Government
S&P Global affirms Salem's 'AA' bond rating
S&P Global Ratings has affirmed the City of Salem's long-term bond rating of 'AA,' citing the city's diversified economy and strong financial management, the city announced Oct. 20.
Section
Government
The Select Board, Finance Committee, Town Meeting and every other town board, from the meeting record.
Government · Planning Board
Planning Board approves flood-proofing site plan for 75 North Street
Planning Board approved flood-proofing site plan for 75 North Street residential building. The board voted 8-0 to approve the Coastal Resilience Overlay District site plan review for the multifamily building at 75 North Street, 3 South Mason Street, and 2 Commercial Street.
Government · Salem Harbor Port Authority
Port Authority Terminates Crowley Terminal Agreements
Salem Harbor Port Authority terminated two agreements governing waterfront terminal operations with Crowley.
Government · School Committee
School Committee Reviews 2026 MCAS Results Showing Mixed District Performance
Salem School Committee reviewed 2026 MCAS results showing mixed performance across district schools. Superintendent Dr. Tommy Welch reported 81 percent of 11th-12th graders passed advanced courses while chronic absenteeism dropped to 16.8 percent, the second-lowest among Gateway Cities.
Government · City Council
Salem City Council approves appointments, prior invoices, and Skipper contract amid transparency concerns
Salem City Council confirmed four new board members and approved more than eleven thousand dollars in prior-year invoices, all by 10-0-1 votes, while authorizing a five-year contract with Via Transportation for the Salem Skipper on-demand transit service.
Government · Design Review Board
Design Review Board approves four sign and facade projects
Salem Design Review Board approves signage and design applications. The board unanimously approved sign renewals at 11 Charter Street and 2 East India Square, and facade trim painting at Flying Monkey, including a notable exception for the Peabody Essex Museum's Charter Street entrance sign package
Government · City Council
City Council reviews camping ordinance implementation
Salem City Council hears police report on camping ordinance implementation. Captain John Burke of the Police Department presented enforcement data from the camping ordinance, adopted in June 2024: the Community Impact Unit had advised people to vacate encampments 92 times, made only three arrests
Government · Planning Board
Salem Planning Board approves Pediatric Associates Boston Street project
Salem Planning Board signs off unanimously on Pediatric Associates project. The board voted 6-0 to allow interior renovations, parking expansion, and site improvements. Four residential and mixed-use projects moved to October 15, including Harborlight Homes and Lifebridge North Shore's 53-unit
Government · Board of Public Library Trustees
Library board updates operations amid building challenges
Salem library board approves prior minutes, addresses building and parking challenges. The Board of Public Library Trustees unanimously approved minutes from the June 18, 2026 meeting and received operational updates from Library Director Tara Mansfield. Temporary Resident Permit Parking
Government · Council on Aging Board
Council on Aging backs visitor parking relief
Salem Council on Aging Board backed visitor parking relief for seniors.
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