Issue No. 1 January 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • New City Leadership
  • State of the City Jan. 28
  • Neighborhood Workshop Feb. 4
  • MLK Day Event at VU Jan. 20
  • Weigh in on our Website
  • VPD Junior Police Academy
  • Valparaiso Events 2020
  • Council Corner
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • Calendar and Helpful Links
New City Leadership Ready to Serve
On January 1, newly elected officials were sworn in to serve the City of Valparaiso. The inauguration ceremony was conducted by former Mayor Jon Costas, Judge Mary DeBoer and Garner Tullis. Welcome to our new and returning city leaders!
  • Mayor Matt Murphy
  • Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor
  • City Council Members:
  • At-Large - George Douglas, President
  • At-Large - Evan Costas
  • District 1 - Diana Reed, Vice-President
  • District 2 - Robert Cotton
  • District 3 - Casey Schmidt
  • District 4 - Jack Pupillo
  • District 5 - Peter Anderson

Additionally, new appointments have been made within the city administration. Mike Jessen has joined the team to serve as City Administrator and Brandon Dickinson has been appointed as the new Redevelopment Director.
Valpo Chamber to Host State of the City Address January 28
Join us as the Valpo Chamber hosts its Annual Meeting and State of the City Address on Tuesday, January 28. Each year, mayors across the nation present a State of the City speech as a reflection of the past year and vision for the year to come. Mayor Murphy will be taking the podium to present his first State of the City to residents and attendees. Register to attend and look for the transcript to be posted on the city's website after the event.
Neighborhood Workshop February 4 - Register Now!
The Community Engagement Department is hosting a Neighborhood Workshop on Tuesday, February 4 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Forest Park Welter Room. This Workshop will feature guest speakers Brandon Dickinson, Redevelopment Director, and Patrick Lyp, General Counsel and former Economic Development Director, to update participants on what developments are new or on the horizon for Valparaiso. Additionally, we will celebrate neighborhood grant success stories as 22 neighborhood projects have been funded to date. Workshops will be offered quarterly in 2020 to provide opportunities for neighborhood representatives to connect, learn from each other and become more familiar with available neighborhood services. Learn more about the workshop by viewing the detailed agenda and REGISTER NOW !
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20
On Monday, January 20th, 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 who advocated passionately for human rights 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 (please register in advance).  
City Website Feedback Survey - Weigh In!
In 2020, the City of Valparaiso will be working to redesign the city's website . Community members are invited to weigh in and offer feedback on our current website to give us some ideas for how to best improve the content and design. Take this short survey to tell us what you think!
Junior Police Academy Accepting Applications
The Valparaiso Police Department is seeking high school students that represent good citizenship and have an interest in a law enforcement career for the Junior Police Academy (JPA). JPA allows students to meet officers and learn more about the daily activities of police work. Contact Sgt. Pat Yokovich, coordinator and instructor of the JPA at 219-462-2135 or pyokovich@valpopd.com to learn more about how to apply.
Have Fun with Valparaiso Events in 2020
Grab your calendars and plan to enjoy some great events in 2020! Check out some upcoming events below and visit the Valparaiso Events website to learn about all the fun planned for the year.
  • Valparaiso Winter Market - January 18 and February 8, Valparaiso Armory - Come shop with your favorite local vendors at the indoor market!
  • 4th Fridays - monthly, downtown - Whether you're a resident or a visitor, visit downtown each 4th Friday for a night out of shopping, special events and more.
  • 2nd Annual Valparaiso Art Festival - June 27 and 28, downtown - Free and open to the public, the Valparaiso Art Festival will showcase the work of juried artists in a variety of mediums with opportunities to purchase art, participate in special demonstrations and more.
Council Corner
Council Corner provides a sample of updates from City Council and Board and Commission meetings in a quick, easy to read format. Please note that full agendas and minutes can be found by visiting our website - the search box is a great resource to find what you're looking for! If you have additional questions or comments give us a call.
  • The Redevelopment Commission recognized Mayor Murphy for his service on the Commission from 2016-2019 (pictured right or above), heard an update on the Porter County Public Library System's outdoor learning plaza and introduced Director Brandon Dickinson.
  • The City Council announced council member assignments to boards, commissions and departments and approved two resolutions from the Clerk-Treasurer's Office.
  • The Plan Commission approved a replat for airport industrial park and a vote will be take for a 2-lot plat subdivision known as Wise Guys Minor Subdivision.
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch celebrates our neighborhoods by sharing stories of success, highlighting completed projects and more. Contact us to share a story from your neighborhood! 
Pine Creek received a 2019 Neighborhood Grant to go towards new signage. The previous sign was worn down and this new boulder sign gives the neighborhood a fresh look to come home to. Check it out next time you drive by the entrance on Evans Ave.
Oakwood Estates received a 2018 Neighborhood Grant to add street lighting throughout their wooded neighborhood. Four new light poles have been installed and they help offer a greater sense of safety for the neighbors.
Calendar & Quick 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: