strategic Plan.

What opportunities are there for public input in the process?
At each stage of the process, there will be opportunities for the public to learn about and provide feedback on the Salem Climate Action Planning process.

Is the City coordinating this project with Our Salem?
The Salem Climate Action Planning Process will be closely coordinated with Our Salem, the City's ongoing project to update the Salem Area Comprehensive Plan, as climate action strategies are likely to achieve multiple and overlapping community goals. Below are some of the ways the two projects will intertwine.

• Timing: The timelines for the Our Salem project and Climate Action Plan project have been aligned to ensure the two projects can inform each other.

• Staff: The same staff are working on both projects to ensure continuity. For example, the project manager for the Our Salem project is serving on the Climate Action Plan task force.

• Goals: The draft vision for the Our Salem project includes goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goals will be updated to reflect City Council’s recent vote to set specific GHG reduction goals for the Climate Action Plan.

• Policies: Staff leading the Climate Action Plan will provide examples of potential policies related to climate change that can be included in the Our Salem project. They will also help facilitate an Our Salem meeting on policies related to the environment in the spring.

What climate actions has the City completed so far?
In 2019, the City conducted a comprehensive Climate Actions Audit to identify completed actions, ongoing practices, and adopted plans that address climate change. Much of the City work has been incorporated into routine maintenance and operating practices, constructed as capital improvement projects, integrated into City plans, or incorporated in the Salem Revised Code. Also in 2019, the City completed a Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This report provides a clear picture of where emissions in Salem come from as well as establishes a baseline from which to measure future reductions. In 2020, the City joined ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, which is a global network of more than 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Membership provides the City with numerous tools and resources to assist in setting greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and tracking progress.

​Related resources

• Salem Area Comprehensive Plan

• Environmental Action Plan

• Salem's Community Energy Strategy

• Willow Lake Cogeneration Facility Upgrade

• Community Forestry Strategic Plan

• Stormwater Master Plan Update

• Climate Actions Audit (PDF);  Audit Summary

• Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports for Salem

• NW Natural’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 (PDF)

• PGE Aims for Companywide Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2040 (PDF)

​Participate

You are invited to join the planning process. To reduce the chance of spreading Coronavirus and to maintain compliance with associated restrictions, we are using an online platform to help with public participation.

​Visit to learn more and share ideas

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Project timeline