Hey Salem,

Last week we asked you what kind of events you wanted us to throw, and you let us know you wanted an event that would let you meet new friends.

We heard you loud and clear and are putting something together for March 19 at Offbeat Coffee. So save the date!

I just watched the Salem Chamber of Commerce mayoral debate between incumbent Mayor Julie Hoy and City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, and there's a lot to unpack. Having just had Vanessa on the What's Happening Salem podcast (and with Julie Hoy joining us on January 28), I wanted to give you the full picture of what went down.

Both candidates agree on way more than you might think. They both voted against the payroll tax, support the livability levy, and want to address homelessness while supporting local businesses. So what's the actual difference?

To be fair, there were areas of strong agreement:

The real distinction comes down to how they see the mayor's role and how they communicate about Salem's challenges.

As Vanessa told me on the podcast: "Salem doesn't want a mayor that looks down on people." She emphasized that while nobody thinks it's okay for people to be struggling on our streets, we need solutions, not just complaints. "We don't need a complainer. We need a doer," she said.

Do people see Julie Hoy as a complainer? I dunno.

One uncomfortable moment came when Vanessa asked Mayor Hoy about campaign donations and conflicts of interest. Vanessa recalled advising the mayor not to vote on a land use decision involving a donor's property, advice the mayor didn't follow. When asked if she'd recuse herself in similar future situations, Mayor Hoy said no, as long as she wouldn't benefit financially.

Mayor Hoy has been in office for one year and points to significant budget improvements and the successful livability levy. Vanessa has been on council since 2019 and has been part of every major decision during that time, including the difficult ones.

The choice comes down to different visions for the mayor's role: continuing the current approach versus expanding how the office engages with the community. As Vanessa noted: "The office of mayor is the most underutilized resource in city government. Most people don't know who the mayor is or what the mayor does. If we are going to tackle these challenges and build trust, then that has got to change."

The election is in May. You can hear more from both candidates and make your own decision.

Appreciate you all Salem!

Jacob

Most Salem businesses are invisible.

They're great at what they do. Terrible at getting noticed.

Meanwhile, 40,000+ Salem locals check What's Happening Salem every single day to find out where to eat, what to do, and which businesses actually deserve their money.

That's where we come in.

We don't do generic marketing. We tell your story to the exact people who are already asking "where should I go?"

Our newsletter hits 10,000+ inboxes. Our Instagram reaches tens of thousands of engaged Salem residents weekly. And when we feature a business, people show up.

2026 is your year to stop being Salem's best-kept secret.

Reply to this email with “Let’s Chat” and we will reach out to schedule a call.

I’m looking forward to connecting.

Jacob Espinoza

Downtown Salem has begun installing new trash receptacles to replace units that are more than 20 years old and no longer meet current disposal needs. Installation started Jan. 12 and will continue in stages through January and February. The new receptacles feature larger openings, internal chutes, and smooth surfaces that are easier to clean, while preventing trash from being displayed on the exterior. City officials say the upgrade supports ongoing efforts to improve downtown cleanliness and respond to concerns from businesses and visitors. The number of receptacles will not be reduced, but they may be redistributed for better access. The project is funded through Urban Renewal dollars and is part of the broader Downtown Salem Streetscape project. (City of Salem)

🛼Open Roller Skate: Retro 80’s/90’s Night @Cherry City MadHouse • 7:30PM – 10:00PM
🎼 Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony @Willamette University, Smith Auditorium • 7:30PM
🎻 ABBA vs Queen by Listeso String Quartet @Willamette Heritage Center • 8:30PM

🌱 Indoor Winter Market @Wavra Farms & Nursery • 10:00AM – 3:00PM
📚 Best Books of 2025 @Salem Public Library • 1:00PM – 2:00PM • FREE
🎤 Meyer’s Lemons Comedy Show @Grand Theatre Ballroom • 7:00PM
🎹 Dueling Pianos: A Tribute to the 90s @Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

🃏 Trading Card Showcase & Collectible Show @Salem Scottish Rite Center • 10:00AM – 4:00PM • FREE
🩰 Giselle by Grand Kyiv Ballet @Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 4:00PM

🎭 Weekly Drop-In Improv Comedy Class @Historic Grand Theatre • 7:30PM • First class FREE

🌮Trivia & Tacos @South Liberty Bar & Grill • 6:30PM  • Submitted on our Events Submission Form 🎉
📖 Any Book Club @Taproot Lounge & Cafe • 6:30PM – 8:00PM
🎤 Bricked Up Comedy: A Weekly Comedy Open Mic @The Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

☕ Salem Emerging Leaders Coffee Social @Adobe Restaurant, 508 State St • 8:30AM – 10:00AM • FREE

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.

Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie