With about eight to ten people per table, residents were invited to share, confer and debate with others while table leaders led the discussion and did their best to record it. After agreeing on a list of ideas, they presented the results of their discussion to the larger group.

The area being studied includes downtown, the Capitol Mall, Bush Park, Salem Hospital, Willamette University, and a section of West Salem. The economy, environmental stewardship, transportation and connectivity, livability and Salem's image were part of the agenda.

The forum attracted nearly 300 people, about the number projected by city officials. City planners have provided a variety of ways for residents to give feedback. As of Wednesday, approximately 750 people had completed the survey by mail or online. The community survey about Vision 2020 is available at the City of Salem Web site, and is available in English and Spanish.

Among the concerns at several tables were the lack of grocery stores and housing in the downtown core. Some even named specific stores such as Trader Joe's.

According to the City of Salem, downtown and adjacent areas contain a substantial number of homes and apartments with more than 20,000 people living within one-half mile of the city center. Meanwhile there are more than 30,000 people working within the same half-mile square.

Another table offered the idea of a permanent structure at Riverfront Park to allow events year-round, no matter the weather. Many argued to make bicyclists, pedestrians and the necessary pathways a higher priority. The lack of a vibrant nightlife was also noted, with participants suggesting later hours of operation for businesses.

Presentations with several maps were on display in the lobby during the event providing information and background on various ongoing projects. There were a variety of opportunities for feedback using pennies and stickers to answer a set of wide-ranging questions.

A transit center presentation detailed progress on the planning for a more neighborhood-oriented bus system. Salem-Keizer Transit noted transit centers in Wilsonville and the Seattle area as examples for the future. Two transit centers -- one in South Salem and the other in Keizer -- are in the works.

Organized by the City of Salem with the cooperation of an array of businesses, the state and county governments, Salem Hospital, Willamette University and Salem-Keizer Transit have been working on the plan for several years. City officials have used the long-term plan for Hillsboro as a template.

A draft of the Vision 2020 plan will be presented at another public forum in spring 2008. A final report is expected to be issued by the summer.

For information check out cityofsalem.net and cherriots.org.