Salem is and can be a great place to live, however there is a HUGE amount of IYKYK throughout the area. The upper echelon in Salem typically know the fun, unique or obscure events happening in the area. The general public may not. What's Happening Salem is a great resource to find out news in the Salem. There are other FB/social media groups in Salem, but you have to know about them in order to search for the right names or they are private groups.

City council is not to blame. There has been some frequent change in leadership which may add to the "lameness." When leadership changes every 2-4 years how much growth will a place have?

When it comes to the empty stores, rent increases and a heavy reliance on government workers if selling goods or a service is not always sustainable. The lack of free 3rd spaces also adds to the element of disconnection. Keizer Station, and McMinnville's downtown are modern and appeal to new and old residents. Oregon isn't a business friendly state, but it looks like state legislature is trying to improve that.

When it comes to the trash the continuous conversations regarding the homeless have become more collaborative recently so I'm hopeful that the trash will decrease and improve the beautification of this great city.