Snow drapes street artwork in Keizer on Thursday, Feb. 13. Keizer recorded about 2 inches of snow for what turned out to be day off for many. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)
New home construction continued, marked especially by new apartments and multi-unit housing.
New businesses opened and plans progressed for more, including Keizer’s third hotel.
City officials stared at a looming budget deficit and set to work figuring out how to pay for more public safety – or keep what Keizer has now.
There was political drama. Keizer city councilors clipped the power of the mayor, limiting some duties of Mayor Cathy Clark. Councilor Soraida Cross found herself as the heart of a police emergency – and an ethics investigation over calling police friends as she faced arrest.
Keizer voters joined in to sign petitions to stop a state transportation package that would raise gas taxes and more. Businesses and the Keizer Chamber of Commerce served as petition posts to refer the package to voters in 2026.
National political matters touched Keizer as well. One Keizer man was arrested by immigration officials – while fighting a wildfire. He was later released. Keizer joined in the nationwide “No Kings,” pushing back on President Donald Trump’s expansive use of his office. The local food bank worked overtime to feed hungry Keizer families during the federal government shutdown.
Despite the strains of the year, Keizer people helped each other and entertained each other.
Fundraisers did well – from the McNary Athletic Booster Club’s annual auction to the Friends of Feline event.
There was plenty of entertainment, from McNary student music groups and thespians to Keizer Homegrown Theatre’s productions to live bands of all types during KeizerFEST.
And the holidays were busy as usual – the Keizer Miracle of Lights again drew carloads of visitors. The Keizer Holiday Lights Parade drew creative entries and a big crowd under decent weather. Roto-Rooter Park hosted its first-ever GLOW event – more than a million lights – and Powerland Heritage Park put on its annual holiday show.
Here is a sampling of photos that capture a few moments from the year 2025 in Keizer.
Keizer City Councilor Marlene Parsons addresses the crowd after winning Keizer’s First Citizen award at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (Laura Tesler/ Special to Keizertimes)Lincoln Isom addresses the crowd after winning the Dennis Koho Future First Citizen Scholarship award at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (Laura Tesler/ Special to Keizertimes)With a winter storm in place, the pace of life slowed in Keizer on Thursday, Feb. 13. Keizer recorded about 2 inches of snow for what turned out to be day off for many. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Ben Crosby, Keizer’s code compliance officer, demonstrates how to repair graffiti in a pedestrian tunnel under Northeast Tepper Lane in early March. McNary’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is partnering with the city and the Northwest Keizer Neighborhood Association for monthly projects. (Submitted photo)The long-closed Sonic restaurant in Keizer is about to get a makeover to become a new Burgerville. Marion County officials in late April issued a building permit for about $1 million in work. (CLARENCE ZAITZ/Keizertimes)Peter Frajola (left), associate concertmaster with the Oregon Symphony, performs with McNary violinist Cameron Vue during a special joint session on Friday, March 21. The symphony paired professional players with students to advance their skills. (RILEY ELLIS/Keizertimes)Bradley Guptill, 7, is filling a case at his Keizer home with trophies won with his fiddling skills. He is an Oregon state champion – again. (RILEY ELLIS/Keizertimes)The Verda Crossing apartment face the wetlands of Claggett Creek. A boardwalk will run below the apartments, connecting the sidewalks on either side (RILEY ELLIS/Keizertimes)Mac Martin, with brother Rod, ups the bid on a silent auction item at the fundraising benefit of the McNary Athletic Booster Club on Saturday, March 15, at the Keizer Event Center. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Britany Randall, a land use consultant, and AJ Nash, a real estate agent, testify before the Keizer City Council on Monday, June 16, regarding a Northeast Lockhaven Drive project. The council rejected an effort to lift a ban on gas stations for the area. (RILEY ELLIS/Keizertimes)The lead singer for the group Daydream performs during the KeizerFEST Teen Talent Competition on Sunday, May 18, at the festival grounds. The event was sponsored by Valor Mentoring. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Ruben Gonzalez Romero (right), a wildland firefighter from Keizer, poses with a colleague in this undated photo. Gonzalez Romero died on the fire line in Montana on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (Submitted photo)Bob Ballantyne, construction superintendent for Prosser Wilbert Construction Inc., describes on Monday, Oct. 20, what will be the entrance to a Fairfield Inn and Suites in Keizer opening in 2026 at the Keizer freeway interchange. The hotel anchors new development south of Chemawa Road between Interstate 5 and railroad tracks. (LES ZAITZ/Keizertimes)A brush truck from the Keizer Fire District helps with the Flat Fire, north of Sisters. Ten Keizer firefighters were deployed to fight the out-of-control blaze. (Keizer Fire District for Keizertimes)Rigoberto Hernandez of Keizer stands outside the federal immigration detention center in Tacoma, Washington, after his release on Tuesday, Sept. 23. He was arrested Aug. 27, 2025, by immigration officials while on wildfire duty. (Innovation Law Lab photo)Quinn Woodrow of the McNary bowling team reacts to his roll during a tournament on Sunday, Nov. 16, at The Rec in Keizer. The tournament drew 21 teams. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)A bullet pierced the Dos Sabores food truck at 388 Chemawa Rd. N. on Monday, Oct. 6. Keizer police said that a group in the parking lot appears to have been the target of the afternoon shooting and the investigation continues. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday, Oct. 7. (RILEY ELLIS/Keizertimes)Sam Anderson of Keizer is among protesters gathered at River and Chemawa Roads on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, participating in a No Kings rally. Organizers estimated 75 people joined in for the first-ever such rally in Keizer. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Coach Josh Riddell signals directions to the Celts as quarterback Aris Vasseur watches in a against Canby on Friday, Sept. 26. Celts lost 35-28 and travel to Hillsboro on Friday, Oct. 3. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Senior Aubrey Adams tries to outrun junior defenders in McNary’s powder puff football game on Thursday, Sept. 25. The game was part of homecoming week. Seniors won 38-7. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)The Keizer Community Food Bank was fresh out of food by 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30. (RILEY ELLIS/Keizertimes)Bill Lawyer, long-time public works director for Keizer, plans to retire in February. (LES ZAITZ/Keizertimes) Shoppers take a break for a photo session with Santa during the annual Holiday Bazaar at McNary High School on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. The event is a fundraiser for the McNary Athletic Booster Club. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Even canine visitors got a treat after viewing the lights from the Marion Polk Food Share donation booth at the Keizer Miracle of Lights on Saturday Dec.6, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/for Keizertimes)Members of Salem Cheer Catz get ready to take part in the Keizer Holiday Parade on Saturday Dec. 13, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/for Keizertimes)Officer Jeremy Darst of the Keizer Police Department helps a youngster finish his Christmas gift buying during Shop with a Cop at the Keizer Target store on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)
