City Manager

City Manager Kevin S. Boggess

Greetings from the City of Salem:

  I am honored to serve as the City Manager of what many describe as the premier municipality in Southwest Virginia. It’s a reputation we have garnered due to our business approach to running municipal government  and commitment to excellent citizen service.

   I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our website where you will find many useful links to our services. Our citizen-driven approach to services shows in our clean streets, beautiful parks and schools, and safe neighborhoods.

    We are located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just off Interstate 81, offering a unique blend of attractions and activities that are guaranteed to please all ages and tastes. From hiking the Appalachian Trail to collecting arts and crafts or watching champion show horses, Salem has something for all.

    Every year, thousands come to enjoy the small-town friendliness and our annual events ranging from one of the largest all-breed horse shows in the country to the largest free-gate fair in the nation to an enormous out-door street arts and crafts show. Salem is also known as the “Championship City” not only because of top-notch athletic programs in our schools, but also because we are proud to host several NCAA Division 3 championship tournaments and the nationally televised Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. 

    The quality of life offered in Salem is managed by city personnel who understand the importance of keeping their community a vital place to live, work and play. We are a safe city with a crime rate that ranks among the lowest in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

    We pride ourselves on the fact we are business-friendly, a city well connected by land and air, offering new and established businesses assistance with planning, real estate and employment issues.

    Our schools are nationally accredited and among the top in Virginia. All six Salem schools continually make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act.

    As you can tell, we have a lot to offer. Thanks for visiting Salem!

Kevin S. Boggess

Salem City Manager