Corvallis e-News | April 2026
In this issue: C3 Game Con, the Corvallis Forest, and wildfire preparedness!
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C3 Game Con Returns April 11 & 12
C3 Game Con returns to Corvallis on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12. The local game convention offers two days of cosplay, tabletop gaming, fan art and more! With cosplay contests, live game sessions, and local vendors, this event is for the community to celebrate all things gaming!
Event Information
General Admission: All ages welcome.
Ages 13 and under: Must be accompanied by an adult.
Advance Tickets: $15 for a 1-day pass (April 11 or April 12) / $21 for a 2-day pass
Door Tickets: $21 for a 1-day pass / $30 for a 2-day pass
Dates & Times: Saturday, April 11, 10–11pm & Sunday, April 12, 10am–8pm
Location: Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330
Check back for more details about game sessions and the list of vendors. Additional activities are expected to include a cosplay contest, miniature painting workshop, guest panelists, Playtest Corvallis demos and playtesting, and open game rooms. More details to be announced.
Interested in volunteering for Game Con 2026?
Email PRvolunteer@corvallisoregon.gov.
Explore the Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan Online and Share Your Input by May 6
Starting April 6, the City of Corvallis invites community members to explore the 2026 Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan through an interactive online platform and share feedback during the 30-day public comment period.
The Corvallis Forest, located in the Rock Creek Watershed, plays an important role in supplying the community’s drinking water. The plan outlines how the City proposes to manage the forest over the next decade, with a focus on water quality, habitat, wildfire risk reduction and adapting to changing climate conditions.
Through the online platform, you can:
- Learn about the Corvallis Forest
- See how the City plans to manage the forest
- Review maps and graphics
- Share your comments
Visit the online platform: bit.ly/corvallisforest
The online platform includes the same information shared at the April 6 open house and is designed to be easy to explore at your own pace on a computer or mobile device. The public comment period closes on May 6, so please submit your feedback by that date.
All comments will be shared with the Corvallis Forest’s Task Force, the community advisory group of subject matter experts helping guide the plan update. The Task Force will review the feedback over the next few months before sharing the plan with the City Council. The Council will decide whether to approve the plan this summer.
Learn more about the Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan at www.corvallisoregon.gov/cfsp.
Corvallis Fire Completes Wildfire Risk Reduction Project in Rural Community
The Corvallis Fire Department has successfully completed a community wildfire risk reduction project serving a manufactured home community within the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District, funded through an Oregon State Fire Marshal Community Wildfire Risk Reduction (CWRR) grant.
The project focused on reducing wildfire risk by clearing debris from roofs and gutters, trimming vegetation, and improving emergency access. Work was completed the week of March 16, 2026, by a contracted crew, and grant funds of up to $80,000 were fully utilized.
"This project is a great example of what's possible when a fire department, state agency, and community work together toward a common goal," said Emergency Manager Sierra Anderson. "This community took a real step toward protecting their homes and their neighbors, and we were glad to be part of that effort alongside them."
The project was made possible through the State Fire Marshal's CWRR grant program, which supports local efforts to reduce wildfire risk across Oregon communities.
Wildfire Readiness Fair Scheduled for May 2
The Corvallis Fire Department will host a free Wildfire Readiness Fair on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Corvallis Community Center in recognition of Wildfire Preparedness Month.
The event is free and open to all community members. Attendees can expect informational booths, live equipment demonstrations, fire engine tours, kids activities, and free preparedness materials.
Event Details
What: Wildfire Readiness Fair
When: Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330
Cost: Free
Corvallis Charter Amendments - Frequently Asked Questions
In May 2026, voters in Corvallis will have the opportunity to consider four ballot measures that propose changes to the City of Corvallis Charter.
Here are answers to some common questions relating to the proposed measures.
Q: What is the City Charter?
A: The City Charter serves as the Constitution for the City of Corvallis. It is a governing framework that defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of City government. It is adopted by voters and can only be amended or revised by voters. The current version of the Charter was originally adopted in 1948 and was amended by voters most recently in 2021.
Q: What are the measures that will be on the May 19, 2026 ballot?
A: These are the measures that will appear on the May 19, 2026 ballot for voters in the City of Corvallis.
- Measure 2-143 would amend the Corvallis City Charter to align with the Model Charter if passed.
- Measure 2-144 would remove Corvallis City Charter provisions to align with the Model Charter if passed.
- Measure 2-145 would amend Corvallis City Charter provisions relating to the exercise of powers if passed.
- Measure 2-146 would amend the Corvallis City Charter relating to vacancies, quorum, qualifications for office if passed.
Q: What would these four measures do, if passed?
A: If all are passed, these four measures would amend 31 sections within the City Charter.
The measures would change the Corvallis City Charter to align more closely with the League of Oregon Cities’ Model Charter, which is offered as a model for municipal governance in Oregon. The amendments also include proposed language that is specific to Corvallis.
If the four measures are not passed, the 2021 version of the Corvallis City Charter would remain in place.
Q: What would happen if three of the proposed Charter amendments were passed by voters and one was not passed?
A: Each measure is independent of the others. If a measure is passed by a majority of the voters only those specific charter amendments would take effect. Measures that do not pass by a majority of the voters would not be implemented. Whether a particular measure passes or does not pass does not affect any other measure.
Q: How did these measures get on the ballot?
A: The City Council established a Charter Review Task Force in 2025, which held a series of public meetings to review the existing City Charter and look for areas that could be revised. The Task Force was composed of three City Councilors, three community members, and the Mayor. The Task Force carried out its work over an 8-month time period and issued its final report to the City Council on January 20, 2026.
The final report recommended referring a series of ballot measures to Corvallis voters to consider. The ballot measures are intended to address structural changes to bring the document into alignment with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter and address issues of governance.
Q: Why did the Charter Review Task Force recommend aligning some provisions with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter?
The League of Oregon Cities Model Charter provides legally vetted language that has been reviewed for compliance with Oregon state law and the Oregon Constitution. Aligning portions of the Corvallis City Charter with the model charter reduces legal risk and helps ensure ongoing compliance as state laws change. At the same time, the City maintains unique provisions where needed to address Corvallis's special circumstances and community needs.
Q: Where can I read the specific text changes that are proposed for these proposed Charter amendments?
A: The specific text changes for each proposed Charter amendment are available at https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/page/may-2026-election-ballot-measures.
For questions about voter registration, ballot return, or other election procedures, contact the Benton County Elections Office at 541-766-6756 or elections@bentoncountyor.gov.
Historic Preservation Guidelines Open House - April 14
The City of Corvallis is developing a new guide to help community members navigate the permit process for historic properties.
The open house will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave.
Join us at this open house to:
- Learn about the historic design guidelines project
- Share thoughts and feedback on the document so far
- Connect with city staff and project consultants
Who should attend? Please join if you:
- Are a resident of Avery-Helm or College Hill West historic districts
- Are an architect, contractor, realtor, or other building professional
- Own a historic property
- Have an interest in historic preservation
Spring Recycling Event Scheduled for April 4
On Saturday, April 4, from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Republic Services invites all Corvallis residents to bring their household recycling to 110 NE Walnut Boulevard for the annual recycling event. There is no charge for residential customers bringing household quantities of recycling. Items that can be brought to the event include:
- Yard waste
- Clean wood – no plywood, pressure-treated, stained, or painted wood
- Scrap metal
- Large appliances, including those that contain freon
- Electronics such as mobile devices, TVs, and computers
Materials that will NOT be accepted at the event include household garbage and household hazardous waste such as:
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Explosives and ammunition
- Paint
- Tires
Residents that need to dispose of household hazardous waste are invited to bring those items to the next Household Hazardous Waste Event on May 9, 2026.
To learn more and to find out local recycling information, please visit the Republic Services website for the Corvallis area: republicservices.com/corvallis.
Upcoming City Council Meetings
Catch up with your elected officials at their regularly scheduled meetings and work sessions. Upcoming meetings are listed below, along with links to calendar entries with more information. You don't have to attend to share feedback on any topic that's important to you. Feel free to use the Public Input Form to get in touch with the Council anytime, anywhere.
Date |
Meeting |
|---|---|
|
April 6, 2026 |
Regular Meeting |
| April 9, 2026 | Work Session |
| April 20, 2026 | Regular Meeting |
| April 23, 2026 | Work Session |
Government Comment Corner at the Library
Meet your local government officials and chat about whatever's on your mind at Government Comment Corner. Each two-hour session takes place at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon most Saturdays. A rotating cast of elected leaders from Corvallis and Benton County will be available for open, honest, one-on-one conversations with anyone who wants to stop by. Bring your questions about public services, and learn more about how to volunteer and get involved!
Here's the schedule (subject to change):
Date |
Name |
|---|---|
| April 4, 2026 | Tony Cadena, Ward 9 Councilor |
| April 18, 2026 | Briae Lewis, Ward 3 Councilor |
FYI: Council Three-Month Calendar
The City Council's three-month calendar is a good way to track topics and learn about upcoming business items. The three-month calendar is available on the City website.
The schedule is subject to change, so be sure to contact your City Councilor to learn more about any particular topic you see on the calendar.
What's New at the Library this Month?
Storytime: 10:30am Tuesday-Friday, Main Meeting Room . Tuesdays: Infant, Wednesdays: Toddler, Thursdays: Preschool, Fridays, Family. Drop in.
Tech Help Lab: First and Third Wednesday, 2nd floor classroom, Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
Free Employment Help: April 1, red study room , 10am-noon, drop-in. Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.
Financial Literacy Basics: April 2, Main Meeting Room 6-7pm. Join a financial advisor to learn about the fundamentals of finance regarding saving and investing.
Poetry Salon: April 4, Main Meeting room 3-4:30 pm. Join fellow poetry enthusiasts for an afternoon of shared words, quiet reflection, and community connection. Read or listen!
Random Review: April 8 ,12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online Tracy Daugherty reviews James: A Novel by Percival Everett
Implications Found in Ancient Trees of the OSU McDonald-Dunn Forest (2026 Frenkel Series): April 8, 7:00-8:30pm, virtual. Please register here for this free event: cbcpl.net/Frenkel1
Five Common Estate Planning Strategies: April 9, Main Meeting Room, 6-7pm. Learn the five most common strategies in estate planning in this free presentation.
Digital Privacy and Security Open Forum: April 16, Main Meeting Room, 2-3pm. Learn safe habits and good practices for digital participants in 2026.
Puzzle Swap: April 18 , 12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room. Bring your puzzles to swap! All ages and levels welcome
What Does It Mean to Be American?: April 18, 2-4:30, Main Meeting Room. Join Oregon Humanities for a reflective conversation exploring when and how we define ourselves as an “American.”
Woodworking Exhibition: April 23-26 , Main Meeting Room. Mid-Willamette Woodworkers Guild presents their annual exhibition of Fine Woodworking.
Craft Night for Adults: April 21 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room For ages 16+. This month’s craft: Collage Poetry
Family Craft Night: April 28 , 5-6:30pm, Main Meeting Room. Make some crafts with the Library and The Arts Center. All ages welcome!
Get a Library Card: Sign up for a library card and get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials, downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
Home Delivery Service: Get your holds delivered to you! Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
Books & More from Home: Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
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