Mayor outlines 2026 agenda celebrating Salem 400+
SALEM – Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo delivered the inaugural address of his second term on January 5th, setting forth a comprehensive vision grounded in equity, sustainability, affordability, and opportunity. As Salem embarks on its 400th anniversary year in 2026, “History,” he noted, quoting from Charlotte Forten, “is not an anchor holding us in place – it’s the wind that fills our sails and sends us forward across the waves with ‘true hearts and purpose high.’” Emphasizing that Salem’s historic milestone is a call to action as much as a commemoration, Mayor Pangallo highlighted major initiatives that will shape the city for generations to come.
Mayor Pangallo noted that Salem will mark its 400th anniversary with events and lasting capital improvements across the city, including extensive investments in the City’s Signature Parks, renovations to Old Town Hall, a new ferry terminal, reuse of the vacant downtown courthouses, design of a South Salem Commuter Rail stop, and progress for the new Salem High School. The community will also celebrate Salem’s 400th anniversary with events and festivities throughout the year, he said, including the return of the beloved Heritage Days Parade.
Mayor Pangallo’s remarks were forward-looking, especially on education, as he celebrated significant progress across Salem Public Schools and outlined priorities for the year ahead. He also highlighted critical climate, safety, and infrastructure initiatives to come in 2026, including continuing to press forward on Salem’s offshore wind terminal project. With a focus on dignity, equity, and opportunity, Mayor Pangallo committed to continue Salem’s expansion of attainable housing and deepen the City’s commitment to being a welcoming, just, and accessible city for all
“Our purpose is a city open to all who care enough about it to want to call it home,” remarked Mayor Pangallo, “A city ready for the opportunities of the future and actively working to shape them for the better.” Thinking ahead to this commemorative 400+ anniversary, he noted, “In Salem, our past is always present – but our future, is ours to create.”
