Willamette Wake Up

Conservation Spotlight highlights how Elderberry Wisdom Farm, in Marion County, provides opportunities for Indigenous youth to strengthen their traditional Native American ties to the land, and the farm's efforts to acquire organic certification.

Urban League Unpacked digs into housing and homelessness across the Willamette Valley. From rising rents to shrinking safety nets, they unpack systemic barriers that keep families on the edge, and explore community-driven solutions. Jimmy Jones, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and Katrina Holland, Urban League join the conversation. 

Policy for the People explores how corporations avoid taxes and the need for tax transparency, with Jason Ward, Center for International Corporate Tax Accountability & Research; and, Spandan Marasini, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. 

Elephant in the Room continues the discussion of environmental impacts of Coffin Butte landfill, with Ken Ecklund, former chair of Benton County's Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Mason Levitt, Beyond Toxics. This episode examines environmental hazards from leachate, other regular impacts on neighbors of the landfill, and the public process happening now to engage residents in decision making.

Brian Hines, blogger on Salem issues, spoke about the Oregon Ethics Commission's findings concerning a complaint he lodged last winter, on the process used by Mayor Julie Hoy, and involved five sitting councilors, that led to the resignation of City Manager, Keith Stahley.  Hines addresses statements in the commission's findings and shares his observations of what it may mean for future trust by Salem residents.

Join hosts Xavier and Allie as they welcome their first guest Sarah Arbuckle, Chief of Staff to Oregon State Representative, Hòa Nguyễn, (HD 48). Hear how Sarah is building, sustaining and advocating for people in the Willamette Valley since 2019, through Salem-Keizer School District, Black Joy Oregon, and Brown Girl Rise. The extended cut of the episode will be available on The Willamette Block Party YouTube channel.

Elephant in the Room explores the environmental impacts of methane gas emissions from Coffin Butte landfill and other issues related to the management of this landfill in Corvallis OR, with Ken Ecklund, former chair of Benton County's Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Mason Levitt, Beyond Toxics. This is part one of a two-part program. 

Holla for Labor talks with Oregon State Representative Travis Nelson regarding his new appointment to the National Democratic Party and as the Treasurer of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

Punx in the Park is a concert and resource fair for at risk youth in Marion County.  Hear the report about the purpose and activities from this year's event on August 31st with KMUZ volunteer, Sophie Martin.  (The original and longer version of this report aired on The Forum Sept 19th.)

Monmouth Monthly talks with Barbara Cronin about the city's Senior Center and its programs; and, how it serves as a "third space" for Monmouth residents.