Marion County

Marion County, located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, is the state's fifth most populous county, with a population of approximately 345,920 as of the 2020 census. Established on July 5, 1843, it includes a diverse range of communities, including the state capital, Salem.

Government Structure and Services

The county operates under a Board of Commissioners, consisting of three members elected to four-year terms. These commissioners hold executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial powers, overseeing various departments and services.

Key departments include:

• Health & Human Services: Offers a wide array of programs such as behavioral health services, addiction treatment, public health initiatives, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In October 2023, they opened a new 30,000-square-foot facility at 3160 Center Street NE in Salem.
• Clerk's Office: Maintains public records, conducts fair elections, and provides various licensing and recording services. Located at 555 Court Street NE, 2nd Floor, Salem, OR 97301.
• Sheriff's Office: Ensures public safety across the county, including law enforcement, corrections, and civil process services. Their main office is at 100 High St. NE, basement, Salem, OR 97301.
• Public Works Department: Manages infrastructure projects, road maintenance, and other public works initiatives. Their office is at 5155 Silverton Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305.

Community Development Initiatives

Marion County is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through various community development programs.

These include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs, which fund projects benefiting low- to moderate-income households. Applications for funding are accepted annually from mid-October through mid-December.

Transportation Services

The county is served by Cherriots, the regional public transit system, operating 20 local bus routes in Salem and Keizer, as well as six regional routes connecting outlying areas in Marion and Polk counties.

The main hub is the Downtown Transit Center at Courthouse Square in Salem.

Judicial Services

The Marion County Circuit Court, located at 100 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301, handles the county's judicial needs, including civil, criminal, and family law cases.

Location

• Salem, OR, USA