FYI Salem

On the latest FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll dives into a conversation with Park & Recreation Director Patricia O'Brien about the new Forest River Park pools. The new Outdoor Recreation & Nature Center at Forest River is one of the City's signature parks projects and includes two pools, a splash pad, community room, locker rooms and bathhouse, concession stand, and nature trails. The Center opens to the public June 18th. Forest River Park pool details: www.salemma.gov/recreation/pages/forest-river-pool About the Forest River project: www.salemma.gov/forestriver Signature Parks: www.salemma.gov/signatureparks Getaround Salem: www.salemma.gov/getaround Salem 311: www.salemma.gov/home/news/city-salem-launches-%E2%80%9Csalem-311%E2%80%9D-service

On each episode of FYI Salem, Mayor Kim Driscoll interviews city officials, community leaders, notable residents, and others, and provides a brief update on the latest news and information from the City of Salem, from inside City Hall and across the community. On the latest episode, Mayor Driscoll talks with City Finance Director Anna Freedman about the proposed FY2023 City budget, what goes into creating the annual City budget, and some of the highlights of the spending plan for the coming fiscal year. FY23 Salem City budget: www.salemma.gov/fy23

On FYI Salem, Mayor Kim Driscoll interviews city officials, community leaders, notable residents, and others, and provides a brief update on the latest news and information from the City of Salem, from inside City Hall and across the community. On the latest episode, Mayor Driscoll sits down with Regina Zaragoza Frey, the City's first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They talk about Regina's background, what DEI means, and the kinds of work that she and the City's new Race Equity Commission will be engaging in to help Salem become a more equitable and welcoming community for everyone. Salem Race Equity Task Force: https://raceequitysalem.org/ Meet Regina Zaragoza Frey: https://www.salemma.gov/mayors-office/news/salem-announces-new-director-diversity-equity-and-inclusion How to apply for the Race Equity Commission: https://www.salemma.gov/home/news/race-equity-commission-application-deadline-may-31 Free Trolley rides for Salem residents: https://www.salemma.gov/home/news/salem-mayor-kim-driscoll-announces-return-free-trolley-program-residents-1 Getaround Salem community car share: www.salemma.gov/getaround Salem's Memorial Day ceremony: https://www.salemma.gov/home/news/memorial-day-salem Salem Pride Flag raising event: https://www.salemma.gov/home/news/city-salem-2022-pride-flag-raising-0 Salem COVID information: www.salemma.gov/covid COVID testing in Salem: www.salemma.gov/testing COVID vaccinations in Salem: www.salemma.gov/vaccine

On April 28, 2022, Mayor Kim Driscoll delivered the 2022 State of the City address, ​​​​​​providing an update that highlighted the City's success responding and recovering from pandemic, rebuilding City finances, and creating a more welcoming and thriving community. Listen to the address on the latest episode of the FYI Salem podcast and find the remarks online at www.salemma.gov/mayors-office/files/2022-state-city.

On February 23, 2022, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll delivered her annual update to the Explorers Lifelong Learners Institute in Salem. In this year's remarks she touched on the City's response to COVID, housing initiatives, leveraging federal recovery funds, preparing for offshore wind, and planning for Salem's 400th anniversary in 2026. Find out more about Explorers at http://explorerslli.org.

Mayor Driscoll is joined by Dr. David Roberts (President of Salem Hospital), Dr. Jeremy Schiller (Salem Board of Health chair), David Greenbaum (Salem Health Agent), Kate Fox (Destination Salem executive director), and Vickie Caldwell (Assistant City Attorney) to discuss and answer questions about the Salem Board of Health's new requirements for proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter certain business establishments. Read more about the new requirements at www.salem.com/safesalem

Celebrating Salem's success as a “beacon for our Commonwealth” and echoing Mayor Sam Zoll's call for a new “devotion to progress,” Mayor Kim Driscoll offers an inaugural address that highlights the City's accomplishments and perseverance in the face of adversity and challenge.

On the final FYI Salem podcast of 2021, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with outgoing Ward 2 City Councillor, and City Council President, Christine Madore. They reflect on the year past and look forward to what lies ahead for Salem in the year to come.

Mayor Kim Driscoll sat down with Salem's Harbor Planner, Seth Lattrell, to talk about the potential use of the vacant land on Salem Harbor by Crowley Marine and Vineyard Wind as a marshalling and construction site for offshore wind turbines to be sited in the Atlantic Ocean. They discuss some commonly asked questions - and misperceptions - about what is proposed for the property and how the project concept came about. Vineyard Wind Proposal for Salem: www.salem.com/home/news/vineyard-wind-partnership-salem-harbor-port COVID-19 Vaccinations in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine Haunted Happenings: www.hauntedhappenings.org Free October Shuttle: www.salem.com/OctoberShuttle MBTA in October: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-fall/10-2021-salem-haunted-happenings-cr-newburyport-rockport-line-schedule.pdf Voting in Salem: https://www.salem.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif3756/f/uploads/faqs_-_city_biennial_election_-_november_2_2021.pdf

At their most recent meeting, the Salem City Council received a briefing from Mayor Kim Driscoll and Police Chief Lucas Miller about the planning and public safety measures put into place for this year's Haunted Happenings festival. Dozens of agencies and departments from multiple jurisdictions work together throughout the year to prepare for a safe, orderly, and enjoyable October season for visitors and residents alike. Find out more about Haunted Happenings at www.hauntedhappenings.org.

Earlier this month Mayor Kim Driscoll was invited to speak to the Salem Alliance for the Environment about offshore wind and the potential it represents for the future of the land surrounding the Footprint power plant on Salem Harbor. Salem Alliance for the Environment: https://salemsafe.org/ Salem Harbor Port Authority: https://www.salem.com/salem-harbor-port-authority Salem Harbor Plan Committee: https://www.salem.com/harbor-plan-committee Offshore Wind in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/offshore-wind

On the latest episode of FYI Salem, Mayor Kim Driscoll sits down with Kate Fox, director of Destination Salem. They discuss the organization, the role of travel and tourism in Salem's economy, and - of course - October and Haunted Happenings! Destination Salem: www.salem.org Haunted Happenings: www.hauntedhappenings.org Salem for All Ages: www.salemforallages.org Bike-Friendly Salem survey: tinyurl.com/salembike Forest River Park signature park project: www.salem.com/forestriverpark

The latest FYI Salem podcast features a brief presentation that Mayor Driscoll gave recently to the Mayors Innovation Project about the Mack Park Food Farm. The Mayors Innovation Project is a nationwide forum for mayors to share ideas and success stories with colleagues. Mack Park Food Farm: www.salem.com/mackparkfoodfarm Mayors Innovation Project: https://mayorsinnovation.org/

Mayor Kim Driscoll moderates a virtual meeting for Salem businesses focused on current local COVID-19 trends, preparing for a safe October, and business' rights and responsibilities when it comes to COVID safety and best practices. Speakers include Dr. David Roberts from Salem Hospital, Salem Health Agent David Greenbaum, and Omar Santiago, RN, from North Shore Community Health. COVID-19 in Salem: www.salem.com/covid Vaccine information: www.salem.com/vaccine Salem Hospital: https://nsmc.partners.org/ North Shore Community Health: https://www.nschi.org/ Destination Salem's COVID-19 information: www.salem.org/covid19 Salem Board of Health: www.salem.com/health

On the most recent episode of the FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Dr. David Roberts, president of Salem Hospital. They discuss the COVID-19 Delta variant, how Salem residents can help protect themselves and their loved ones, and changes happening at Salem Hospital. COVID-19 in Salem: www.salem.com/covid Salem Hospital: https://nsmc.partners.org/ Rental Assistance: www.salem.com/renthelp Bridge Street Neck Zoning: https://publicinput.com/bridgestreetneck Election Central: www.salem.com/city-clerk-elections

On the most recent FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Robyn Burns, director of the Salem Pantry. The two discuss food security efforts in Salem, the work of Salem Food for All (the city's food policy council), all that the Salem Pantry provides, and how the pantry has helped the community respond during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salem Pantry: www.thesalempantry.org Heritage Days: www.salem.com/heritagedays Salem Summer Performance Series: www.salem.com/home/news/city-salem-announces-2021-summer-performance-series COVID-19 in Salem: www.salem.com/covid

On the latest FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll speaks with Shawn Newton, chairman of the City's Race Equity Task Force. The two talk about the Task Force, its mission, and the recommendations contained in the Task Force's newly published report. Race Equity Task Force and Report: https://raceequitysalem.org/ COVID vaccines in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine Hospitality employee hiring incentives: www.salem.com/incentives Heritage Days: www.salem.com/heritagedays

On the most recent FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Salem's historic preservation planner Patti Kelleher about the new Charter Street Welcome Center, the historic Charter Street burial ground, and the Peabody Essex Museum's Samuel Pickman House. Charter Street Welcome Center: www.charterstreetcemetery.com/ Charter Street Cemetery restoration project: www.preservingsalem.com/charter-street-burial-ground-restoration-project Preserving Salem: www.preservingsalem.com My Salem MA app: www.salem.com/app Salem Willows signature park project: www.salem.com/willows COVID vaccines in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine

On the latest FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with small business owners Angelica Chayes and Eric Moers of Odd Meter Coffee and Ryan Harriman of Spitfire Tacos. They discuss why they chose Salem to open their businesses, what makes their eateries special, and what it was like launching a new business during the pandemic. Odd Meter Coffee: www.oddmetercoffee.com Spitfire Tacos: www.spitfiresalem.com COVID Vaccinations: www.salem.com/vaccine Expanded Pre-K: www.salemk12.org/our_district/what_s_new/early_education_partnership_program Bluebikes in Salem: www.salem.com/bluebikes

The latest FYI Salem podcast features Mayor Kim Driscoll's remarks from the City Council meeting of June 11, 2021, when the Council took up their final votes on the proposed FY2022 City budget. FY22 Budget: www.salem.com/fy22

On the most recent FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Driscoll talks with Salem's new Finance Director, Anna Freedman, about her background and municipal finance in general. They also discuss the FY2022 City budget, what it means to have a "GFOA" approved certification for City finances, and how Salem is approaching the new American Rescue Plan Act funding for COVID-19 relief. Salem Finance Department: www.salem.com/finance-department FY2022 Salem City Budget: www.salem.com/fy22 COVID vaccines in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine Free Trolley rides for Salem residents: www.salem.com/trolley Salem Willows Signature Park Project, phase 1: https://www.salem.com/home/news/salem-willows-phase-1-improvement-project-begins-june

This episode of FYI Salem features Mayor Kim Driscoll's remarks to the City Council on May 27, 2021, as she introduced the proposed City budget for the coming fiscal year: "The proposed FY2022 budget continues our balanced and responsible approach to City finances. It invests in the critical services that make Salem a vibrant city and one with schools in which we can all take pride – in short, a stronger, more livable city for all, that welcomes and works for everyone." Additional details about the FY2022 City budget will be posted at www.salem.com/fy22 over the coming week.

On the latest FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Salem's new Chief of Police, Lucas Miller. They discuss Chief Miller's background and what drew him to Salem, the opportunities and challenges with being an external chief, race equity and policing, and preparing for this October's Haunted Happenings. Salem Police Department: www.salem.com/salem-police-department COVID Vaccines in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine North Shore Diversity Catalog: www.salem.com/diversitycatalog

On the most recent FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Ben Shallop, coordinator of the City's new COVID Neighborhood Ambassador program, about what the program is and how residents can get involved and help out. COVID Neighborhood Ambassadors: www.salem.com/ambassadors COVID vaccine information: www.salem.com/vaccine Free tree planting program: https://www.salem.com/home/news/2400-new-trees-be-planted-salem-joins-%E2%80%9Cgreening-gateway-cities%E2%80%9D-program Salem Residents Survey: https://www.salem.com/mayors-office/pages/salem-residents-survey

On each episode, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll interviews city officials, community leaders, notable residents, and others, and provides a brief update on the latest news and information from the City of Salem, from inside City Hall and across the community. On the latest episode, Mayor Driscoll talked with Cathy Hoog, Executive Director of the Salem Housing Authority (SHA), and Courtney Koslow from Beacon Communities, about the plan to rebuild and expand the SHA's aging Lee Fort Terrace facility into a new, climate-resilient, fully-accessible senior subsidized housing building. Lee Fort Terrace project: https://courbanize.com/projects/leefort-terrace/information COVID Vaccines in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine Free COVID Testing in Salem: www.salem.com/stopthespread Salem's Spring Street-Sweeping: https://www.salem.com/home/news/city-salem-announces-spring-street-sweeping-schedule

Salem Together marks one year of COVID-19 in our community. Salem residents who know and lost someone to the virus are invited to place a light in their window on the evening of April 4th - the anniversary of the first Salem resident's death from COVID-19 - in their memory. Later this spring, the City will announce details for a more permanent memorial to the lives stolen from us by COVID-19.

On the most recent FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Driscoll talks with Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes, who was part of the team of assessors helping Salem with the search process for the City's own Chief of Police.

On February 22, 2021, the City of Salem's Race Equity Task Force held a public forum to share updates about the task force's work, including the efforts of its subcommittees focused on community culture, health, public safety, education, and economic opportunity. www.salem.com/home/news/salem-race-equity-task-force-holds-public-forum

Mayor Kim Driscoll delivers an update to the Salem City Council about the City's ongoing response to COVID-19, updated case and testing numbers, and the start of the vaccine distribution process. COVID-19 information: www.salem.com/covid Vaccination information: www.salem.com/vaccine

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with the new City Council President, Ward 2 Councillor Christine Madore. The two discuss priorities for the year ahead - including the ongoing response to COVID-19 and the economic recovery, projects and issues in Ward 2 and across the City, and the historic nature of Councillor Madore's presidency. Councillor Christine Madore: www.salem.com/people/christine-w-madore COVID-19 Vaccines in Salem: www.salem.com/vaccine Mansell Field project: www.salem.com/mansellfield Salem Senior Tax Exemption Program: www.salem.com/step

Mayor Kim Driscoll moderates a discussion and Q&A about COVID-19 and the state of the North Shore's healthcare system with Dr. David Roberts, President of Mass General Brigham North Shore Hospital, and Phil Cormier, President of Beth Israel Lahey Health Beverly Hospital. The event was presented by the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development as part of their Alliance Policymakers Series. North Shore Alliance for Economic Development: https://northshorealliance.org/ North Shore Medical Center: https://nsmc.partners.org/ Beverly Hospital: https://www.beverlyhospital.org/

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll delivers her annual State of the City address during the City Council’s 2021 organizational meeting. Her remarks focused on the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recovery from the ensuing recession, efforts to expand access to affordable housing, and the City’s work on race equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Find the full text of her address at www.salem.com/2021.

On the 100th episode of the FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with special guest Senator Elizabeth Warren. To two discuss COVID-19 response and relief efforts, student debt reform, the year ahead in Washington, and more. Senator Elizabeth Warren: www.warren.senate.gov Salem COVID Information: www.salem.com/covid Salem Skipper: www.salemskipper.com

Mayor Kim Driscoll delivered an update about the City's response to COVID-19 to the City Council at their meeting of November 19, 2020. She also offered a brief summary of the recently announced Signature Parks Initiative. Salem COVID-19 Information: www.salem.com/covid Signature Parks Initiative: www.salem.com/signatureparks

On November 12th, Mayor Kim Driscoll led a town hall meeting with Dr. David Roberts, president and CEO of North Shore Medical Center, City Health Agent David Greenbaum, Director of Planning and Community Development Tom Daniel, and Kylie Sullivan, executive director of Salem Main Streets. They talked about the current state of COVID-19 in Salem, how to be safe during the holiday season, and ways to support local small businesses. Find out more about Salem's response to COVID-19 at www.salem.com/covid

An important update from Mayor Kim Driscoll about the final two weekends of October in Salem. Find the details online at www.salem.com/safehalloween.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with two of the City's "Mask Ambassadors" - Amy and Sean McKeehan, about what they do, why they are doing it, and how people can stay safe this October in Salem. Salem's Mask Order: www.salem.com/masks Salem COVID-19 Information: www.salem.com/covid Destination Salem COVID-19 Information: www.salem.org/covid19

The City of Salem and community organizations announce events celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day 2020. Find more details at www.salem.com/indigenouspeoplesday.

Free COVID-19 testing will be offered at Old Town Hall in Salem on weekdays from October 8th-30th. Find more details at www.salem.com/stopthespread.

The Cities of Salem and Beverly have announced "Resilient Together" - their joint plan for tackling the challenges of climate change. Find out more at www.resilienttogether.org.

Following the first weekend of October, taking into account current public health orders and advisories, and in order to continue to prioritize the health and safety of Salem residents, employees, and visitors, the City of Salem has issued some important reminders and advisories.

As part of the City's commitment in the Reimagining Policing Pledge, Mayor Kim Driscoll and Race Equity Task Force chair Shawn Newton moderated a public town hall on the Salem Police Department's Use of Force Policy with Acting Chief of Police Dennis King. Salem Police Department Policies: http://salempd.org/policies-procedures City of Salem Race Equity Task Force: www.salem.com/raceequity

On September 30th, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll was joined by Health Agent David Greenbaum, City Solicitor Beth Rennard, Acting Chief of Police Dennis King, Licensing Clerk Melissa Pagliaro, Special Events Coordinator Ellen Talkowksy, and Kate Fox of Destination Salem for a special briefing for Salem's businesses before the October season. Salem COVID-19 Information: www.salem.com/covid Destination Salem COVID-19 page: www.salem.org/covid19 Massachusetts guidance and regulations: www.mass.gov/reopening

On the latest FYI Salem podcast, Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Kate Fox, Director of Destination Salem - Salem's tourism office - about how COVID-19 has impacted plans and expectations for Haunted Happenings this year and what visitors to the City in October should anticipate. Haunted Happenings: www.hauntedhappenings.org Destination Salem: www.salem.org Salem's Free Book Day: www.greensalem.com/free-book-day Street Sweeping in Salem: www.salem.com/streetsweeping Stop the Spread Free COVID-19 Testing: www.salem.com/stopthespread

With cancellation of the annual Book Swap event, SalemRecycles is instead inviting residents to participate in Free Book Day in their own neighborhoods.

Mayor Kim Driscoll talks with Superintendent of Salem Public Schools Stephen Zrike about his background, what he sees as the challenges and opportunities ahead for Salem's schools, and reopening schools during the COVID-19 crisis. Salem Public Schools: www.salemk12.org Salem Public Schools reopening information: www.salemlearns.org/salem-returns Stop the Spread free COVID-19 testing: www.salem.com/stopthespread

The City of Salem is launching an online permitting portal with convenient access to nearly 50 municipal permit and license applications.

The City of Salem is releasing its draft CDBG and HOME plans for public review and comment on August 28th.

The City of Salem is kicking off a major update to its Municipal Harbor Plan. Find out more at www.salem.com/harborplan.

Salem residents and workers can get free COVID-19 testing through September 12th. Find more details at www.salem.com/stopthespread.

On August 13th, Mayor Kim Driscoll, Acting Police Chief Dennis King, Health Agent David Greenbaum, City Planner Tom Daniel, Economic Planner Katheryn Newhall-Smith, NSMC President Dr. David Roberts, and Kate Fox of Destination Salem held a town hall with Salem’s small business community to answer their questions about the COVID-19 situation in Salem.