The Keizer City Council held a work session on December 9, 2024, focusing on community safety, sidewalk maintenance, and climate-friendly planning initiatives. Council members emphasized the importance of prioritizing citizen safety, even if it meant adjusting financial strategies or addressing unanticipated expenses.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the condition of sidewalks throughout the city. One council member highlighted the poor state of sidewalks in older neighborhoods, noting that while property owners are typically responsible for repairs, many have not addressed these issues. The council considered the possibility of implementing a bond measure to fund citywide sidewalk repairs, which would distribute costs among all taxpayers rather than placing the burden solely on individual property owners.

City Attorney clarified that the city is only responsible for sidewalks on city-owned property, reinforcing the need for community dialogue on sidewalk maintenance responsibilities. This topic will be revisited during future goal-setting sessions.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) scenario planning project, which involves collaboration among multiple jurisdictions, including Marion County and the City of Salem. The council discussed the importance of this project in updating the transportation system plan and meeting state mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The city has already completed a climate-friendly area study and is moving into the implementation phase, which includes updating zoning codes to comply with state regulations.

Overall, the council's discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing community safety and addressing environmental responsibilities, with plans for further public engagement and strategic planning in the coming months.