Tessera

Salem Region Indivisible

@salemorindivisible.bsky.social

Vision: To build a movement around a progressive agenda, defend the rule of law, and to mobilize diverse coalitions to save our democracy. Objective: Hold public leaders accountable, support immigrants/refugees and marginalized populations.

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Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · yesterday

Salem showed up again, but the fight is not over! Last night the Salem City Council voted unanimously to begin the process of imposing a moratorium on AI data centers and to start rewriting the city’s zoning code to address them. #NoSalemDataCenter #NoDataCenter #SalemOr #Oregon

Salem showed up again, but the fight is not over!

Last night, after a nearly 6 hour meeting, the Salem City Council voted unanimously to begin the process of imposing a moratorium on AI data centers and to start rewriting the city’s zoning code to address them.

According to City Attorney Dan Atchison, applications filed before a moratorium takes effect can still be reviewed under existing rules. So the moratorium is aimed at future projects but whether it reaches this existing one is yet to be seen.

#NoSalemDataCenter #NoDataCenter #SalemOr #Oregon

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 2d ago

A crowd at 5pm. Need a ticket to get in! Going to be an interesting night! #NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemCityCouncil #DataCenterMoratorium #SalemOR #Oregon

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 3d ago

A busy guerrilla art day! We face a great many issues today, so thank you to the folks who got some important messages out in front of people this weekend! You know who you are! 💙 THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER! #ICEOut #AbolishICE #StopICETerror #NoDataCentert #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemOregon #Oregon

Flyer text:

ABDUCTION STATISTICS *
54 abductions in Oregon in July;
3 from Salem
65,765 people are being held in detention centers TODAY.
70% have NO CRIMINAL HISTORY.
43,138 in June. That’s 1,474 people kidnapped A DAY.
ICE Death Toll: 60

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Flyer text:
THEY'RE LISTENING
Let's keep pushing for change
This City Council meeting will propose a moratorium and City zoning code amendments regarding
AI DATA CENTERS!!!
Have your voice heard and stand with your neighbors against trillionaires that want to use us and our future as test subjects.
SHOW UP AT
Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library
08/03 @ 6PM
STAY UPDATED AND GET INVOLVED
Next City Council

meeting: 08/10 @6pm

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 5d ago

“It was such an empowering experience, thank you so much to everyone who came out. Your voice matters and is why we have a little more breathing room.!! Now show up again on August 3rd to get them to do a moratorium to give us even more.” –Felix (CouplaGoofs) #SalemOR #NoDataCenters #CouplaGoofs

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 5d ago

We have so so many important things to protest this Saturday. One of the things top of mind and of utmost importance is opposing the proposed Verrus Data Center in Salem! All peaceful, non-violent protesters are welcome. #StopICETerror #NoSalemDataCenter #NoDataCenter #SalemOregon #Oregon

Flyer text:

SALEM SATURDAY
PROTEST
EVERY SATURDAY
10AM - 12PM • CENTER & SUMMER STREETS

Every Saturday there is a protest against the current authoritarian take-over.
STOP ICE
TERROR
All peaceful, non-violent protesters are welcome.
Those attending understand that they do so at their own risk and commit to helping to maintain a peaceful, safe, non-violent atmosphere.

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 6d ago

The City Manager called for a special meeting Monday. The only item on the agenda is a discussion for Council to consider a moratorium on data centers. Come to the meeting! Last Monday's crowd was impressive and had major impact! Bring signs! #NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemOregon #Oregon

SHOW UP MONDAY, AUGUST 3 • 6PM-8PM
DATA CENTER IN SALEM
MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS
The City Manager has called for a special meeting Monday.
The only item on the agenda is a discussion for Council to consider a moratorium on data centers.
SHOW UP AGAIN!
Last Monday's crowd was impressive and had major impact! Bring signs!
PACK THE ROOM!
Salem City Council Meeting
Loucks Auditorium
at the Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE, Salem
Monday, August 3, 6PM to 8PM
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment is your legal right.
SPEAK UP!
EMAIL WRITTEN COMMENT
Submit written testimony
to the city. Written comments become part of the public record whether or not you can attend.
Email cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net before 5 p.m. Monday, or drop off a paper comment at the City Recorder's Office, Civic Center
(555 Liberty St. S.E., Room 225)

INFO AND TALKING POINTS

SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY TO BE SURE
The agenda for Monday has the discussion on the moratorium first AND THEN public comment, which means that the Council could decide on a moratorium BEFORE hearing public comment.
SO, JUST IN CASE please submit written testimony to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net to have your comments forwarded to the City Council and staff and included in the public record.
A MORATORIUM IS NOT A BAN
It is a temporary pause, meaning that the City will not accept applications during the moratorium.
TIMELINE
There is a required timeline per State law for implementing a moratorium, meaning Verrus could submit a formal application before the start date of the moratorium and then the rules of today apply for that application.
SHOW UP! PACK THE ROOM! IT HAD AN IMPACT!
Please come to the meeting in person if you can! Last Monday's crowd was impressive and had major impact!
Bring signs!
TALKING

There are requirements for Council to approve a moratorium.
There should be a demonstrated need for time in order to accomplish something (like updating the Development Code).
Below are some thoughts:
•
•
Only July 27, the City Council unanimously approved the establishment of a task force to study data centers, and related development code provisions and regulations. A moratorium would allow the task force to complete its evaluation before the City considers any data center applications.
Data Centers in Eastern Oregon have caused significant environmental, energy, and economic strains, highlighted by heavy water consumption, polluted aquifers, and immense power grid demands. We must avoid those impacts here.
The City's Development Code was last updated in 2014 to include data centers within the Employment Center zoning definition; yet, the technology has changed so quickly, there has been no way for the Development Code to keep up with potential impacts associated with this changing technology.
Mega projects that rely on changing technology should not be eligible for administrative review and approval; they should require a higher level of evaluation and meaningful public input in the decision making process.
MORE TALKING

TALKING POINTS (CONTINUED):
Closed cooling systems, such as proposed by Verrus, rely on toxic chemicals to maintain the water within the system and prevent pipe corrosion. How do the City's development regulations address that toxic waste water? Will Verrus be required to truck out that waste water as hazardous waste?
• Much of Oregon is experiencing a drought, potentially jeopardizing water resources for communities across this state and critical facilities like hospitals.
• Oregon is near the top of the list (#9) for the number of data centers.
We need time to evaluate the proliferation of data centers and their impacts.
• Do the City's development codes include potential impacts associated with continuous low frequency humming?
• A moratorium is necessary consistent with ORS 197.505-197.540 in order to allow the City's development regulations to keep pace with changing technology associated with data centers.
The moratorium should include data, Al, and any computing center plus ancillary buildings and services associated with the proposed primary use.
• Data centers have documented, significant impacts. Data Center developers should provide adequate up front application deposits to cover the cost of processing data center land use applications, including consulting technical, legal and land use expertise. The community should not have to pay for the cost of evaluating development applications; developers should pay their way.
Residents of Salem and surrounding areas deserve a real say in what gets built here.
SHOW UP AUGUST

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last wk.

Join like-minded friends, new and previously used, for a lively couple hours of entertaining conversation, refreshing beverages and shared appetizers. Help plan the comeback! #MocktailsCocktailsTalktails #DrinkingLiberally #HappyHour

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last wk.

Hannah Shooting Bear, founder of Indigenous Now, speaks passionately against the proposed data center. She questioned if tribal leadership had been consulted about the potential decision, one that could endanger and harm the local environment. #NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemOregon #Oregon

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last wk.

Among the 100’s of public voices at last night’s packed Council meeting were SRI members speaking eloquently, with well researched comments. After Midnight, Salem council voted to explore banning NDAs with companies seeking to build data centers in Salem, a motion made by Councilor Micki Varney.

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last wk.

The room is packed as well as the overflow room. Hundreds remain outside Loucks Auditorium chanting and holding signs, as Salem City Council hears as much as 5 hours of testimony from the public about Mill Creek data center. #NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemOregon #Oregon

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last wk.

Tonight! Let's pack the room! #NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemOregon #Oregon #PushBackBigTech

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last wk.

Be it at the Capitol or on the street where our neighbors have been kidnapped, we were holding signs and letting our voices be heard this weekend! We're not going away. #ICEOut #AbolishICE #StopICETerror #NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #Resist

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 2w ago

#NoDataCenter #NoSalemDataCenter #SalemOregon #Salem

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 2w ago

Every Saturday we demonstrate against the long laundry list of unacceptable issues we face today from this administration. Including The ICE Terror that has been ramping up recently. Opposing the proposed Salem Verrus Data Center! #SaturdayProtest #AbolishICE #ICEOut #NoSalemDataCenter

Flyer text:

REMINDER

SALEM SATURDAY PROTEST
EVERY SATURDAY
10AM - 12PM • CENTER & SUMMER STREETS

Every Saturday there
is a protest against the current authoritarian take-over.

All peaceful, non-violent protesters are welcome.
Those attending understand that they do so at their own risk and commit to helping to maintain a peaceful, safe, non-violent atmosphere.

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 2w ago

Let's show up and speak up Monday, July 27th 6pm. Residents of Salem and surrounding areas deserve a real say in what gets built here and what impacts our lives and our environment! PACK THE ROOM! #NoSalemDataCenter #NoDataCenter #CityCouncil #SalemOr #Oregon

Flyer 1 text:

SHOW UP MONDAY, JULY 27 • 6PM-8PM
DATA CENTER IN SALEM

HERE'S HOW TO FIGHT BACK:
The Oakline at Mill Creek proposal is NOT approved yet.
There is still time for the community to be heard, and your voice matters most right now, while the project is under review.

SHOW UP!
PACK THE ROOM!
Salem City Council Meeting
Loucks Auditorium
at the Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE, Salem
Monday, July 27 6PM to 8PM

PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment is your legal right.

SPEAK UP!

or EMAIL WRITTEN COMMENT
Email your City Councilors and the Mayor. Submit written testimony to the city. Written comments become part of the public record whether or not you can attend.

Email citycouncil@cityofsalem.net before 5 p.m. Monday, or drop off a paper comment at the City Recorder's Office, Civic Center
(555 Liberty St. S.E., Room 225)

Flyer 2 text:

WHY PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING THIS:

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY:
Verrus approached the city through SEDCOR* in March 2025. The city signed a non-disclosure agreement. The public didn't hear a word until just this month, sixteen months later. And because the land is already zoned for it, there's no rezoning vote where residents get a formal say. Public pressure is the process.

THE NOISE NEVER STOPS.
Data centers run 24/7, and communities across the country that welcomed them are now living with the consequences. Residents near data centers report headaches, vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbances, ear pain, and hypertension a constant hum they can hear day and night. Much of it is low-frequency sound and infrasound - noise so low you feel it in your body rather than hear it, and it often doesn't even register on standard decibel meters, making local noise ordinances nearly impossible to enforce. In Virginia's data center corridor, neighbors describe sealing windows and sleeping with earplugs just to get through the night.
Once it's built, you can't unbuild it.

THE JOBS DISAPPEAR:
The huge number of construction jobs being promised are temporary, they end when the buildings are done. What's left? About 75 permanent positions. That's a $5.1 BILLION facility employing fewer people than a single grocery store.

WATER AND POWER:
Verrus promises closed-loop cooling and grid-friendly design, but specific water figures haven't been released, and a facility of this scale is a massive new demand on regional infrastructure either way.

*A private, nonprofit economic development agency.

Residents of Salem and surrounding areas deserve a real say in what gets built here.

SHOW UP JULY 27!

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 2w ago

Salem satire group Dr. Atomic’s Medicine Show headlined a fundraiser at Salem UCC for the Justice & Resilience Collaborative (of which SRI is a partner.) Also performing, Jim Craven, Bill Hughes/Melanie Zermer and Mark Babson/Denis Colleret. #DrAtomicMedicineShow #fundraiser #satire

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 2w ago

A great turnout for "Stop ICE Terror!" at the weekly Capitol protest, Saturday. Adding their voices to the demonstration, were opponents of the proposed Data Center in Salem! Salem showed up today! #StopICETerror #ICEOut #AbolishICE #NoSalemDataCenter #NoDataCenter #BigTechHarms See less

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 3w ago

Still mourning and outraged at the horrific ICE murders last week, today our determined team of sign holders marked many of the locations where ICE abductions of our own neighbors took place recently. Heartening to see our efforts make an impact. #ICEOut #JusticeForLorenzoAndJoan

Person holding a sign that says “ICE ABDUCTED SOMEONE
HERE.”

Reddit Post reads:

Ice agents // unconstitutional immigration laws
I saw someone on center and Lancaster (about there holding an "Ice abducted someone here" sign. I drove past, made it home, I can't stop thinking about it.
From everything I've seen about the detention centers, it's basically Nazi germany.
Masks over authoritarian faces, do what I say not what I do.
Not to mention the lack of due process that is intact to save citizens from this inhumanity.
Please, I will do anything to disturb ice pursuits. They do not belong here

A rather elegant bit of activism.

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 3w ago

NO DATA CENTER IN SALEM — HERE'S HOW TO FIGHT BACK SHOW UP: Salem City Council-July 27 6pm-8pm-Loucks Pack the room! SPEAK UP: Email your city councilors & Mayor. Submit written testimony to City. Becomes part of public record whether or not you can attend. Details in alt text. #NoDataCenter

SHOW UP:
Salem City Council Meeting
Monday, July 27, 2026 — 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Public comment is your legal right. Pack the room.

SPEAK UP:
Email your city councilors and the Mayor. Submit written testimony to the city. Written comments become part of the public record whether or not you can attend.

WHY PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING THIS:
THE NOISE NEVER STOPS. Data centers run 24/7, and communities across the country that welcomed them are now living with the consequences. Residents near data centers report headaches, vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbances, ear pain, and hypertension a constant hum they can hear day and night. Much of it is low-frequency sound and infrasound — noise so low you feel it in your body rather than hear it, and it often doesn't even register on standard decibel meters, making local noise ordinances nearly impossible to enforce. In Virginia's data center corridor, neighbors describe sealing windows and sleeping with earplugs just to get through the night. Once it's built, you can't unbuild it.

THE JOBS DISAPPEAR:
The 1,000+ construction jobs being promised are temporary, they end when the buildings are done. What's left? About 75 permanent positions. That's a $5.1 BILLION facility employing fewer people than a single grocery store.

THE PROCESS WAS QUIET:
Verrus approached the city through SEDCOR in March 2025. The city signed a non-disclosure agreement. The public didn't hear a word until just this month, sixteen months later. And because the land is already zoned for it, there's no rezoning vote where residents get a formal say. Public pressure is the process.

WATER AND POWER:
Verrus promises closed-loop cooling and grid-friendly design, but specific water figures haven't been released, and a facility of this scale is a massive new demand on regional infrastructure either way.

Salem residents deserve a real say in what gets built here. Show up July 27.

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 3w ago

Join friends, new or previously used, for an hour of lively conversation, refreshing beverages and shared appetizers. Find solace and solidarity in community building. Help plan the comeback. Friday, July 17• Taproot 5pm-7pm 356 State St. • Salem #MocktailsCocktailsTalkTales #DrinkingLiberally

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 3w ago

Our city is under threat with the proposed development of the Verrus Data Center in Southeast Salem. This data center will consume vast amounts of water, electricity, vital resources that residents depend on and siphon off resources while contributing little to our local economy. #NoDataCenter

Sign the Petition

Stop the development of Verrus Data Center in SE Salem

change.org

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · 3w ago

On July 7, ICE agents murdered Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston. Less than a week later, on July 13, they murdered Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine. We need to hold ICE and this admin. accountable! Join us on this Saturday. Demand justice for Lorenzo and Joan! #StopICETerror #AbolishICE #ICEOut

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

SRI's "Reclaim Independence Day, Protest and BYO Picnic" really gave us and everyone who attended a place to celebrate in a way that is true to our resisting hearts!!! Best 4th of July in a while! #ReclaimIndependenceDay #Resist #ResistFascism #ResistWhiteNationalism

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

This past Friday, an intrepid team of sign holders graced four locations where ICE abductions took place recently. A few flip offs, but most passersby gave friendly honks & waves. One local business brought lemonade out to the crew. Raising awareness, one sign at a time. #ICEOut #AbolishICE

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

Join us until 4 at the #Oregon #Capitol! Play lawn games, eat a hot dog or a crushed-ice snow cone. Pin the Indictment on the #Dictator, or throw turds or vomit in our Corrupt Crony #Cornhole. Happy #democracy, America!

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

Join friends, new and previously used, for a lively hour or so of entertaining conversation, refreshing beverages and shared appetizers. #DrinkingLiberally #BuildingCommunity

Mocktails, Cocktails and Talk Tales · Salem Region Indivisible

Join friends, new and previously used, for a lively hour or so of entertaining conversation, refreshing beverages and shared appetizers. Help plan the comeback!

mobilize.us

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

Despite sporadic, torrential downpours there was a good turnout for @ProgressiveSalem.bsky.social’s Summer Potluck Picnic at Woodmansee Park on Saturday, June 27. Chris Hoy spoke to the group about recent primaries and upcoming elections in the fall. #SalemOregon #ProgressiveSalem

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

This month, RIOT Art will coincide with SRI's July 4th "Reclaim Independence Day Event!” More info on Riot Art: www.mobilize.us/salemregioni... More info on ”Reclaim Independence Day" info: www.mobilize.us/salemregioni... #RiotArt #ResistanceArt #Craftivism #July4th #ReclaimIndependenceDay

Riot Art will be joining SRI's July 4th
Reclaim Independence Day Event!
Saturday July 4th • 10am -4pm • Center St. NE and Summer St. NE.

JULY 4TH
BYO Picnic and Protest and
RECLAIM
INDEPENDENCE
DAY!

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

Join Progressive Salem this Saturday, rain or shine! The rain isn't supposed to be very much and we hold the picnic in the very large shelter at the park, so no worries. Join your like minded peeps to celebrate democracy!

Salem Region Indivisible @salemorindivisible.bsky.social · last mo.

Join us on July 4th for “RECLAIM INDEPENDENCE DAY!” BYO Picnic and Protest! #IndependenceDay #4thofJuly #ReclaimIndependenceDay #Reisist

RECLAIM INDEPENDENCE DAY! BYO Picnic & Protest · Salem Region Indivisible

RECLAIM INDEPENDENCE DAY! Protest at 10:00am - 4pm Picnic Noon - 4pm Bring the family, bring your signs, bring a side for yourself and your family, lawn chairs, blankets and bring the fun to the 4t...

mobilize.us