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Every February 23, on National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, we recognize hospitality workers’ hard work and dedication around the world. First celebrated by Food Service Direct, this appreciation day spotlights these vital yet often overlooked individuals in the hospitality industry.

Spanning diverse fields such as hotels, food service, theme parks, travel, and event planning, the hospitality sector relies heavily on the expertise and commitment of its workers. From the welcoming front desk staff to the thorough housekeepers and from attentive servers to meticulous event coordinators, these individuals form the backbone of the industry, ensuring unparalleled customer experiences.

In Lincoln County, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recognize the invaluable contributions of hospitality workers, particularly through the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, the largest employer in the county with over 1,000 employees, many deeply involved in the hospitality industry.

Looking ahead, the Siletz Casino Project is set to create 1,200 permanent, living-wage jobs, with hospitality professionals playing a crucial role in bringing the project to life. From a sprawling 180,800 square-foot casino to a 4-star full-service hotel offering 500 rooms, a pool, spa, and more, the project provides an array of amenities that hospitality workers will expertly operate.

This National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the integral role played by these professionals in shaping positive customer experiences. Their tireless efforts ensure seamless operations, impacting not just individual establishments but the broader community and economy. As we celebrate this day, let’s take a moment to show gratitude to hospitality professionals and acknowledge their contributions to the economy and our community.

 

The history of the Siletz Tribe and its ancestors dates from time immemorial and includes nearly a third of the land in Oregon. The Tribe’s roots in the Willamette Valley remain strong today.

In 2021, the Siletz Tribal Housing Department secured funding for a 40-unit affordable housing development in Salem, known as Kloshe Illahee Haws, that is being built on 8.8 acres of trust land.

Salem’s affordable housing challenge is a symptom of a shortage of nearly 2,900 dwelling units, driving up the cost of existing units. Additionally, the Salem Metro area is projected to welcome 60,000 additional residents by 2035.

The Siletz Tribe sought funding for the new multi-family affordable housing complex to reduce housing burdens for Siletz tribal members and others in the Salem community.

Half of the complex’s 40 units are reserved for residents whose income is below 80% of the median income, with rent payments not exceeding 30% of their household income. The remaining half of the units will be rented      at an      affordable rate for individuals living above 80% of the median income. These two measures help ensure housing is available to those who need it most, prevent families from being further burdened by rent, and allow residents to save for the future or focus on other financial needs.

Located on the corner of Blossom Drive in Northeast Salem, Kloshe Illahee Haws will feature various living spaces from townhomes and triplexes, a modest community-use facility with staff offices, and an outdoor greenspace. The south end of the property is reserved for a future multi-family apartment complex.

Construction of the infrastructure began with the contract awarded to North Santiam Paving in December 2023, and the remainder of the project is expected to be bid in the second quarter of 2024.

While this project is separate and unique from other endeavors in the Salem community, like the casino project, it serves as an example of how the Siletz Tribe and the City of Salem can work together to identify areas of need and elevate the level of services in the community.

As the Siletz Tribe works to help address the unmet housing needs within the City of Salem, the Siletz Tribe is hopeful the success of Kloshe Illahee Haws will serve as an example of how cooperation between the Siletz Tribe and the City of Salem can benefit the community.

Kloshe Illahee Haws demonstrates the potential for the significant benefits of ongoing cooperation between the Tribe and the City of Salem, including through the Siletz Casino Project and other projects that seek to bring jobs and revenue to the city of Salem. The Siletz Tribe remains committed to working with Salem’s City leaders to help mitigate the housing crisis and bring jobs and economic development to the community.