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To contact me, please click here: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
Happy first week of Fall! As Salem and Keizer are bustling with the start of a new school year, the wrap-up of summer vacations, and the return to routine, the legislature has also been active, bringing a wave of new developments, some promising and others more challenging. After a busy Labor Day weekend navigating the governor’s special session (and with final decisions still pending), I am now turning my attention to the upcoming legislative days, scheduled for September 29 through October 1.
I am also happy to share that I have my first legislative town hall coming up on October 7th following the completion of legislative days. All constituents are encouraged to attend. I look forward to providing an update and answering your questions, comments, or concerns, regarding House District 21.
 Special Session Recap/Transportation Package Update:
Following the testimonies I heard throughout the past few months I was a NO vote on the passage of HB 3991 during the governor's special session over Labor Day weekend.
While I recognize the financial concerns raised by ODOT, I cannot ignore the ongoing struggles my constituents face—rising inflation, economic insecurity, and the relentless increase in living costs across our state. With this in mind, I thought it wise to provide a breakdown of why I came to that decision:
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ODOT Mismanagement – Working families should not be forced to pay the price for ODOT’s mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. Before asking Oregonians to dig deeper into their pockets, ODOT must first demonstrate it can manage existing resources responsibly and efficiently.
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Need to Reform ODOT Operations Structure – The bill does not address the need to modernize the ODOT operations structure. For example, ODOT's current staffing structures include many more administrators relative to field staff, compared to the structure 20 years ago.
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Fair Share from EVs – The bill does not go far enough in ensuring that electric vehicles pay their fair share for road maintenance and operations. Road usage charges for EVs should be simplified and implemented much sooner, so all drivers are contributing fairly to the roads we all rely on.
While the governor’s announcement of ODOT layoffs beginning in October may raise concerns, I remain committed to finding a responsible solution for Oregon’s transportation challenges: One that protects taxpayers, respects constitutional safeguards, and ensures fairness for all Oregonians.
Economic Check In:
I see that there is a debate about whether Oregon businesses are really leaving, and recent data suggests there may be more truth to this concern than many realize. I am sad to report that I have had many conversations with business leaders who are desperate to see changes in our regulatory and tax environment and who are seriously considering moving elsewhere.
According to research conducted by Business Oregon—our state’s economic development agency—in collaboration with University of Oregon researchers, 68% of businesses contacted by out-of-state recruiters are ultimately choosing to expand outside Oregon, resulting in the loss of thousands of potential jobs and private investment opportunities. Once ranked in the top half of U.S. states for business climate, Oregon has now dropped from 21st place, in 2023, to 39th, based on a report released in July.
 Click here to read more.
One major factor contributing to this decline is the Oregon Death Tax. With 38 other states having repealed their Death Taxes, successful business leaders know they can move elsewhere to avoid that tax. Worse yet, major businesses looking to invest in Oregon are reluctant to come here because of our restrictive regulations and heavy business taxes. We need to roll up our sleeves and clear away much of this regulatory jumble.
 With legislative days approaching, I am pleased to share my interim committee assignments. Many of these are continuations from the long session, allowing me to build on the progress we've made and stay focused on the issues I am most passionate about.
 Housing Update:
 Sketch of Gussie Belle Commons in its final completion
As a member of the Housing and Homelessness Committee I was happy to receive a number of reports regarding housing development projects throughout House District 21. See the details below:
Compass Points: Compass Points is a new affordable housing project being sponsored by Catholic Community Services. It consists of 10
garden-style buildings, with 120 one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom mixed units. The project also includes a 2,483 sq ft community room/clubhouse with amenities such as leasing offices, support services offices, mobile reception kiosk, conference room, kitchen, food pantry, and a multipurpose space for social gatherings, workshops and children's activities. For more details on this project click here.
Gussie Belle II: Located near the state hospital, Gussie Belle Commons is a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, including a community building, outdoor spaces, and in-unit amenities such as washers, dryers and dishwashers. The first phase of this project provided 120 affordable housing units, a playground and a community building.
Gussie Belle II is the second phase of development of the Gussie Belle Commons and brings an additional 60 units to the area. The development of this project has been made possible by the collaboration of a number of local organizations, including, Seed of Faith Ministries, and Green Light Development. The community is named for the late Salem pastor and certified nursing assistant Gussie Belle Brown. For more details on this project click here.
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Retro Electro: What used to operate as the Green Thumb Flower Box Florists on Commercial Street, will now be transformed into a vibrant new apartment complex adjacent to Electric Alley. The project known as Retro Electro is led by Charles Weathers, a local developer known for revitalizing downtown Salem properties like Fork Forty. These 16 new construction units will provide rent-restricted multifamily housing to individuals at or below 60% AMI with a focus on youth including foster children, homeless individuals, and those previously in the juvenile justice system. I look forward to seeing what they do for our community.
For more details on this project click here.
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Joseph Street Apartments: On the outskirts of Salem, near Corban University and a rapidly growing industrial district—including the Amazon fulfillment center, Home Depot distribution hub, and Lowe’s appliance center—the Joseph Street Apartments represent an exciting step forward in expanding affordable housing.
The project’s first phase includes 183 new units developed by Neighborly Ventures LLC and Community Resources Trust. I look forward to seeing what opportunities this new development provides for both warehouse employees in the surrounding district, students at Corban University, and those in need of affordable housing in Salem. For more details on this project click here.
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Cottages United: While most affordable housing options place individuals in apartment buildings, Cottages United offers something different—a chance for seniors in our community to live independently in homestyle cottages right in Salem. The first cottages opened in 2024, and this next phase will add an additional 15 units to the community.
Led by United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, in partnership with local developers, the cottages are designed specifically for seniors living on fixed incomes. This thoughtful approach not only meets a critical housing need, but also blends into the character of the city without introducing high-density development. For more details on this project click here.
I hope to see more projects like this across Oregon and am grateful for all these updates.
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  Civics Education: The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is now accepting applications for its Civics Education Initiative (CEI), with a deadline of September 30. This grant program supports projects that educate Oregonians—both students and adults—about the legislative process, public administration, government history, and the importance of civic engagement.
The foundation is looking for creative proposals that expand civics education, support Capitol visits, share stories of civic impact, and inspire public service. Programs may include classroom activities, research, or outreach efforts, but funding is intended to support education—not fixed organizational costs.
If you are interested in submitting an application, click here to view their website or click on the photo above to apply.
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Reminder: My legislative Town Hall is coming up on October 7th, and I encourage you to attend. This is a great opportunity to hear updates from the Capitol, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to our community.
I hope to see many of you there!
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 All Aboard! Caboose #507 officially had its GRAND OPENING at the Willamette Heritage Center on Friday September 19!
Built in 1909, this Oregon & California Railroad caboose once rolled up and down the Willamette Valley, stopping right near where the museum sits today. After spending decades tucked away in the forest outside Eugene, it finally found its way “home” to Salem in 2017.
Now, after years of hard work and restoration, visitors can step inside and experience a living piece of railroad history—learning about the people who worked these tracks and the vital role cabooses played in Oregon’s past.
Come see this treasure from 1909 and take a trip back in time!
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On September 17, I met Phillip Sarnecki, candidate for the Republican nomination for Kansas Governor, at a gathering held at Cozy Taberna in Salem. This is an open seat, and Phillip has been reaching out to folks in other states to build a national network of support to generate reform ideas. He has an impressive record of developing businesses and jobs throughout his career. I wish him well in his efforts. |
I had the pleasure of being the guest speaker for the Welcome Event at Salem Airport to greet the Flying Legends of the Commemorative Air Force. They brought two World War II bombers for public viewing - and flights for donors! Here I am posing in front of the B25 with the flight crew who brought in these outstanding aircraft. What a great way to understand and celebrate our history!
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At the beginning of this month, I welcomed students from Kounan Middle School in Iyo, Japan to an introductory session about the Oregon Legislature.
These bright and enthusiastic middle schoolers spent 10 days in Oregon, getting to know our communities and culture. I spoke with them about Oregon’s legislative process and the current issues and opportunities facing our state.
It was inspiring to see their curiosity and engagement. Meeting students from across the globe reminds us how valuable it is to learn from one another and build lasting connections.
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I was honored to be recognized by the Vietnam War Memorial Fund and President Stephan L. Bates for my support of the Vietnam Memorial at the State Capitol.
I’m especially proud to have played a role in securing $1 million in funding to help make this powerful tribute a reality.
Projects like this are a meaningful reminder of how fortunate I am to serve as a Legislator in our great democracy—one protected by the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide the work we do every day.
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It is always an honor to represent you in the Oregon Legislature. If there are things my office can assist you with, do not hesitate to reach out via the information below.
Yours truly,
 Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix
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