February 2021
Mayor Murphy's State of the City Address
On January 28, Mayor Murphy presented his State of the City Address as part of Valpo Chamber's Virtual Annual Meeting. Each year, mayors across the nation present a State of the City speech as a reflection of their priorities and accomplishments. Mayor Murphy highlighted the strength of our city working together through a global pandemic and accomplishments, including a record year in paving, launching Home Team Valpo, supporting local businesses and offering safe community events. View the recording to learn more.
Strategic Plan - Get Involved!
The City of Valparaiso is launching a new Strategic Planning process and we're interested in learning what YOU think about Valpo. There are two ways to get involved:
  1. Take this 8-question survey and share your thoughts OR
  2. Take part in a one-hour Zoom session. We've scheduled 5 opportunities at different times and days of the week - with 2 remaining next week! Visit our website to learn more about the Zoom schedule and links to join.
Get on Board - Valparaiso Skatepark
Valpo Parks is working to bring a new Skatepark to Valparaiso and Phase 1 of the planning process is underway. With partners DugOut Design Studio and Abonmarche, Valpo Parks has offered a public survey and hosted two public engagement sessions to hear what the community wants to see at the new skatepark. The feedback will be used to help design and build what will serve the next generation of skaters, scooters and bikers alike. View the Feb. 17 public findings and renderings presentation to learn more about the project. To donate or get involved with the project, contact skatepark@valpo.us
Neighborhood Toolkit Refresh
The City of Valparaiso has refreshed its Neighborhood Toolkit, a helpful resource to neighborhood groups looking to organize, host events, partner with the city on projects and more. This guide is an excellent resource for neighborhood groups just getting started or existing groups looking to increase engagement. The Toolkit includes ideas to inspire neighborhoods, including ways to be healthier, more environmentally friendly and more engaged. The Toolkit also includes a comprehensive section of city services that support neighborhoods, a neighborhood directory and information on the Neighborhood Grant Program which provides funding for neighborhood-based projects that offer community-wide benefit. View the Toolkit online or contact us to pickup a hard copy at City Hall.
Fire Department Enhancements
Valparaiso Fire Department continues to keep Valparaiso among the safest communities in the state and they have some exciting enhancements coming this year. Due to a $1.1 million dollar SAFER grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, five new firefighters will join the team. The added firefighters will allow each emergency engine to have four firefighters on board. To further enhance the firefighting efforts of VFD, two new Sutphen engines will also be added to the fleet in 2021. Watch this Moment With The Mayor to learn more.
City Employees Volunteer for School Meal Deliveries
Valparaiso Police Officers and City of Valparaiso employees are collaborating with Valparaiso Community Schools (VCS) to help deliver weekend meals to students in need. VCS Food Service Team has stepped up to offer daily and weekend meal options for Valparaiso kids, including the Backpacks & Snacks Program that distributes a full weekend's worth of shelf-stable food items. City employees are able to help deliver the weekend food bags to virtual learners who need assistance, as determined by school social workers. Chief Balon and Mayor Murphy teamed up to deliver meals in January.
COVID-19 Resources
The City of Valparaiso is looking forward to better days ahead with the release of the COVID-19 vaccine. We continue to support the efforts of the State and Porter County Health Department (PCHD) as they work to distribute vaccines to Hoosiers. Some resources and links that may be of interest include:
Neighborhood Watch
Since all of our neighborhoods are covered in snow - with more on the way - here are some family-friendly ideas to make the most of it! Enjoy!
Make 3-ingredient snow paint using water, corn starch and food coloring. Create a frame using twigs or branches. You could even paint the snow indoors on a cookie sheet.
Get creative with your snowmen by using Mr. Potato Head accessories.
Bring the snow indoors and create a snowy sensory bin with a cooler and plastic toys for your littles to enjoy. You could also fill a bathtub for extra room to play!
Have a neighborhood story you want to share? Contact us to be featured in February!