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• Oregon's Transportation Issues: What's Driving Them

  • When
    26 Mar 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Willamette Heritage Center, Dye House, 1313 Mill St Salem Oregon, 97301

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  A major focus of Oregon's transportation debate is the legislative process behind the state's current transportation funding bill.  Lawmakers have been working to address a growing funding gap for road maintenance, transit and other critical infrastructure needs across the state.  The proposed package includes potential increases to revenue sources such as the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and other transportation related funding mechanisms.  As the bill moves through the legislative process, it has prompted significant discussion among policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders about how to best fund and maintain Oregon's transportation system.

  
  

  On Thursday March 26th, Salem City Club will sponsor an in-depth look at the infrastructure status of the Oregon transportation system, including the complicated relationships with the legislative and public policy processes.  How can we understand the upcoming transportation-related referendum on the May 2026 ballot?  How does this affect both rural and urban Oregon?  Join us as we host Rick Metsger, certainly one of the most qualified persons in the State to offer an informed overview and discussion of these and other related important transportation issues.

  
  

  Rick Metsger

  Vice President, Legislative and Public Affairs, PacWest Lobby Group

  
  

  Rick Metsger was an award-winning print and broadcast journalist prior to serving in the Oregon Senate from 1999-2011, where he served as the Senate Pro Tempore and chair of the key Business and Transportation Committee.  He then served as the Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration in Washington D.C. for both the Obama and Trump Administrations.  He now serves as Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs for the PacWest Lobby Group, where he maintains a strong consulting and advising role in legislative affairs and transportation, along with many other duties.

  
  

  
  

  Event Details:

  Doors open at 11:30

  Program starts at 12:00

  Show details
• Closing a Chapter: Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack on Accomplishments, Challenges and What Comes Next

  • When
    09 Apr 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Willamette Heritage Center, Dye House, 1313 Mill St Salem Oregon, 97301

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack recently announced his retirement effective May 22, 2026. As Reporter in the Salem Reporter, Chief Womack said, "There's no career like this.  It's an incredible career.  Thankful and grateful that I had the honor of serving this way, especially these last five years."  Being Salem's Police Chief was, he said, "the highest honor" of his career in law enforcement.  Upon retirement, he plans to return to Stockton, CA, his hometown.

  
  

  Chief Womack assumed leadership of our police department on December 7, 2020.  Speaking to the Salem City Club in early 2021, Womack mentioned that community outreach, transparency from data-driven policing, and increasing staffing would guide his leadership.

  
  

  Join us to hear our Chief of Police reflect on accomplishments and challenges, report on the status of public safety initiatives, and the Salem Police Deprment's path forward.

  
  

  Trevor Womack

  Chief of Police, Salem Police Department

  
  

  Trevor Womack has served as the chief of police for the Salem Police Department since December 2020, becoming the tenth police chief in the history of Oregon's capital city.

  Chief Womack is deeply committed to building strong, trusting relationships between the police and the community.  His leadership reflects a dedication to transparency, accountability, and innovation, ensuring the Sal4em Police Department remains a trusted and effective public safety agency.

  With more than 34 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Womack also holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Criminal Justice from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the prestigious Naval Postgraduate School.

  
  

  
  

  Event Details:

  Doors open at 11:30

  Program starts at 12:00

  Show details