• 2022 City Government Academy
  • Downtown Development
  • Birds of Paradise
  • Neighborhood Grant Applications Due March 1
  • City Hall Blood Drive April 15
  • Home Team Valpo Spring Cleanup April 30
  • Neighborhood Watch
2022 City Government Academy - Reserve you space!
To encourage community engagement, the City of Valparaiso offers its own seven-week City Government Academy as an opportunity for residents to learn about how city government works in Valparaiso. The goal of the Academy is to get more citizens involved as they learn more about the behind-the-scenes details of how decisions are made, how dollars are allocated, and how services are delivered each day. The 2022 Academy will run from April 6 to May 18, meeting on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To date, 75 community members have graduated from the program. Complete this form to reserve your space!
Transformative Downtown Development
The City of Valparaiso has announced several transformative projects for the city’s downtown, adding housing, parking, retail space and job opportunities. The $37 million development includes new apartment housing, retail and restaurant space, and the construction of a public parking structure offering approximately 300 spaces, accomplishing several of the city’s longtime goals for downtown. Learn more about the projects.
Birds of Paradise Scavenger Hunt
The City of Valparaiso is working to develop a downtown sculpture scavenger hunt, Birds of Paradise. Launching in May 2022, Birds of Paradise will promote engagement, culture and activity while highlighting public art and local artists. The hunt is a fun way for community members and visitors to learn more about Valpo and its feathered friends. Birds of Paradise will include ten bird sculptures, representing ten native species, hidden throughout the downtown. This project is being spearheaded by the City of Valparaiso with support from the Redevelopment Commission, Valparaiso Creative Council, Porter County Public Library System and Indiana Audubon Society. Local artists include Chad Copeland, sculptor, and Melissa Washburn, illustrator.  Learn more about the project and how to get involved or sponsor!
Neighborhood Improvement Grants - Apply by March 1, 2022
The City of Valparaiso is revising the dates for its annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program to make funds available earlier in the year. The new schedule means that applications for 2022 Neighborhood Improvement Grants will be due on March 1, 2022, with winning projects announced by March 11, 2022. To date, 59 projects have been funded through the program since it was introduced in 2018. Learn more about the 2022 grant cycle by visiting our website.
City Hall Blood Drive April 15
Mayor Murphy has announced a local Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross, hosted at Valparaiso City Hall on April 15. The Red Cross is currently experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade and giving blood is an important way to support local health. The Red Cross is taking appointments for the Blood Drive, which will be held 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, April 15 at City Hall. To schedule your appointment at City Hall or another site, visit redcrossblood.org.
Home Team Valpo Spring Cleanup April 30
Spend the day outside and help your community with Home Team Valpo on Saturday, April 30! We are seeking group and individual volunteers to help homeowners with yard work and outdoor maintenance projects. Both skilled and unskilled volunteers are welcome. Additionally, homeowners seeking help with outdoor improvement projects or yard work are invited to complete an application for assistance. Learn more and sign up on the Home Team Valpo website.
Neighborhood Watch - Updates from Valparaiso's Neighborhoods
The Courtyards of Pepper Creek have worked together to create a neighborhood library. Linda Mapes and Carol Schickel pose in the library room at the neighborhood clubhouse, showcasing the variety of donated books - organized and coded weekly by neighborhood volunteers.
College Hill neighbors are celebrating the installation of new sign toppers throughout the neighborhood boundaries. Check out the colorful design that features the top of the chapel at Valparaiso University. Thanks to the team at Public Works for helping with the installation!
Residents of Meridian Woods recently visited City Hall for a post-renovation tour and to discuss current city happenings. Thanks for visiting!