We may say it every year, but the 43rd Popcorn Festival was the best yet! Many thanks to all the volunteers and participants and so much gratitude for those who make it happen: Valparaiso Events, Valpo Parks, Valparaiso Police Department and Valparaiso Fire Department, Valparaiso City Services (and their stellar Public Works team). Check out the pictures provided by NWI Life.
Introducing the 2022-2023 Mayor's Youth Council
The City of Valparaiso has welcomed the 2022-2023 Mayor’s Youth Council class. The Mayor’s Youth Council was introduced last year with support from Valparaiso High School, inviting 11th graders to apply to participate. The Council meets monthly, and is an opportunity for students to learn more about city government, develop leadership skills and encourage civic engagement. Learn more and help us welcome our 16 new Council Members!
Neighborhood Workshop October 18
The City of Valparaiso will host a free Neighborhood Workshop on Tuesday, October 18 at 5:00 pm at City Hall, 166 Lincolnway. Workshops are held regularly in an effort to inform and connect neighborhood groups and representatives from Valparaiso's neighborhoods are encouraged to attend. Topics will include an overview of the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program, highlights of successful projects and how to apply. View the agenda and RSVP in advance if you plan to attend.
Not sure if it's for you? Check out this summary from our June Workshop.
Apply for a 2023 Neighborhood Improvement Grant
The City of Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to submit applications for the annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. Applications for the upcoming cycle will be due on March 1, 2023, with winning projects announced by March 10, 2023. To date, 79 projects have been funded through the program since it was introduced in 2018. Learn more about the 2023 grant cycle by visiting our website and participating in our upcoming Neighborhood Workshop on October 18.
Photo: The Courtyards of Pepper Creek recently hosted a dedication gathering to celebrate "Courtyard Commons" which was supported by a Neighborhood Grant.
Valpo Presents Funds to Nonprofits
As provided in the adopted plan under the American Rescue Plan Act, the City of Valparaiso is presenting funds to support local nonprofit organizations that serve the Valparaiso community, especially those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations receiving ARPA funding through the City of Valparaiso include Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana, The Caring Place, Dressed for School, Hilltop Neighborhood House, MAAC Foundation, Opportunity Enterprises, Respite House, and both the Valparaiso Police and Valparaiso Fire departments. Learn more.
Neighborhood Watch - Updates from Valparaiso's Neighborhoods
Audubon Estates recently upgraded their entrance landscaping with the help of a 2021 Neighborhood Grant. Awesome volunteers have stepped up to keep the area maintained and watered.
Keystone Commons upgraded their common area with new benches in the welcome park along Vale Park. This project was supported by the POA with the help of a 2021 Neighborhood Grant.
Jessee-Pifer, College Hill and Banta Neighborhood Groups have teamed up with Valpo Parks to have neighborhood message boards installed at their neighborhood parks. The message boards were funded by 2022 Neighborhood Grants.
