News and Updates
Update from the Pacific NW Regional Network
The work of our Regional Network Program ended in 2020, and staff in the Pacific Northwest shifted their roles for 2021.Our staff Becky Gilliam, formerly the regional policy manager focusing on the Salem-Keizer and Central Lane County areas, has transitioned to a new role as a Program Support Manager with the Safe Routes Partnership. She is…
Oregon Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
Every few years, the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) deliberates how to spend billions in statewide transportation funds by determining funding categories, such as investing in roadway maintenance, highway widening, or bike/pedestrian/transit/safety. For the past several months, the OTC has heard from the public and made a decision on how to invest more than $2B in…
$28.3 million for Oregon SRTS Infrastructure Grants
December Update: The OTC approved recommended SRTS projects for funding. In October, the Oregon Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee recommended funding $28.3 million for ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Competitive Construction Grant Program, for 43 projects located across the state which will all focus on under-resourced communities and safety improvements around schools.
Solidarity for Police-Free Schools in Salem-Keizer
October 8, 2020 update: We have submitted testimony and signed onto numerous petitions, adding our voice to the growing list of community members, demanding that the Salem-Keizer School District divest from policing in schools, and reinvest in education. At least one governing body has heard our demands. In late July, the Salem Police Chief announced…
Investing in Safety & Equity
We Support the Regional Transportation Measure 26-218 & you should, too! Everyone deserves a safe and efficient transportation system, no matter how they get around. This November, the Get Moving transportation measure, which we helped craft through our work with the Getting There Together Coalition, will make long-overdue safety investments on 17 of the most…
Our Salem & Climate Action Plan
Our Salem is a multi-year project to update the Comprehensive Plan, which guides future development for the city. The City of Salem has released an interactive map and draft vision that reflect priorities heard from the community. Outreach will continue through the fall and winter to ask for additional feedback on the draft vision, which will…
Share Your Thoughts on Statewide Transportation Funding
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is developing the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for 2024-2027, which is their blueprint for how they will spend more than $2 billion in transportation funding during that three-year period. Take their survey now on transportation project funding priorities.
Connect with Salem-Keizer’s Safe Routes to School Program!
Since early 2018, the Safe Routes Partnership has been proud to support our partners in the Salem area in getting started on its first ever Safe Routes to School program. And we’re excited to share that the program is up and rolling! Here are some ways to get connected to the Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to…
Metro Regional Transportation Measure Referred to November Ballot
As long-time advocates and fighters for safe and accessible transportation options, and founding members of the Getting There Together Coalition, we are thrilled that today Metro Council referred their Get Moving 2020 regional transportation investment measure to the November 2020 ballot, which will invest more than $7 billion over the next 20 years.
Testify at Metro Regional Transportation Measure Online Listening Sessions June 30 – July 9
Metro Council is getting ready to decide whether to refer their Regional Transportation Measure Get Moving 2020 to the November ballot. There are four opportunities starting June 30 to have your voice heard.
Metro Transportation Measure Update: Regionwide Programs
Finalization of the ballot measure in the greater Portland region, which has been under development for more than a year, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A decision by Metro Council whether to refer the package to the November 2020 ballot is now expected this summer. If referred and passed, the measure will invest billions…
SKATS Approves 2021-2026 Bike/Ped, Transit & SRTS Investments
SKATS, the regional transportation planning agency for the greater Salem/Keizer area, has approved the 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP establishes the schedule and priority for the near-term funding and implementation of transportation improvement projects. Approximately $15 million in federal funds were available for this cycle. We submitted comments in support of infrastructure and programming…
Now Open: SRTS Project Grants in OR & WA
Funding opportunities now open in Washington and Oregon to apply for grants supporting SRTS infrastructure projects.
Stay Engaged with Regional Planning in Salem-Keizer!
During this period of uncertainty and change, transportation planning efforts are still moving forward for the Salem-Keizer area. Weigh in on important funding for Safe Routes to School, transit fleet upgrades, future city development and more! “Our Salem” Moves Online Our Salem is a multi-year project to update the Comprehensive Plan, which guides future development…
Resources for Oregon school communities affected by COVID-19
During this uncertain time for health, economic, and community stability, we are all adjusting our routines to help combat the community spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Through our mission-driven work to improve the health and well-being of people of all races, income levels, and abilities, and build healthy, thriving communities for everyone, we know that many families…
Support A Regional Universal YouthPass
We are now about three months away from Metro’s referral of a regional investment in transportation in 2020 – Metro is widely expected to make that referral this May for the November 2020 ballot. The Task Force and Metro Council recently gave soft approval of most of the projects, and through our work with partners…
Salem Passes Sit-Lie Ordinance, Presenting New Challenges for Unsheltered
March 24, 2020 Update: Salem City Council has adopted a Sit-Lie ordinance that prohibits people from sitting or lying on public sidewalks from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The ordinance was approved a week after Council’s decision to ban loitering in public spaces during the next 5 weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19. The…
Comment Now on Indirect Source Rules
In December, a coalition of 20 leading environmental and social justice organizations submitted a petition to Oregon policymakers to establish regulations for toxic diesel emissions from indirect, or non-road, sources — such as construction sites, distribution centers, and railyards. Comment on this by February 14.
Apply for Oregon SRTS Construction Grants in 2020!
Updated 2-25-20: At upcoming workshops in April, May, and June, ODOT staff will present a program overview and answer questions about this funding and resource opportunity. The presentation will cover things like timeline, eligibility, proposal selection process and priorities, match requirements, and proposal development tips. Who should attend? Representatives from cities, counties, tribes, transit agencies, and…
T2020: Rethinking the Next Generation of Transportation Investments in the Greater Portland Metro Region
We are proud to be founding members of the Getting There Together Coalition, and recently joined with other community leaders to analyze the recommended list of projects and put forward our own recommendations that lead with the values of equity, safety, affordability, and climate. At their December 18 Task Force meeting, members voted to make recommendations to the Metro Council…