The City of Valparaiso introduces its monthly e-newsletter, City Talk Now . Check your inbox on the 3rd Friday of each month to receive an update from the city on current projects, events and more. Contact us  if you have any questions or requests for specific information.  If this email was forwarded to you, please sign up to receive them directly in the future!

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Mayor Costas to present State of the City Address
Join us as the Valpo Chamber hosts the annual State of the City Address and their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd. Each year, mayors across the nation present a State of the City speech as a reflection of their priorities and accomplishments. As Mayor Costas reaches his 16th and final year as Mayor of Valparaiso, he will be reflecting on his time leading the administration and gearing up for another successful year in office.  

View the Mayor's 2018 State of the City Address and register now to attend the event.
Reminder - City Hall at Hayes Leonard School
City Hall workers and services are temporarily doing business at Hayes Leonard Elementary School, 653 Hayes Leonard Rd, during our City Hall renovation. The Lincolnway location will be getting a 6,345-square foot addition, plus renovations to better serve the community. The renovation and expansion of City Hall is underway and is expected to be completed before the end of 2019. While the majority of services continue to be offered at Hayes Leonard, V-line bus passes can be purchased at the Valpo Parks office, 3210 N. Campbell St.  Give us a call at 462-1161 before your visit if you aren’t sure where to reach us.  

Watch this 2-minute video to hear more about the renovation from Bill Oeding, City Administrator. View the city hall renovation press release for additional details. 
Valpo Parks publish 2019 Activity Guide
Valpo Parks have released their 2019 Activity and Facility Guide . Check it out to learn more about what the Parks Department has in store for 2019 events, youth and adult sports, fit city and more. The guide also includes an updated parks and pathways map.  

Whether you’re interested in ice skating, paddle boating or little league baseball, there’s something for everyone at Valpo Parks!
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Monday, January 21st, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As MLK once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”  With that spirit, we encourage Valparaiso residents to give back and remember the legacy of MLK as a revolutionary leader that advocated passionately for the human rights of all during the Civil Rights Movement.

Remember, Valparaiso Community Schools will be closed for the Martin Luther King Day holiday, while City Hall and services will remain open and operating.  Valparaiso University will be hosting an MLK Day Celebration on campus that is open to the community, with programming for both adults and children (please register in advance).  
Meet Your City
Chief Jeff Balon, Valparaiso Police Department 
Chief Balon has been with the Valparaiso Police Department since 1992 and has been serving as Chief since 2017. He earned his Bachelor of Science -With Distinction, from Calumet College of Saint Joseph, in Public Safety Management. Chief Balon is a lifelong Porter County resident and a graduate of Chesterton High School. He is married to his wife Katherine, and together they have four children. When he's "off duty," he enjoys boating on Lake Michigan with family and friends.

Meet Your City allows our residents to learn more about city staff, board and commission members and neighborhood leaders throughout the community.
Neighbor Notes
During the winter season, be sure to check in on neighbors that may be elderly or have a disability. Encourage youth to lend a hand in the neighborhood and consider helping a senior with snow shoveling this season. With the upcoming snowfall, review our press release for more suggestions on how to best prepare.

Interested in more tips and ideas for your neighborhood? Look for our Neighborhood Toolkit to be released later this month! 
Calendar and Helpful Links
Check our calendar regularly to stay up to date on our public meetings. The most current agendas and minutes can be found on our website by selecting the board or commission that you are most interested in under the “City Government” tab. Upcoming meetings of note include:

Quick Links:
City Talk Now is brought to you by the City's Community Engagement Department.  Contact us with any questions or feedback.