July 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • 2020 Roadway Paving
  • Valpo Parks Master Plan July 20
  • Opportunities for Neighborhoods
  • Volunteer at Valpo Parks Aug. 15
  • Join the Shade Brigade
  • RDC Awards Challenge Grants
  • Community Improvement Awards Aug. 6
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • Calendar and Helpful Links
2020 Roadway Paving and Maintenance Plan
Construction ahead! The City of Valparaiso will resurface more than 9.1 miles of roadway and invest more than $3 million this season with the help of a $1 million Community Crossings Grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation and funding from the City budget. The 2020 roadway paving and maintenance plan was presented to City Council this month. The city's paving decisions are based on a national rating system, PASER, which rates our roads based on many factors. Roadways are evaluated regularly and we try to maximize funds to best maintain each stretch of the city's 162-mile road inventory. We appreciate your patience navigating the orange cones and necessary detours around the city this season. Check out our latest Moment With The Mayor to learn more.
Weigh in on Valpo Parks' Master Plan July 20
The Valpo Parks team is updating our Comprehensive Park and Recreation Master Plan for the next five years. As part of the process, they want to hear from community members about where the parks can grow, how programs can expand and ways to better serve the community. This master plan process will create a priority blueprint for where our parks can improve, how to grow responsibly, and what programs and recreational opportunities can best serve our community in the future. Your input is needed! Sign up for the online public meeting to participate.
Opportunities for Your Neighborhood - Workshop July 29
The Community Engagement Department offers various opportunities for neighborhoods to come together and partner with the city. Check out some of our current opportunities and contact us to learn more.
  • Neighborhood Workshop - Join neighborhood representatives from around the city at our upcoming Workshop on Wednesday, July 29 from 6pm-7pm at the Butterfield Pavilion. RSVP in advance to ensure we can safely distance during the meeting. Our Building Commissioner will be presenting on residential code enforcement - what the rules are within the city and how your neighborhood can report a concern. Additionally, we are investigating ways to stream the meeting for those that do not wish to attend in person.
  • Neighborhood Walks - Mayor Murphy invites neighborhoods to sign up for a Neighborhood Walk this season. These walks allow Mayor and members of the City's leadership team to get to know our residents right where they live, and assess for any infrastructure or safety needs that may exist. Please complete this form to sign up!
  • Neighborhood Improvement Grant - Residents have an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of their neighborhoods through our Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program. In 2020, grants of up to $15,000 are available to neighborhood groups that can go towards things like signage, landscaping, sidewalks and more. Apply before the August 31 deadline!
Volunteer at Valpo Parks August 15
Valpo Parks is teaming up with neighborhood groups to host volunteers at some of our neighborhood parks on Saturday, August 15 from 9am-noon (or when finished). Sign up to help spread mulch and complete others tasks at your favorite park! Parks include 200 East, Jessee-Pifer, Kirchhoff and Forest Park/Ogden Gardens. Please sign up in advance and additional information will be emailed to you. We ask that volunteers be accompanied by an adult if they are under the age of 18. Please bring your own garden rake if possible. Contact us to learn more.
Join the Shade Brigade - Training Sessions July 28 & 30, August 4 & 6
You're invited to become a member of the Valparaiso Shade Brigade that assists in caring for and maintaining our community's urban forest. Residents can attend tree-related lectures and workshops, volunteer and learn how to help plant, water, prune, mulch and log inventory. Learn more by participating in one of our upcoming two-part training sessions, led by Matt McBain, Valparaiso Public Works' ISA Certified Arborist. Sign up today! Limited spaces available at each training to ensure that we can safely distance and accomplish our tasks. Additional details will be emailed in advance. Learn more.
Redevelopment Commission Awards Education Challenge Grants
Each year, since 2012, the Redevelopment Commission has awarded grants to Valparaiso Community Schools (VCS) and East Porter County Schools (EPCS). This unique program comes from the Commission's desire to prioritize local workfoce development and STEM initiatives through our school systems, and is not common for communities throughout the state. The goal of the grants are to provide an opportunity for both school systems to use advanced methods or technologies that enhance problem solving, collaboration and analytical skills n eeded for 21st century jobs.

This month, the Commission awarded nearly $600,000 in grant dollars which is budgeted annually from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues and divided among both school corporations based on per capita enrollment. VCS will use its grant to fund Chromebooks, STEM equipment like a waterjet cutter, 3D printer upgrades and wireless hotspots. The grant for EPCS will fund Chromebooks, web cameras for teachers and software like Google Meet Kits and Blocksi.
Community Improvement Awards August 6
The Valpo Chamber and the City of Valparaiso will recognize local businesses for their commitment and investment in Valparaiso by awarding the 53rd Annual Community Improvement Awards on August 6. This luncheon will honor the ten recipients and their projects that improve the city.These projects will join the more than 400 properties that have been recognized since the award program began. The Community Improvement Awards are based on the visual impact of exterior appearance improvements and are judged on the following criteria: enhances the attractiveness of Valparaiso; compatible with the area and environment; enhances the quality of life and promotes pride in Valparaiso; and makes a commitment to Valparaiso's future.

2020 recipients include: Barely Properties - Bluejay 1, Crew Carwash, Calvary Church - Even More, Computer Services, Inc., MAAC Foundation - Tactical Training Building or Law Enforcement, Stacks Rooftop, Vale Park Animal Hospital, Vale View, Valparaiso City Hall and ValPAWraiso Dog Park. Register to attend.
Neighborhood Watch
Since our June issue, Banta Neighborhood Association completed its second intersection art installation. Check out this awesome turtle designed by Central Elementary student, Alastair Anderson-Schelling and installed by muralist, Pete Cortese. Learn more by viewing this recent Moment With The Mayor video.