Salem Mayor Nic Farley is pleased with the direction of the city. He closed his annual State of the City Message before the Salem Chamber of Commerce on Thursday by saying the city can continue to move forward positively and united.
“I will say the state of the city of Salem is very strong, and we grow stronger every day,” Farley said. “Through continued smart investment, modernizing our infrastructure, and continuing to support workforce and the local business economy. Salem is evolving into a place of opportunity, innovation, and community pride.”
Farley cited Project Bread as an example of how those in the city came together to fund a replacement meals program until funding was restored.
He feels the city made meaningful strides in economic development, infrastructure and workforce growth in 2024. In economic development, Farley said top priorities continue to be attracting investment and supporting local businesses.
“In 2024, we issued enterprise zone incentives for thirteen different projects, strengthening our foundation for sustained investment. We executed three new TIF financing agreements with Stanford Enterprises, Bromley Excavating, and Guns and Roses, each contributing to growth in key areas of Salem. We did successfully renew our TIF District #2 for an additional twelve years. This is important because it ensures our long-term stability for industrial expansion.”
Farley says while the city was not awarded the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant, the city remains steadfast in our goal to revitalize the downtown district. The city acquired property on West McMackin, adjacent to the city parking lot, with plans to transform it into a vibrant community gathering space. Farley says they fully intend to reapply for future funding opportunities to support the initiative.
Farley says the city also found success in residential development.
“Over the past year, we’ve added 24 new housing units, including four single-family homes and five apartment buildings on Airport Road, and I hear there’s more development shortly on the horizon. New homes have been constructed on Warmoth, North Point, and College.”
New commercial developments include Scooter’s Coffee, Wabash Communications headquarters on West Whitaker, the soon to open new location of Sterling Avenue downtown, the renovation of the old Save a Lot building into Air Apply which will be a drone provider for the ag industry. Farley also noted the smooth ownership transitions that reflect the resilience and confidence within the local economy.
Farley also noted workforce development and education through Kaskaskia College and Salem Community High School.
The mayor said the Police Department responded to 67 mental health-related incidents, reflecting an increase in calls of this nature. The department is now working with the Community Resource Center to ensure individuals in crisis are connected to proper support and care.
The Public Works Department replaced over 3,000 feet of gas main and 3,400 feet of service lines, repaired 62 water main and service line breaks, processed more than 600-million gallons of waste water, oiled and chipped 45 percent of city streets, demolished 11 dilapidated homes with more planned in the future and cleared excessive storm debris and installed new pavilions.
Farley also commended the Historical Commission for their continued work preserving Salem’s rich heritage at the Salem Historical Museum and the William Jennings Bryan Birthplace Museum resulting in hundreds of visitors and multiple tours.
Farley says 2025-26 projects will include street and sidewalk improvements on College Street and Jefferson, $345,000 investment in gas service line replacements, and applications for more than $1-million in infrastructure grants.
