GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Materials Management Advisory Council – Marion County, Oregon
The Marion County Solid Waste Management Advisory Council (SWMAC) has been officially renamed the Materials Management Advisory Council (MMAC). This 19-member public body advises the Board of Commissioners and the Public Works Department on waste reduction, recycling programs, and facility operations.
Key Details & Contacts
- Primary Function: Reviews and recommends policies regarding the county’s integrated waste system, including local compliance with the Recycling Modernization Act.
- Council Composition: Includes representatives from incorporated cities, county citizens, local businesses (e.g., food service, home builders), and the materials management industry.
Meetings & Getting Involved
The MMAC meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 10:00 AM. Meetings are open to the public and allow for both in-person and virtual attendance.
To Attend or Apply: View virtual meeting details or express interest in joining the council on the official Materials Management Advisory Council page.
Climate Action Plan
Salem, Oregon’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive roadmap adopted by the City to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase local climate resiliency. It outlines 183 actionable strategies across seven sectors to help the city achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Emissions Reduction Goals
- By 2035: Reduce citywide GHG emissions by 50% compared to a 2016 baseline.
- By 2050: Reach net-zero emissions (carbon neutrality).
Three Pillars of Action
- Mitigation: Efforts to reduce GHG emissions.
- Adaptation: Changing infrastructure and how the city lives to suit a shifting climate.
- Resilience: Enhancing the community’s ability to bounce back from extreme weather events and natural disasters.
Top Focus Sectors
- Transportation: The largest contributor to emissions in Salem. Strategies focus on expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption, increasing public transit usage (like Cherriots buses), and promoting active transportation (biking/walking).
- Energy & Buildings: Improving energy efficiency in existing homes and new construction, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and reducing consumption.
- Community Health & Trees: Leveraging Salem’s urban canopy to absorb carbon, reduce urban heat island effects, and manage stormwater runoff.
Implementation and Progress
The CAP is a collaborative, ongoing process overseen by a Mayor-appointed CAP Committee. To ensure accountability, the City hired a dedicated Climate Action Plan Manager and conducts regular GHG inventories to monitor progress.