2026-2031
Salem’s Five-Year Economic Development Plan
A Shared Vision for Our Little Big City
Built with over 600 community voices, this plan charts a bold and achievable course for Salem, Ohio from 2026 to 2031 — celebrating how far we’ve come and mapping where we go next.
12th
Salem’s rise among the top 100 U.S. micropolitan areas.
77%
Reduction in downtown vacancies over five years.
$2.3M
In competitive grants secured for downtown rehabilitation.
593
Community members who shaped this plan.
About This Report
Five years of progress. Five more years of possibility.
Salem has transformed. From a 77% reduction in downtown vacancies to a jump from 84th to 12th among the nation’s top micropolitan areas, the results speak for themselves. The city’s building permit timeline has shrunk from six months to six days. Roads have been paved, businesses have opened, and community pride is measurably growing.
This plan builds on that momentum. Developed by the SOD Center in partnership with the City of Salem, it draws on a 142% increase in community survey participation compared to the previous plan — because the best ideas for Salem’s future come from the people who call it home.
“I’m really excited about this renewed interest in Salem. Whether it’s for businesses, home ownership, community involvement in our downtown, or coming to see what we have.”
— Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, Mayor of Salem
What’s inside
A roadmap across ten sectors of Salem life
The plan covers the full picture of what makes Salem competitive — not just business attraction, but the housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and quality of life that allow people and employers to thrive here.
Chapter 1 Population Trends
Chapter 2 Manufacturing & Industry
Chapter 3 Healthcare & Wellness
Chapter 4 Downtown
Chapter 5 Commercial & Retail
Chapter 6 Housing
Chapter 7 Workforce & Education
Chapter 8 Transportation
Chapter 9 City Administration
Chapter 10 Tourism & Local Events
Why It Matters
Ambitious goals. Achievable steps.
The recommendations in this plan are designed to translate that optimism into action: filling the retail gap, expanding housing supply, strengthening manufacturing, and giving Salem the marketing voice it deserves.
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Prepared by the Sustainable Opportunity Development Center in collaboration with the City of Salem and over 600 community members. Lead author: Kaitlyn Kline, MSc (LSE). Published May 2026.
For permissions, media enquiries, or to get involved: execdir@sodcenter.com