In this special issue the Keizertimes explores where the city’s money comes from and what it pays for. Also, we explain what the city council does and how.
How Your City Works
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: Meet the Mayor and City Council
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: Departments take care of the city’s need
Public Works Director: Bill Lawyer The department is a professional team that serves the community by building, operating and maintaining quality, safe and secure public facilities. Public Works is the second largest department in Keizer government and its responsibilities extend far beyond simply providing and maintaining Keizer’s infrastructure including the[Read More…]
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: Strategy and Tactics of the KPD
The Keizer Police Department and its 42 sworn officers work under the philosophy that applying effective, thoughtful policing activities that engage underlying problems is the best means to decrease crime and disorder. The main strategy for KPD is problem-oriented policing, in which they identify and analyze the root causes for[Read More…]
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: How an idea becomes law in the city of Keizer
City ordinances are laws passed by the Keizer City Council. Ordinances can spring from the public (testimony before the council) or from the city staff (City Manager or department head). The council votes on ordinances and resolutions, but what is the difference? A general ordinance is used to designate a[Read More…]
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: How your streets, traffic lights and sewer systems are managed
The street division of Keizer’s Public Works Department oversees the city streets, lighting, traffic signals, sidewalks and bike paths. Through intergovernmental agreements (IGA), the city contracts striping services with Marion County, while traffic signal system operations are contracted through the city of Salem. Street sweeping is an essential part of[Read More…]
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: The boards, committees and commissions that help shape Keizer
Planning Commision Assists the City Council and staff in land use decisions and recommendations regarding Keizer’s future growth and development. The Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Members of the Commission serve three-year terms. Chair: Matt Lawyer (term ends Sept. 2025) Members: Sarah Hutches[Read More…]
HOW YOUR CITY WORKS: Keizer means volunteerism
Keizer as we know it would not exist without the people who volunteer their time, knowledge and expertise. The motto of the city is Pride, Spirit and Volunteerism. The third word—volunteerism—is seen in every nook and cranny of the Keizer, especially in how the city operates. The mayor and all[Read More…]