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Check out our new Neighborhood Toolkit
The Community Engagement Department has introduced a Neighborhood Toolkit as a resource to neighborhood groups looking to organize, host events, partner with the city on projects and more. The Toolkit includes ideas for how to inspire neighborhoods to come together in efforts to become healthier, more environmentally friendly, safer and more engaged. The Toolkit includes an outline of city services that support neighborhoods including the neighborhood improvement grant program and a new neighborhood directory. Sign up your neighborhood group today!

The Toolkit was created with input from existing neighborhood groups, City Government Academy graduates and the ValpoNEXT Sense of Place Committee. The city will continue to seek feedback on the Toolkit to update periodically.

Check out the Neighborhood Toolkit online and contact us to receive a hard copy or to receive a printer-friendly file.
Mark your calendar for 2019 Valparaiso Events
Valparaiso Events has another fun year in store for our residents and visitors! Whether you are a fan of live music, a regular at the Valparaiso Market or a local artist, there is something for you to enjoy downtown in 2019. Check out some of the events below and mark your calendars!
  • Valparaiso Market - Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm beginning June 1 and ending October 19.
  • Summer Outdoor Movies - Bring your family out to the Porter Health Ampitheater at Central Park to enjoy family-friendly movie selections including Incredibles 2, Hoosiers and The Little Mermaid.
  • Summer Concert Series - Come out to Central Park and enjoy live music on select Thursday nights throughout July and August.
  • Valparaiso Art Festival - This new event will showcase more than 80 juried artists and artisans from across the nation. Save the date for Saturday, June 29 from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
  • Throughout 2019, look for events as part of a Farewell Celebration for Mayor Costas including a family-friendly celebration downtown on Saturday, August 17.
  • Popcorn Festival - This long-standing community tradition will return in 2019 for its 41st year! Join us on Saturday, September 7!

If you are interested in being a vendor at events like the Valparaiso Market and Popcorn Festival you can learn more online .
Learn more about our Road Safety Audit
The Engineering Department is completing the next steps of a Road Safety Audit funded by a federal highway safety improvement grant, administered through the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. The Road Safety Audit will assess main roads in the city and analyze where safety may be further improved for motorists, riders, pedestrians and cyclists. View the map.

The audit will consider public input, any accident data, analyze traffic counts and identify both sight distance and geometry. In late 2017, the city gathered feedback from residents through a survey and now the city is completing field sessions to drive, walk and assess the roads with a group of city staff and volunteers.

The Road Safety Audit will help provide recommendations for safety improvements and support future grant applications. Look for our crew out on the roads during February and March. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering contact us .
Submit your application for the Valparaiso Police Department's 2019 Citizens' Academy
The Valparaiso Police Department is currently accepting applications for the 2019 Citizens' Police Academy . The Academy provides an opportunity for community members to experience what it's like to be a Valparaiso Police Officer. The Academy is designed for attendees to meet police officers and learn about their assignments, specialties and daily operations. There are several topics featured throughout the program including investigations, traffic enforcement, crash investigations, patrol duties, K9 Unit, firearm scenarios and more.

Applications for the Academy can be found online and must be submitted by March 8. Citizens over the age of 18 are encouraged to participate in this community program. The Academy will be completed in nine sessions that are held on Tuesdays beginning March 19 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm (March 26 will be skipped for spring break). Learn more about the Citizens' Academy online or contact Sgt. Joe Hall with any questions.
Meet Your City
Tyler Kent, Valparaiso Planning Director
Tyler Kent has been with the City of Valparaiso since 2005 and has served as the Planning Director since 2012. He earned a Bachelor of Science – graduated Cum Laude, from Ferris State University, in Public Administration.  He is married to his wife Jody, and together they have two children. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys coaching basketball at the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club.
Photo from Chicago Post Tribune.

Meet Your City allows our residents to learn more about city staff, board and commission members and neighborhood leaders throughout the community.
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.