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What's Happening Salem
By Jacob EspinozaNews
What's Happening Salem episodes
- The Math Behind Salem's Future: How Commercial Real Estate Shapes Community
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
Jacob Espinoza sits down with Josh Kay from First Commercial Real Estate to explore the business and community side of Salem's real estate landscape. In this insightful conversation, they discuss:
The challenges and opportunities in Salem's commercial real estate market are as a tertiary market in transition.
Why projects like roller skating rinks don't pencil out economically, and what actually makes developments viable.
The multi-year transformation of iconic downtown spaces, such as Liberty Plaza (now The Forge), and the process of repositioning vacant buildings.
Local versus absentee ownership and why community-rooted developers are reshaping Salem's future.
Major projects on the horizon, including the Canary Project on Front Street, are scheduled for the summer of 2026.
Policy barriers and opportunities for housing development, including insights on cottage clusters, parking requirements, and streamlining the development process.
How community spaces and quality buildings directly impact our sense of belonging and connection to Salem.
Whether you're curious about the economics behind downtown development, interested in how local entrepreneurs are revitalizing our city, or wondering why certain projects succeed while others don't, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Salem's commercial real estate world and what it takes to build thriving communities.
Timestamps:
00:02 - Introduction and Josh's community contributions
01:17 - Nearly a decade in commercial real estate
02:26 - Commercial vs. residential real estate dynamics
03:36 - Why Salem doesn't have a roller skating rink
05:13 - Salem's market position and current landscape
07:54 - Supporting Salem entrepreneurs and small businesses
11:15 - Community, belonging, and staying connected to Salem
11:51 - Reasons for optimism in Salem's future
19:55 - The process of transforming vacant buildings into thriving spaces
26:18 - The impact of local ownership on downtown revitalization
27:45 - The future of the Knight Deposit building
29:43 - Updates on the Canary Project and major development timelines
36:39 - Policy changes needed to help Salem prosper
40:42 - Transparency, simplicity, and encouraging development
44:16 - Balancing neutrality, politics, and platform building
45:54 - The power of collaboration and conversation in moving Salem forward
46 min - Coffee Breaks: Detroit Lake Drawdown, Rogue Brewing's Closure, and Salem's Evolving Economy
Welcome to another episode of What's Happening Salem, a new weekly series in partnership with the Salem Reporter—your quick coffee-break update on the stories shaping our community.
This week, Jacob Espinoza is joined by Rachel Alexander from the Salem Reporter to unpack two major local stories:
• Detroit Lake’s 2025 drawdown:
Why the water level must be lowered, what it means for endangered fish, and how Salem is preparing to protect our drinking water system from sediment overload.
• Rogue Brewing’s sudden closure:
What happened, what it signals for Oregon’s struggling craft beer industry, and how shifting alcohol consumer habits are impacting local economies.
Plus: Thanksgiving cooking chaos, adult friendships, and Salem's first Dinner Club.
Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you're new to the area, this conversation gives you the context you need to understand what’s happening in our city.
👉 This series is produced in partnership with the Salem Reporter. Stay informed and support local journalism by subscribing here:
https://www.salemreporter.com/
Timestamps:
00:02 - Introduction and Thanksgiving prep
01:33 - What's Happening Salem Dinner Club launch
03:10 - Detroit Lake drawdown explained
07:20 - Rogue Brewing's closure and impact on West Salem
08:17 - Economic trends in Oregon's beverage industry
10:05 - Financial challenges facing craft breweries
11:31 - Looking ahead to what's next for Salem's community
12 min - 30,000 Hungry Children: Marion & Polk County's Food Crisis Explained
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this critical episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rick Gaupo from Marion Polk Food Share to discuss the unprecedented food insecurity crisis facing our community. Rick provides an inside look at:
The impact of SNAP benefit disruptions on 75,000+ individuals across Marion and Polk Counties
How 30,000 local children are being affected by policy changes
The role of food banks as the "safety net to our safety net programs"
Community response and how locals are stepping up to help
The difference between emergency response and long-term challenges ahead
Upcoming changes from HR1 legislation and what they mean for Salem families
Practical ways you can support families in need right now
Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction and the scope of the crisis
01:46 - Understanding the numbers: 37,000 families affected in Marion County
03:05 - Why children matter most in this conversation
05:17 - Food banks as the safety net beneath government programs
08:46 - A non-partisan look at the impact on all families
11:42 - Pre-pandemic to present: How demand has evolved
14:17 - The future of food banking in our community
18:17 - Community response: Donations, volunteers, and support
23:24 - How $100,000 translates to meals for families
29:58 - Where families can find help right now
31:38 - Understanding upcoming changes from HR1 legislation
37:03 - The bigger question: Why working families need SNAP benefits
39:42 - Getting started: How you can help today
Learn more and get involved:
Marion Polk Food Share website: marionpolkfoodshare.org
38 min - Coffee Breaks: Salem's SNAP Crisis, School Budget Cuts, and ICE Arrests: What You Need to Know
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this Coffee Talk edition—a new series in partnership with Salem Reporter—Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander from Salem Reporter to discuss:
Oregon's last-minute push to distribute SNAP benefits amid federal uncertainty
How local food pantries continue dealing with increased demand since COVID
Salem-Keizer schools facing $25 million in cuts and potential layoffs
The ongoing tension between rising costs and state funding for education
Recent ICE arrests in Salem and the challenges of reporting on immigration enforcement
Why local nonprofits are crucial for tracking what's happening in our community
Support local journalism! Subscribe to Salem Reporter at https://www.salemreporter.com/
Timestamps:
00:01 - Welcome back and weekend sports recap
01:22 - Sprague volleyball finishes second in state
02:08 - SNAP benefits update: Oregon pushes payments through
04:05 - Food insecurity remains a long-term challenge
04:38 - Salem-Keizer schools need to cut $25 million
07:14 - Understanding the structural funding issues in education
08:44 - ICE arrests reported in Salem yesterday
11:45 - The difficulty of reporting immigration enforcement
11:49 - Wrapping up this week's Salem update
13 min - Coffee Breaks: Halloween Spirit, Food Insecurity Concerns, and Downtown Development Updates
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this Coffee Talk edition—a new series in partnership with Salem Reporter—Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander from Salem Reporter to discuss:
The upcoming Halloween weekend and growing Day of the Dead celebrations in Salem
The impact of potential SNAP benefit interruptions on local food pantries and families
How the community is stepping up to support neighbors in need
The JCPenney building deal falling through and what it means for downtown Salem
Why the downtown revitalization effort continues despite setbacks
Support local journalism! Subscribe to Salem Reporter at https://www.salemreporter.com/
Timestamps:
00:02 - Welcome back and Halloween plans
01:54 - Day of the Dead celebrations coming to Salem
04:05 - Food insecurity concerns and SNAP benefits
05:23 - Food pantries preparing for increased demand
06:41 - Three ways the community can help
08:42 - The JCPenney building deal falls through
10:08 - Downtown Salem's future and local investment efforts
11:31 - Supporting the community, gosh darn it!
12 min - Coffee Breaks: Halloween, Homeless Camps, and Immigration in Salem
Welcome to this week's episode of Coffee Breaks!
In this episode of our new series in partnership with Salem Reporter, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander to discuss:
Top Halloween activities in Salem, from Rocky Horror at the Grand to the Lost Forest Zombie Shoot
Mayor Julie Hoy's petition to repeal state homeless camp sweep regulations
Rising immigration enforcement concerns and their impact on local businesses and community events
Updates on Día de los Muertos celebrations happening around Salem
This is a quick 10-minute update on what's happening in Salem, bringing you the latest news and community happenings.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to Salem Reporter by visiting https://www.salemreporter.com/
Timestamps:
00:01 - Coffee Talk theme song banter and introduction
00:54 - Top three Halloween activities in Salem
01:12 - Rocky Horror Picture Show tradition at the Grand
02:10 - High school trick-or-treating events
03:12 - Ghosts at the Grand returns with new features
03:35 - Lost Forest Zombie Shoot debuts in Salem
04:59 - Trunk-or-treat events making a comeback
05:46 - Mayor's petition on homeless camp sweeps explained
08:12 - Community reactions and the debate over empathy vs. cleanliness
09:05 - Immigration arrests increase and community response
10:48 - Día de los Muertos celebrations still happening despite concerns
11 min - Building Bridges: How Salem Leadership Foundation Connects Community
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Kyle Dickinson, Executive Director of Salem Leadership Foundation, to discuss the organization's vital behind-the-scenes work connecting and empowering Salem's community. Topics include:
How Salem Leadership Foundation serves as a connector and trusted advisor across churches, schools, and nonprofits
The challenges facing nonprofit leaders in today's uncertain funding environment
SLF's innovative Development Cohort - training 31 local fundraisers to build financially sustainable organizations
The upcoming "I Start This?" cohort for aspiring nonprofit founders and existing organizations looking to expand
The Prevention Working Group's collaborative approach to reducing community violence
Community Partnership Teams bringing neighborhoods together with grassroots funding and action
Why duplication of services is a myth and how collaboration beats competition
The importance of being a "bridge" and reconciler in divided times
Timestamps:
00:02 - Introduction to Salem Leadership Foundation's behind-the-scenes impact
01:13 - Field staff embedded in neighborhoods across Salem
02:45 - Stepping into Sam Skiller's legacy with a fresh perspective
05:17 - The perfect storm facing nonprofits and new leadership
08:51 - Listening to needs across churches, schools, and nonprofits
13:14 - Launching the Development Cohort for nonprofit fundraisers
20:07 - The "I Start This?" cohort for nonprofit founders
24:00 - Why we don't need fewer nonprofits, just better collaboration
26:18 - The Prevention Working Group is reducing community violence
31:48 - Being a bridge means getting walked on sometimes
35:05 - Braver Angels: modeling how to disagree agreeably
37:02 - Community Partnership Teams making grassroots impact
42:01 - The power of open-ended questions over yes/no debates
42 min - Coffee Breaks: New City Manager, Safety Program Expansion, and Airport Funding
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this inaugural Coffee Breaks segment—a new partnership with Salem Reporter—Jacob Espinoza and Rachel Alexander deliver a quick 10-minute update on local news and community developments. This week's episode covers:
Christian Ambury's unanimous appointment as Salem's official city manager (no longer interim).
The ongoing state ethics investigation involving Mayor Julie Hoy and five city councilors regarding the former city manager's departure.
$680,000 approved for safety and livability programs, including expanded homeless services and crisis response teams.
New police homeless service team expansion from four to seven days a week.
The civilian SOS (Safety Outreach Services) team also expanding to seven days.
Launch of the CARE team—a new fire department partnership with mental health professionals.
Commercial air service recruitment efforts with redirected airport funds.
And much more!
This is a new weekly series in partnership with Salem Reporter, bringing you the latest local news in just 10 minutes. Support quality local journalism by subscribing to Salem Reporter at https://www.salemreporter.com/
Timestamps:
00:01 - Welcome to Coffee Breaks
00:14 - Introduction with Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter's managing editor
00:38 - City council meeting overview
01:04 - Christian Ambury: From interim to official city manager
01:29 - Ethics investigation and former city manager controversy
05:14 - $680,000 for safety and livability programs
05:36 - Homeless service team expansion details
06:18 - SOS team expansion and encampment response
07:11 - New CARE team with mental health professionals
09:09 - Commercial air service and airport funding decision
10:42 - Wrapping up the first Coffee Breaks episode
11 min - Salem News: School Improvements & Downtown Reality Check
Welcome to this episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander from Salem Reporter to discuss the state of local news and pressing issues facing our community:
Topics covered:
Salem-Keizer schools' first positive test score improvements since COVID
The reality of downtown Salem vs. public perception
How local journalism operates with limited resources
Upcoming city elections and coverage plans
The challenge of covering national issues with a local angle
Brainstorming ways to better serve Salem with digestible news content
Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction and collaboration concept
01:37 - Big news: School test scores show improvement
06:09 - Breaking down the numbers: Third-grade reading levels
08:55 - What's driving the improvement?
12:54 - Downtown Salem: Perception vs. reality
16:42 - Stories not getting enough attention
21:06 - Ethics violations and city government updates
21:09 - Approaching election season coverage
23:27 - The future of local journalism and community storytelling
26:38 - Brainstorming podcast frequency and format
29:02 - The speed of modern news production
Subscribe to Salem Reporter at salemreporter.com and share your feedback on what you'd like to hear covered at [email protected]!
29 min - Vanessa Nordyke on Salem's Mayoral Race: Homelessness, Public Safety & Downtown Revival
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, host Jacob Espinoza sits down with Salem City Councilor and mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke to discuss her campaign for mayor and vision for Salem's future.
Topics include:
Why Nordyke is running for mayor after nearly six years on the city council
Salem's three-pronged approach to downtown challenges: safety, health, and cleanliness
The community health response model to address mental health and addiction crises
Affordable housing progress and the Salem Housing Authority's expanded services
North Salem's concerns and the need for equitable attention across all neighborhoods
Her independent voting record and decision-making process (including the payroll tax vote)
Funding strategies: paid parking revenue, EMS services, and legislative support
Downtown revitalization efforts and support for local businesses
Making Salem more fun through community events and reducing barriers to permits
Transparency in government and connecting with younger voters through social media
Nordyke also discusses her collaborative approach to governance, the importance of listening to diverse constituents, and her commitment to addressing Salem's affordability crisis while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Timestamps:
00:02 - Introduction and Vanessa's endorsement of the "premiere podcast in Salem"
01:26 - Why Vanessa is running for mayor
07:09 - Salem's role in addressing homelessness and mental health crises
10:06 - Balancing business community needs with support for vulnerable populations
13:12 - Working with Julie Hoy and navigating council dynamics
15:54 - The mayor's role vs. city councilor responsibilities
19:14 - Being the "wild card" voter and making independent decisions
25:06 - Salem's affordability crisis and the payroll tax vote
30:31 - Downtown Salem: reality check between extremes
33:00 - Funding downtown improvements: paid parking and EMS revenue
37:23 - Supporting the Capitol and recruitment challenges for police
38:42 - Making Salem the "funnest part of Oregon"
41 min
About What's Happening Salem
From the publisher's feed
Stay connected to your community with "What’s Happening Salem," your go-to podcast for all things Salem, Oregon. Every Friday morning, we bring you the latest news, events, and stories from the past…
week, keeping you informed and engaged with what's happening in your city. Whether it's local government updates, community events, or neighborhood highlights, "What’s Happening Salem" ensures you never miss a beat. Tune in weekly to stay in the know and be part of the vibrant Salem community.