Over the years, the City Council has developed an extensive system of resident groups established to advise them in specific subject areas—such as the budget, land use, and social services. Here you will find information about each board and commission, including current members and membership requirements.

From time to time, City Council will appoint a group of stakeholder representatives to advise them on an issue of interest in our community. These groups, often established as task forces or committees, may include the Mayor, councilors, and residents or business representatives with an interest in a particular area of Salem or an interest specific to the issue. Some are ongoing, ad hoc, or of limited duration. These groups hold public meetings, are often staffed by those with subject matter expertise and professional experience, and develop recommendations for the City Council to consider.

Please scroll down to view all Boards and Commissions.

Boards

• Community Police Review Board
• Cultural and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board
• Downtown Advisory Board
• North Gateway Redevelopment Advisory Board
• Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Salem Public Library Advisory Board
• West Salem Redevelopment Advisory Board

Commissions

• Airport Advisory Commission
• Center 50+ Advisory Commission
• Civil Service Commission
• Citizens Advisory Traffic Commission
• Historic Landmarks Commission'
• Municipal Judge Compensation Commission
• Salem Human Rights Commission
• Salem Planning Commission
• Salem Public Art Commission

Other Advisory Groups

• 2024 Revenue Task Force (2024)
• Bond Implementation Oversight Committee (ongoing)
• Budget Committee (ongoing) 
• City Committees (Board and Commission Appointments, City Manager's Performance Review, Council Rules, Legislative Committee, etc.)
• City Efficiency Committee (2025)
• Climate Action Committee (ongoing)
• Equity Round Table (ongoing)
• Local Option Levy Oversight Committee
• Riparian Advisory Committee
• Salem City Council Finance Committee (ongoing)
• Salem Human Rights Commission LGBTQIA+ Committee (ongoing)
• Salem Housing Advisory Committee (ongoing)
• Solid Waste Committee (ongoing)
• Stormwater Advisory Group (2024)
• Water-Wastewater Task Force (ongoing)

Hearings Officer

The Hearings Officer has been delegated power to make decisions for the City Council, including land use cases.

Details of Boards and Commissions

To view board and commission details, select the links under the Board Name column below: