Salem Names Downtown Revitalization Manager

Sheri Wahrgren, former Business Investment Manager, accepted position.

Sheri Wahrgren is Salem's new Downtown Revitalization Manager. Photo courtesy: Nicole Wahlberg/City of Salem

(SALEM, Ore.) - In an effort to maximize the economic development function of revitalizing Downtown Salem, the City of Salem's Urban Development Department recently named Sheri Wahrgren the new Downtown Revitalization Manager.

The focus of the new Downtown Revitalization Division is Downtown vibrancy and economic development. Wahrgren accepted the position and began her new job duties in June.

As a section manager, Wahrgren is responsible for managing and implementing City activities in the downtown area, initiating and promoting programs that improve, preserve, and enhance the downtown, while marketing the improvement, overall appearance, and economic vitality of the area.

She manages the operation of Parking Services and serves as a liaison between the community and the City at all neighborhood, professional organizations, and local community groups, including CAN-DO and Go Downtown! Salem.

As part of her new duties, Wahrgren is managing two key Salem Urban Renewal Areas – Riverfront Downtown and South Waterfront. Wahrgren's focus is on key Downtown projects in those Urban Renewal Areas, such as the Boise redevelopment, Marion Parkade Redevelopment, the Minto Island Bridge, and the Salem Conference Center.

"The City of Salem looks forward to Sheri's leadership in her new position. She has been critical to the revitalization of Salem's Downtown and we look forward to her continued success," said Rick Scott, Urban Development Director.

Wahrgren's background includes over 20 years of commercial lending and affordable housing development. She has been with Urban Development Department since Fall 2002 and has held previous positions as Downtown Project Coordinator, Federal Programs Manager, and most recently Business Investment Manager for the Urban Development Department.

Source: City of Salem