In this issue: Browse the new City budget, learn about indigenous creek names, and more!

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Your Input: Downtown Facilities Funding Options

The City of Corvallis is inviting community members to participate in a questionnaire to gather feedback about options for funding critical improvements at two key public facilities located downtown: the Police Station and the Civic Campus. Feedback gathered through the survey will be weighed alongside financial feasibility and other considerations to help shape the direction of future investments.

Take the questionnaire: https://bit.ly/CorvallisFacilities

The questionnaire asks for input on a range of funding and financing tools—such as taxes, bonds, and other public finance strategies—to support much-needed improvements to the aging collection of buildings that make up the Civic Campus downtown, as well as the 50-year-0ld Police Station on 5th Street. The goal is to develop a sustainable funding approach that aligns with community values, long-term service needs, and fiscal responsibility. 

“This is an important opportunity to plan ahead and incorporate community feedback into this complex and far-reaching infrastructure funding process,” said City Manager Mark Shepard. “The City Council is committed to modernizing our public facilities, including the Police Station and Civic Campus downtown, so that they are safe, efficient, and accessible. That investment should reflect community priorities as well as technical considerations.”

The public questionnaire is now available online and asks community members to weigh in on their  funding preferences, civic and public safety priorities. 

The questionnaire is part of a financial feasibility study being conducted in partnership with Clearwater Financial. The study is expected to conclude later this year, with findings presented to the City Council in the fall.

For more information, visit www.corvallisoregon.gov or contact the Finance Department at finance@corvallisoregon.gov. 

City Council Adopts $558 Million Biennial Budget for 2025-2027

The Corvallis City Council voted in June to approve a biennial budget totaling $558,042,373 for the 2025-2027 biennium. Council’s action was the final step in the annual budget process, which began in May with a series of Budget Commission meetings and included deliberations, analysis, and public input.

The new budget goes into effect on July 1, when the City of Corvallis begins its new fiscal year.

The new budget represents a critical transition for the City as it moves onto a biennial budget schedule. Developing a balanced budget on a two-year cycle gives the City more capacity for long-term planning and investment. The City's biennial budget also aligns with the State of Oregon's biennial budgeting cycle. 

“Forecasting two years into the future comes with inherent uncertainty, especially in today's dynamic economic environment,” said City Manager Mark Shepard. “However, this new approach also provides greater flexibility to face these challenges. The biennial framework gives us room to conduct mid-cycle adjustments and respond to changing circumstances while maintaining our longer-term perspective.”

The budget maintains existing service levels for vital community services such as public safety, water utilities, and livability services from the Library and Parks & Recreation. Through prudent fiscal management and forecasting, Corvallis was able to maintain these critical services even as other public agencies in western Oregon cut staff and reduced services.

For more information on the budget process for the City of Corvallis, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/budget.

City Allocates $480,000 for Social Service Providers

The City of Corvallis voted last month to allocate $480,000 in social services funding to local nonprofit service providers for the 2025-2026 grant cycle. The funding is provided annually through the livability services local option levy, which was approved by voters in 2023. At that time, funding was increased from $360,000 annually to $480,000, giving a big boost to city support for local providers.

Social services funding is distributed to providers based on goals and priorities established by the Council. Earlier this year, the Council adopted a new policy that dedicated half of its annual funding to services that directly reduce the number of unsheltered people in the community. As a result, the funding recommendations that were adopted on June 16 reflected that revised policy goal of increased support for providers serving unsheltered people.

The City of Corvallis contracts with the United Way of Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties to manage the application and grant review process as well as the funding distribution. A list of grant recipients is available on the City website.

New Signs Identify Indigenous Creek Names in Rock Creek Watershed

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department installed permanent signs in the Rock Creek Watershed earlier this year, identifying four creeks by their native Kalapuya names, following a recent renaming effort involving Tribal Governments with cultural ties to Marys Peak.

The creeks were previously unnamed tributaries that make up the Rock Creek Watershed. The City of Corvallis produces about one-third of the community’s drinking water from a water treatment plant located on the watershed, about 15 miles outside of Corvallis in the lower slopes of Marys Peak.

The renaming process began in 2017 and involved the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, as well as local government agencies and land management partners. The Marys Peak Alliance facilitated several stakeholder meetings to gather input and develop names for these remote waterways, many of which are located deep in undeveloped forest land. Much of the work to convene and lead these meetings was led by David Eckert, a Corvallis community member and longtime advocate for the Marys Peak area. Eckert worked tirelessly over a period of years to connect partners and build public awareness of the creek renaming project.

A total of 10 creeks were selected for renaming. Four of these waterways are located on City-owned land in the Rock Creek Watershed, in an area that are the ancestral homelands of the Ampinefu or Marys River Kalapuya.

Signs installed in May of 2025 by the Corvallis Public Works Department identifies the creeks by their Kalapuya names. They are:

• Ahngeengeen (The Flint)
• Ahnhoots (The Panther)
• Ahntkwahkwah (The Frog)
• Ahshahyum (The Grizzly)

These signs are the first of several planned sign installations coming soon from other land partners in the area.

”These names will help hold place for the Kalapuya on the slopes of this sacred mountain in a way that can be shared with the public,” said David Harrelson, The Grand Ronde Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.

“We’re excited to help support the cultural identity of this important location in western Oregon by installing these signs,” said David Gilbey, the City’s Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Supervisor. “Land management partners engage in a variety of scientific and conservation work on the Rock Creek Watershed, and these signs will help create connections between that work and the presence of the Kalapuya people in the area.”

The portion of the Rock Creek Watershed owned by the City of Corvallis is known as the Corvallis Forest. It is a protected area that is carefully managed to ensure water quality and to promote ecological diversity.

Two Workshops in July for Economic Development Incentives

The Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office has scheduled two grant workshops in July to discuss potential projects for commercial property and business owners in South Corvallis. The workshops are open to the public, and prospective applicants are encouraged to attend.

• July 10, 4-6 p.m., Tunison Community Room, 365 SW Tunison
• July 24, 4-6 p.m., Tunison Community Room, 365 SW Tunison

The workshops will share information on the newly announced South Corvallis Urban Renewal Grant Fund, which is intended to provide funding for building maintenance, energy efficiency upgrades, and code compliance improvements for businesses and commercial property owners in South Corvallis. Grant amounts of up to $250,000 will be considered through this program. Applications will be accepted beginning on Monday June 30, 2025 and close on Friday September 5, 2025.

This program joins the South Corvallis Urban Renewal Revolving Loan Program, which is now accepting applications up to $250,000 to support new and existing businesses in the area. 

For more information on these economic development incentive programs in South Corvallis, email economic.development@corvallisoregon.gov.

We're keeping an eye on emerging regulations related to PFAS and phthalates — two groups of chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1930s. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body.

Small changes can reduce your exposure to PFAS chemicals. For example: avoid re-heating foods in fast food packaging and take-out containers; look for take-out food packaging that is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI); replace non-stick cookware with alternatives that don’t contain PFAS; look for “PFAS-Free” when buying waterproof or stain-resistant items, and dental floss, cosmetics, or other personal care products; and choose household cleaning products with EPA Safer Choice, UL Eco-Logo, or Green Seal labels. Learn more about PFAS by visiting the City website.

Streamside Plant Grant Program Accepting Applications

Got a creek running near your property? If it borders City of Corvallis property, you may be eligible for the Streamside Plant Grant!

Apply now to receive up to $300 in native plants to help restore streambanks, improve habitat, and shade local waterways. You can enhance your streamside property and support a healthier creek!

Apply on the City website, or email pwesra@corvallisoregon.gov.

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. 

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):

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?

• Summer @ Your Library: June 1-August 31. For kids, teens, and adults! Find out more and get started: cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary

• See our summer events: corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

• Outdoor Storytime: 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!    Rain location:  Main Meeting Room

• Infant Storytime: For babies 0-1.  Wednesdays at 10:30 in the Main Meeting Room. 

• Tech Help Lab: 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday 2^nd 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: June 4, second floor classroom, 10am-noon, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Comedy with Angel Ocasio: July 2,  5:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  A bilingual English/Spanish, high energy, very funny one man variety show, for children and families.

• Power Play for the Planet: July 9,  1:30-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  Join the Museum of Natural and Cultural History for games, puzzles and challenges exploring the environment.

• Craft Night for Adults: July 15, 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.     This month’s craft: cyanotypes.

• Puzzle Swap: July 19,  12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• Level Up with Retro Gaming: July 25, 1-3pm, Main Meeting Room For all ages:  Nintendo! Check out some retro consoles and play a game on them! We will also have videogame themed Books, Crafts, Snacks and more!

• Retro Gaming for Adults:  July 25, 6-8pm, Main Meeting Room.  Retro and modern video games for adults 18+  Plus crafts!

• Mariachi Cuervo July 30, 6-7pm  Starker Arts Park.  a free family concert by Mariachi Cuervo from Eugene! 

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

The community is invited to a free, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration event at the Corvallis Museum, 411 SW 2nd St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 19.

Museum admission will be free during this event. Visitors can explore a pop-up easel exhibit featuring black artists, a film screening, refreshments, and a kids' storytime led by Corvallis City Councilor Briae Lewis. The event is co-hosted by the City of Corvallis Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board.

In this issue: Swim lessons, Open Streets, and Summer Reading — It's Summertime in Corvallis!

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Summer Reading Kicks off at the Library

Summer reading starts June 1 for kids, teens, and adults, featuring free books for participants.

Kids 5th grade and younger can pick up a bag, a book, a reading log, and a calendar of events — all free! Color in one space for each day that you read or listen to a book between June 1 and August 31. After July 15, turn in the log to get another free book! When you turn in your reading log, you can also pick up an optional bingo card to keep the fun going with summertime activities. If you complete a bingo, bring your bingo card back to the library for a small prize!

Teens and adults can participate too — visit www.cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary for more information!

Open Streets is Returning to South Corvallis

On Sunday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a mile of city streets will be closed to motorized traffic between Lilly Park and Willamette Park (see route map), so that people can spend the afternoon for walking, rolling, dancing, playing, and socializing.

Activity hubs at the parks and along the route will include local food and drink, live music, giant-sized games, street installations and more. Participants are encouraged to get to the festival via alternative transportation: take the free event shuttle or join the group bicycle ride leaving from Garfield Park.

Volunteers are needed! We have many shifts to fill, including intersection superheroes, hydrators, beer garden monitors, as well as set-up and teardown teams. Volunteers get a free t-shirt, snacks, and a darn good time. Visit our volunteer page for a complete list of shifts and to sign up.

Pride Flag Raising at City Hall - June 2

Join your friends and neighbors as local elected leaders raise the Pride flag on the flagpole in the public plaza front of Corvallis City Hall, 501 SW Madison Ave.

This event is free and open to the public.

Swim Lesson Registration Opens June 7

Mark your calendars — registration opens at 9 a.m. June 7 for swim lesson registration! Keep your kids safe and confident in the water this summer! Spots fill fast, so register ASAP if you're interested. You can register over the phone by calling 541-766-7949, or register online via the activity portal.

Riverfront Park Fountain Opens for the Summer Season

It’s Fountain Time! The Riverfront Commemorative Park Fountain opened for the season on May 23! We'll be bringing you daily splash and play opportunities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. all summer long. The fountain is scheduled to close on September 2 (the day after Labor Day). Please note: The fountain may occasionally be down due to repairs or unforeseen circumstances. We’ll keep you updated via social media, our website, and posted signs.

Learn More About Facility Funding Options at June 25 Virtual Open House

The City of Corvallis is exploring funding options to make critical investments in the facilities that we use to deliver city services and support the community. 

The City has brought on a third-party consultant to provide a comprehensive overview of different funding options and how they align with Council’s adopted Guiding Principles and community values. We'll kick off this process with a virtual open house that will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 via Zoom webinar. 

Zoom Link to Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8cO8lTWlTCCDzXXujVUS_g

What You'll Learn

• Current state of our facility infrastructure and investment needs
• Learn about our consultant Clearwater Financial and how they will approach this project
• Timeline for community input and City Council decision-making

This isn't just about numbers and budgets — it's about ensuring that City facilities can support our growing community's needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

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. 

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):

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?

• Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!    Rain location:  Main Meeting Room
   
• Infant Storytime:  For babies 0-1.  Wednesdays at 10:30 in the Main Meeting Room. 
   
• Tech Help Lab:      1^st and 3^rd Wednesday   2^nd 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:     June 4, , second floor classroom , 10am-noon, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.
   
• Rainbow Nerf Night for Adults:  June 6, 6:15-8:15pm. Come celebrate your Pride and join us for snacks, crafts, and Nerf games after hours in the library!  For Adults 18+
   
• All Ages Pride Party:  June 7, 1-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  Celebrate the rainbow at this all-ages Pride Month Celebration  Free and open to all.
   
• Old Growth: A Reading and a Conversation:  June 7, 5:00pm, Main Meeting Room.  Spring Creek Project presents a conversation with Lynda Mapes, author of  The Trees are Speaking.  Free and open to the public.
   
• The Pink Pig Puppet Theatre presents: "Animal Antics": June 11, 10:30am, Main Meeting Room.  A free puppet show for young children and their families!
   
• Random Review:   June 11,12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online   Matthew Reilly reviews Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World by John Vaillant
   
• Craft Night for Adults:  June 17   , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.     This month’s craft: painted Pride rocks
   
• Creature Teachers - Wild, weird and wonderful world:  June 18, 1:30-3pm.  Children and their families are invited to a free event featuring a meet and greet with animals.  
   
• Model Train Show:  June 21 and 22 , Main Meeting Room  The Oregon Electric O Gaugers bring a model train show for the whole family.
   
• Family Craft Night:  June 24 , 5:00-6:30, Main Meeting Room:   Make some crafts with the Library and The Arts Center. All ages welcome! Supplies provided.
   
• Jugglemania!:  June 25, 1:30-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  JuggleMania performs "Hilarity and Dexterity!”  A free performance for children and families.
   
• 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!
   
• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter

In this issue: Progress on affordable housing, volunteer for an advisory group, and tour the Corvallis Forest!

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Corvallis Ranks in Top 10 Small Metros for Multifamily Housing Construction

A report released earlier this year revealed remarkable progress in Corvallis to increase multifamily housing. The City of Corvallis ranked #9 among small metros nationwide, as detailed in U.S. Cities Building the Most Multi-Family Housing, a report released in January from Construction Coverage, an online research hub for the construction industry.

By analyzing nationwide building permits tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau, the report cataloged efforts to increase multifamily housing in cities around the country, divided into three broad categories: large metros, midsize metros, and small metros. Corvallis was one of just two West Coast cities in the top 10 among small metros (and the only Oregon city represented on the small metro list).

The distinction comes amid a flurry of building activity in Corvallis, mainly focused on affordable developments that will create rental housing aimed at income-eligible households. Within the last two years, Corvallis has created more than 350 units of affordable rental housing. New affordable rentals in the pre-development pipeline are expected to add more than 250 new units on top of that in the coming years.

The recent multi-family construction activity can be traced to a series of high-impact local policy decisions made by the Corvallis City Council over the past decade, starting with its creation of the Housing Development Task Force in 2015. Key changes include mapping additional high density residential zones around the city, developing new financial incentive programs, and other regulatory reforms. Those changes removed barriers to multifamily housing construction and created new tools that the City of Corvallis is using to encourage multifamily development in the community.

“Land use policy changes sometimes take years to show up in the market,” said Community Development Director Paul Bilotta. “We’re gratified to see this sustained effort by the City Council beginning to provide critical housing for the community.”

Multifamily housing, typically in the form of rental complexes serving individuals and families, is a critical part of the housing continuum in Corvallis, Bilotta noted. With its high population of students attending Oregon State University, Corvallis has an outsized market for rental units, which can create stress on other segments of the housing continuum. Maintaining a healthy level of multifamily rental development can help ease pressure on other property types in the community.

For more data on housing and construction activity in Corvallis, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/housing-data.

Apply Now for a City Advisory Group Appointment

It's that time of year - we're recruiting for volunteers to serve on the City's network of advisory groups.

These are great opportunities to get involved and help shape City policies and programs. There are more than a dozen different boards, commissions, committees, and task forces recruiting right now. We have vacancies on many long-running groups such as the Climate Action Advisory Board, Library Board, and the Community Police Review Board, as well as new groups focused on active transportation and economic development.

We're also seeking volunteers to serve on the city's Planning Commission and Historic Resources Commission. These two opportunities have slightly different deadlines and application requirements, so be sure to read about those vacancies if you're interested.

Take a look at all the vacancies and apply online on the City website.

Want to learn more about where your drinking water comes from? Curious about Corvallis Forest?

Join the City on June 18 for the free annual tour of our watershed. On the tour you will learn about forest management, source water protection, and what makes Corvallis Forest unique. Advance registration is required because spots are limited, so email public.works@corvallisoregon.gov or call 541-766-6916 to sign up today!

VIDEO: Budget 101 - Understanding Dedicated Revenue

We're heading into budget season here at the City of Corvallis, where City Councilors will be making decisions about how to direct financial resources to deliver the programs and services that the community relies on over the next two years. A key part of understanding how the city budget comes together is the concept of dedicated revenue — different pots of money within the city budget that must be spent on specific services.

Learn more about dedicated revenue in this short video featuring Finance Director James Inglis! (And be sure to check out the first installment in this video series - "Budget 101: How the City of Corvallis Funds Public Services"!)

New Speed Limits on Circle Boulevard

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently completed a speed study to evaluate speed limits on Circle Boulevard between Kings and Harrison. As a result of the study, the City will be modifying the speed limits signs in this area to reflect the new speed limits:

• 25 MPH between Kings and Lantana
• 30 MPH between Lantana and Dale
• 35 MPH between Dale and Harrison

City crews will be updating the speed limit signage, as well as making other signing and pavement marking improvements this year as weather and staffing allow. Look for us to be out & about in this area starting this spring and into the summer! You can read more about this speed limit study on the city website.

Share Your Feedback About the New Bike Park!

The Parks & Recreation Department is creating Corvallis's first-ever bike park, and we want to hear from you! Share your feedback through a brief questionnaire.

The bike park will be built on a five-acre parcel of land located at the terminus of Lester Avenue near Chip Ross Park and Natural Area and Timberhill Natural Area. This area is heavily used by the public and provides access to regional trail networks, making the bike park a natural extension of these existing resources.

New Program Aims to Expand Energy Efficiency for Commercial Buildings

A new financial incentive aimed at encouraging commercial investments in energy efficiency and sustainability is rolling out in Corvallis and Benton County this month. The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) Program is just the sixth program of its kind in Oregon and the first in the mid-Willamette Valley area.

CPACE is a real estate finance tool that connects commercial property owners with loan programs to fund property improvements related to clean energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and seismic upgrades.

The primary goal of CPACE is to promote resilience and sustainability in commercial buildings. Most types of for-profit and nonprofit commercial properties are eligible, including office, industrial, agriculture, hotels, multi-family housing, affordable housing, and mixed-use developments. In many cases, CPACE financing can cover up to 100% of qualifying improvements through a low-cost, long-term loan.

The program will be administered locally by the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office, with property assessment services managed by Benton County. Applications open April 11. Read more and apply online at www.yescorvallis.org/incentives.  

For more information about the CPACE program, contact the Corvallis Benton County EDO at 541-766-6339 or Economic.Development@corvallisoregon.gov.

Annual Contractor Summit Scheduled for May 23

The City of Corvallis Development Services Division will be hosting a Contractors’ Summit on Friday, May 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. City staff will be presenting a variety of information, including building code updates, tips for scheduling and ensuring successful inspections, erosion/grading best practices, online tools to help navigate the land use aspects of your project, and an update on the City’s stormwater requirements. 

The event will be held at the Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave. City staff will also be available after the presentation to answer questions. Save the date for May 23!

Corvallis Sister Cities Association (CSCA): Celebrating Sister Cities Month

During May we are celebrating Sister Cities Month and the importance of developing friendship, awareness and understanding between Corvallis and our Sister Cities of Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia.

During May we invite you to:

• Visit our window display at the Corvallis Public Library
• Take a walk in Central Park to see our sister city flags.
• Become a member of our Corvallis Sister Cities Association.
• Consider volunteering for the board of directors. To get started, email CorvallisSCA@gmail.com

Corvallis Sister Cities Association Overview

Gondar, Ethiopia (CSCA-G)

For the last 2 years, the Amhara region of Ethiopia, where Gondar is located, has been severely impacted by the ongoing unrest, violence and military presence. In addition, the cost of living has increased dramatically.

2025 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Corvallis – Gondar sister city relationship! In Corvallis, volunteers recently published “HANDS”, a bilingual early reader book, featuring artwork created by the children of Gondar and Corvallis (Franklin K-8 and The Corvallis Waldorf School). This unique project of international collaboration contributes to early literacy and helps us get closer together despite the distance between our sister cities!

In Gondar, CSCA is funding the implementation of “Corner Libraries” for 5 remote rural schools. These classroom libraries will enable students to have reading materials to enhance their education. In addition, we are distributing 1,000 early reader books for schools, libraries and community support programs.

Over the years we have funded the construction of 21 well and spring developments and new projects are being planned.

Uzhhorod, Ukraine (CSCA-U)

Corvallis, Oregon and Uzhhorod Ukraine celebrate 35 years of innumerable friendships and exchanges through the Corvallis Sister Cities Association. 

The CSCA-Uzhhorod Council provides basic needs for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Uzhhorod seeking refuge from the Russian invasion. This includes a free medical clinic, trauma workshops, legal advice, summer camps for children, and hygiene and food kits.

A 15-member delegation traveled to Uzhhorod in September 2024 and utilized $78,000 in donations to benefit 450 vulnerable children in The TOUCH Project of the CSCA-Uzhhorod Council.  The delegation also visited wounded soldiers in hospitals.

A playground, originally sited at Hoover (Bessie Coleman) Elementary in Corvallis, was removed and shipped to Uzhhorod in 2024 where it was repurposed for Roma children.

The latest delegation, 5 amputee war veterans and 2 Ukrainian ski instructors, spent 6 days at Hoodoo Ski Area learning adaptive skiing with help of the Oregon Adaptive Sports. They returned to Ukraine to train war amputees in this technique.

CSCA representatives and OSU faculty will be traveling to Slovakia in April to meet with Uzhhorod National University colleagues to further their online learning partnership. 43 laptops, donated by NuScale, plus major funding from Rotary International, make this program possible.

The CSCA-Uzhhorod Council treasures their relationship with Uzhhorod, Ukraine.

Thank you, Corvallis, for all your support to our sister cities of Gondar and Uzhhorod!

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. 

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):

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. 

• West African kora (harp) Family concert presented by Sean Gaskell:  May 3, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room

• Climate Change in Oregon: the Present and Future Economic Costs: May 5, 4:30-6pm, Main Meetnig Room.  With Economist Ernie Niemi co-sponsored by Great Old Broads for Wilderness-- Oregon—Willamette Valley Broadband.

• Tech Help Lab:     May 7 and 21,  2^nd 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:     May 7, second floor classroom , 10am-noon, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Local Author Book Launch: Trauma Informed Design:  May 8, 6:00-7:00pm, Main Meeting room.   A free talk by author J. Davis Harte, a Corvallis Resident and OSU alum

• Random Review:   May 14 ,    12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online   Sunita Vasdev  reviews The Covenant of Water: A Novel by Abraham Verghese

• First Fruits: The Lewellings and the Birth of the Pacific Coast Fruit Industry:  May 15, 6:00-7:00 PM.  Linda Ziedrich will tell the story of Henderson, John, and Seth Lewelling, co-founders of the Pacific coast fruit industry.

• Families of a Feather Author/Illustrator event:  May 17, 2:00-3:00 PM Explore the wonderful world of bird families and join Author Fern Wexler and Illustrator Kelsey Buzzell for a reading of Families of a Feather.  Perfect for families with young children ages 4-8. 

• 2025 Liz & Bob Frenkel Hiking & Environment Series: The Downtown Willamette River Parks  May 28. 7-8:30 PM , Virtual.  Register here: cbcpl.net/Frenkel3

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

March 31, 2025 - Food trucks are expanding in Corvallis, thanks to a newly adopted ordinance that updates the City of Corvallis Mobile Food Unit (MFU) regulations. 

The City Council took action on January 21, 2025, to adopt a package of updates to the City’s existing food truck laws, following an extensive update process led by the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office in partnership with the Corvallis Fire Department, City of Corvallis Community Development Department, Benton County Health Department, staff and small business operators. 

The new regulations expand the area where food trucks can operate. Formerly, these businesses were confined to the downtown area. Now, food trucks will be eligible to operate in several different commercial mixed-use zones, as well as on the campus of Oregon State University. The new regulations also pave the way for food truck pods (defined as 5 or more food trucks operating in close proximity and sharing some infrastructure resources) to be located in different areas of Corvallis. 

The complete application form is available on the City website: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/ds/page/mfu-mobile-food-unit

For more information about the Mobile Food Unit program, contact Christopher Jacobs at 541-766-6339 or economic.development@corvallisoregon.gov.  

In this issue: Take the water knowledge questionnaire, join us at the Safe Streets open house, and learn more about the budget process!

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Test Your Knowledge with the Water Conservation Quiz

How well do you know water conservation in Corvallis? This month we're running a short questionnaire about this important topic, and you can receive a FREE prize pack full of household water conservation items and cool Corvallis merch, just for responding. 

➡️ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/waterknowledge2025

(There's a box on the survey to enter your email for the prize pack.)

The questionnaire is open through the end of April, so be sure to share your feedback so we can get you a prize pack!

The City of Corvallis and Benton County are working together to improve transportation safety in our community. Through the federally funded Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, both the City and the County are creating Transportation Safety Action Plans (TSAP), using data to identify where crashes happen, understand their causes, and develop community-driven safety solutions. We are interested in your input to help create an effective and inclusive plan.

Join Us at the Open House
We invite you to attend our upcoming joint open house on Thursday, April 3, from 5-7 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. This is your chance to learn more about the projects, explore crash data, and share your thoughts on how we can make our streets safer for everyone. The event will feature interactive stations where you can pinpoint safety concerns, suggest improvements, and discuss the challenges you face as a road user. Whether you use transit, walk, bike, drive, or roll, your voice matters in shaping the future of transportation safety in Corvallis and Benton County. Light refreshments and family-friendly activities will be provided, and bilingual staff will be available to support Spanish-speaking attendees.

Share Your Safety Concerns Online
Can’t make it to the open house? You can still contribute to the project by sharing your transportation safety concerns through our safety comment map at https://publicproject.net/map/benton-county-corvallis-tsap. This interactive tool allows you to flag locations around Corvallis and Benton County where you feel unsafe or suggest improvements. Your feedback will be combined with collision data to pinpoint potential problem areas, inform safety improvements, and help shape our plans.

Planning Today for a Safer Tomorrow
This is the first step in a long-term process to make Corvallis' and Benton County’s roads safer for everyone. These plans will identify community needs and prioritize key projects operational strategies that can be funded and implemented over time. By aligning with the SS4A program and regional and statewide safety goals, both jurisdictions will be eligible for future funding to support these critical improvements. These TSAPs are more than just a plan, however—they represent a shared commitment between the City and the County to creating a safer, more inclusive transportation system for everyone.

Learn more: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/safe-streets-all-ss4a-project 

Water Pipeline Infrastructure Project Underway in SW Corvallis

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department has launched a project to replace a 20-inch underground water pipeline located along SW 35th Street and SW Western Boulevard.

The existing water pipeline in this area was constructed in the early 1950s and has reached the end of its useful life. This is the sort of “hidden infrastructure” that must be replaced to ensure consistent service and to avoid bigger problems in the future.

Following the water pipeline replacement, Western and 35th will be repaved, including improvements to pedestrian crossings at intersections as well as adding buffered bike lanes along portions of each street.

Construction on the water pipeline began in March, with street repaving anticipated to wrap up by September. This will be a complex project that will require the entirety of our short spring and summer construction season in Corvallis. Weather conditions will impact the overall timeline.

This project will likely create some traffic disruptions at various points along the construction schedule. Street closures and detours will be needed periodically during construction to facilitate safe work zones for workers and the public. Households served by the new water pipeline will experience short service interruptions of up to several hours while they are connected to the new line – information about these interruptions will be communicated directly to affected households once construction gets underway.

Sign Up for Weekly Construction Updates

To sign up for weekly construction updates from the project engineers, visit our E-Notifications sign-up page. Under the "News" header, check the box for "Transportation Project - Western Blvd, 35th St, 11th St" and we'll add you to the list. You can unsubscribe at any time.

For more information about this water infrastructure project in southwest Corvallis, please contact Josh Bjornstedt at 541-766-6731 or josh.bjornstedt@corvallisoregon.gov.

VIDEO: How the City of Corvallis Funds Public Services

It's budget season at the City of Corvallis! Last month, we welcomed our Budget Commissioners to an orientation session to get ready for the public process that is coming later this spring. Every two years, the City of Corvallis builds a budget so we can fund public services for our community. Everything from community policing and fire protection, to livability services from the library and parks & recreation, to public utilities and street maintenance – we plan for it all through our biennial budget.

This video offers a closer look at how that process unfolds and how you can get involved.

Household Recycling Event Coming Up April 5

On April 5, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Republic Services invites anyone in Corvallis to bring their household recycling to 110 NE Walnut Blvd. 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

Anyone who needs to dispose of household hazardous waste are invited to bring those items to the upcoming household hazardous waste event on May 10.

Outdoor Dining Program Returns for 2025

The 2025 Business Use of the Right of Way (BROW) program is accepting applications for the upcoming season. Applications are available on April 1. The program begins on May 1 and runs through October 31.

The BROW program allows restaurants to apply for permits to use a portion of the on-street parking adjacent to their business as an outdoor dining area. Up to three parking spaces may be requested per application. Permits must be renewed each year. Read more about the BROW program and start an application online by visiting the City website: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/ds/page/outdoor-dining-programs

For more information about the BROW program, contact Christopher Jacobs at 541-766-6339 or Christopher.Jacobs@corvallisoregon.gov.

Go Gold This Summer By Taking the Pledge

Take the pledge to go gold this summer by reducing your lawn irrigation this summer. Our new Golden Landscapes pilot project is intended to help homeowners and neighborhoods save water by letting lawns go dormant (golden!) during the hottest summer months. Take the pledge to reduce lawn watering, and you’ll get a free yard sign to show how you're supporting water conservation. Participants will also have the opportunity to be entered to win a $25 water bill rebate!

We know that lawns can thrive on less water, so consider going gold this summer. Read more and sign up today by visiting the Golden Landscapes website: A Golden Landscape | Corvallis Oregon.

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. 

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):

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:     April 2,  2nd floor Board Room April 16, 2^nd 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 2 , Conference Room C, second floor , 10am-noon, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Puzzle Swap:  April 5  ,  12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome

• Take Apart Workshop: April 8  4:00-5:30, Main Meeting room.  Take small appliances and electronics apart in this hands-on workshop.  Ages 10+

• Random Review:   April 9,    12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online   Dr. Katherine Scollan reviews The Other Family Doctor by Karen Fine,

• Craft Night for Adults:  April 15  , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.     This month’s craft: magnet, button, and sticker making with a Poetry Month theme

• Game Night at the Library: April 17,  5-6:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Board games, card games and video games for all ages! 

• Family Craft Night:  April 22, 5:00-6:30, Main Meeting Room:   Make some crafts with the Library and The Arts Center. All ages welcome! Supplies provided.

• 2025 Liz & Bob Frenkel Hiking & Environment Series: The Marys River Parks  April 23. 7-8:3-0 PM , Virtual.  Register here: cbcpl.net/Frenkel2

• Woodworking Exhibition:   April 24-27 , Main Meeting Room.  Mid-Willamette Woodworkers Guild presents their annual exhibition of Fine Woodworking.

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: The Aquatic Center re-opens, community grants return, and more!

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Two Popular Community Grant Programs Open on March 1

Applications are now being accepted for two popular community grant programs, offering two separate funding opportunities for community projects in Corvallis.

• The Empowerment Grant Program provides small cash grants to fund projects and initiatives that improve neighborhoods and forge partnerships to address community issues. Examples of past projects include landscape improvements, neighborhood social events, public art installations, education programs, and training services. Read more about the Empowerment Grant program here. 
• The Green Grant Program offers funding for community-centered projects that move the dial on climate change and promote the actions of the Corvallis Climate Action Plan (CAP). Read more about the Green Grant program here. 

APPLY TODAY - Use this handy online form to start an application for either of these two programs. 

Applications for both programs will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025. Both programs are competitive opportunities with distinct grant objectives and evaluation criteria. Community members are encouraged to review the objectives and criteria before applying.

Info Session on March 12

The City will host an informational session to answer questions about both grant programs at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. The session will take place over Zoom and will be recorded for anyone who can't attend. 

Osborn Aquatic Center Re-Opening Outdoor Pool on March 3

Great news — Osborn Aquatic Center will be re-opening the outdoor pool for limited programming on March 3, 2025. City staff have been working diligently over the past few weeks to prepare for a phased reopening.

Starting March 3, lap swimming and swim team practice will be available. The current plan is to evaluate these outdoor-only acitivities and then gradually expand hours and programs as we are able in the coming months, keeping the community informed through emails and website updates.

These modified hours and outdoor operations are temporary. We expect that the facility will need to close again when major repairs are scheduled. However, we anticipate continuing modified operations through the summer.

Showers & Locker Rooms

Indoor locker rooms and lockers will not be available for use. The lobby restrooms, four private changing rooms (with showers) and outdoor restrooms/private changing room (with a shower) will be available. Lockers are located by the private changing rooms and will be day use only. There will be bleachers and tents available outside for use.

Business Resiliency Workshop Scheduled for March 11

Business owners in Corvallis and Benton County are invited to a FREE half-day resiliency workshop hosted by the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office. The event will be led by Sierra Anderson, the Emergency Planning Manager in the Corvallis Fire Department, as well as several guest speakers.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave.

This is a great opportunity for local business owners to get some practical advice about how to build more resiliency into their operations, from day-to-day preparedness to long-term issues. 

Lunch will be provided. Please register online to attend.

If you have any other questions, please contact Lily Bender at lily.bender@corvallisoregon.gov.

Share Your Input on the Van Buren Bridge Interpretive Display

Our friends at Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are seeking public input on how and where to build an interpretive station for the Van Buren Bridge. The turning mechanism and pony truss, saved from the old bridge, are waiting patiently in ODOT's maintenance yard for their new home. 

To get started, take a look at the photos and graphics below, then visit this online comment form to share your ideas about what the display could look like. Planners would like to hear your thoughts on: 

• The location for the interpretive exhibit.
• How to showcase the bridge's turning mechanism.
• How to present the timeline and pieces of the pony truss.

ODOT is interested in your feedback into the display in a way that is safe and can be enjoyed by the Corvallis community for years to come. 

The City of Corvallis and Benton County are working together to improve transportation safety in our community. Through the federally funded Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, both the City and the County are creating Transportation Safety Action Plans (TSAP), using data to identify where crashes happen, understand their causes, and develop community-driven safety solutions. We are interested in your input to help create an effective and inclusive plan.

Join Us at the Open House
We invite you to attend our upcoming joint open house on Thursday, April 3, from 5-7 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. This is your chance to learn more about the projects, explore crash data, and share your thoughts on how we can make our streets safer for everyone. The event will feature interactive stations where you can pinpoint safety concerns, suggest improvements, and discuss the challenges you face as a road user. Whether you use transit, walk, bike, drive, or roll, your voice matters in shaping the future of transportation safety in Corvallis and Benton County. Light refreshments and family-friendly activities will be provided, and bilingual staff will be available to support Spanish-speaking attendees.

Share Your Safety Concerns Online
Can’t make it to the open house? You can still contribute to the project by sharing your transportation safety concerns through our safety comment map at https://publicproject.net/map/benton-county-corvallis-tsap. This interactive tool allows you to flag locations around Corvallis and Benton County where you feel unsafe or suggest improvements. Your feedback will be combined with collision data to pinpoint potential problem areas, inform safety improvements, and help shape our plans.

Planning Today for a Safer Tomorrow
This is the first step in a long-term process to make Corvallis' and Benton County’s roads safer for everyone. These plans will identify community needs and prioritize key projects operational strategies that can be funded and implemented over time. By aligning with the SS4A program and regional and statewide safety goals, both jurisdictions will be eligible for future funding to support these critical improvements. These TSAPs are more than just a plan, however—they represent a shared commitment between the City and the County to creating a safer, more inclusive transportation system for everyone.

Learn more: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/safe-streets-all-ss4a-project 

Community Quilt at the Corvallis Museum

Be sure to visit the Corvallis Museum and take a look at the community quilt that was produced in January at our outreach event on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A big thank you to our friends at The Sandpiper Project for doing the legwork to produce this lovely quilt created from individually decorated squares. We're grateful to everyone who came out to the Corvallis Museum to take part in the event and create some artwork with us. This community quilt will be on display in the lobby at the Corvallis Museum.

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. 

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 each Saturday. 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):

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:     March 5 and 19,  2nd floor Board Room, 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:    March  5, Conference Room C, second floor , 10am-noon, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Random Review:   March 12, 12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online. Selina Heppell reviews As the Condor Soars: Conserving and Restoring Oregon’s Birds by Susan M. Haig

• Dementia 101:  March 13 5:30 and March 14: noon, Main Meeting Room.  Join Dr. Helen Kao from Lumina Hospice and Palliative care for a free community lecture about dementia.

• Choro na Cozinha: Brazilian Music Concert:  March 15, 3-4pm, Main Meeting Room.  Everyone is welcome at this free concert presented by Choro na Cozinha with Bill Pfender, Kimberly Cullen and John Bliss.

• Craft Night for Adults:  March  18  , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+. March's craft: millefiori with clay

• Game Night at the Library: March  20,  5-6:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Board games, card games and video games for all ages! 

• Identifying Misinformation:  March 22, 12-1pm, Main Meeting Room. Learn strategies for identifying misinformation in this free, librarian-led workshop. 

• Puppet Show:  Stellaluna: March 26, 1:00-1:45.  Presented by Pegasus Puppets!

• 2025 Liz & Bob Frenkel Hiking & Environment Series: The South Corvallis Willamette River Parks:  March 26, Virtual.  Register here: cbcpl.net/Frenkel1

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: The Mayor hosts a Town Hall, C3 GameCon returns, and more!

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Mayor's Town Hall and State of the City Scheduled for February 25

The Corvallis community is invited to join Mayor Charles Maughan and City staff for an interactive discussion about recent progress and milestones at the City of Corvallis, and a look ahead to what we’re working on for 2025 and beyond.

The event will take place from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. February 25 at C3's Chandler Ballroom, 2601 NW Tyler Ave. The event is free and open to the public. 

The event will begin with a State of the City presentation from Mayor Maughan, followed by a Q&A with attendees and an opportunity to interact with staff and elected officials and learn more about various programs, services, and initiatives from the City of Corvallis.

A remote 0ption is available via Zoom. Register to watch the broadcast here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_db7JfZnPSY-75tupJdxuog

C3 GameCon Returns February 15 & 16!

Get your tickets for two days of cosplay, RPGs, fan art, tabletop gaming, and more. C3 GameCon returns February 15 and 16 at C3 - Corvallis Community Center. The popular event will feature cosplay contests, live tabletop gaming, and local vendors, panel discussion, and lots more. 

General Admission: All ages welcome.

Ages 13 and under: Must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance Tickets: $12 for a 1-day pass / $18 for a 2-day pass

Date & Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 1–11pm & Sunday, February 16, 2025, 10am–8pm

Location: Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330

Read more about all the events, sessions, and vendors at C3 GameCon!

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event on February 8

On Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Republic Services invites all residents of Benton County to bring their household hazardous wastes to 110 NE Walnut Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330 for safe disposal and recycling. There is no charge for residential customers with household quantities of waste. The quarterly event is a chance for residents to safely and environmentally responsibly dispose of items that can’t be tossed in the weekly trash cart. This includes household quantities (5 gallons max) of:

• Paint, motor oil, and other car fluids
• Batteries, fluorescent tubes, and electronics
• Pesticides and herbicides

Whether it is paint, electronics, pesticides, herbicides or other household chemicals, Republic Services will take these items to be safely processed, and where possible, recycled so they can be used for future products.

There are some items however, that will not be accepted at this event such as:

• Business or industrial waste,
• Ammunition, explosives, and fireworks,
• Biological or medical waste and sharps.

Business and residents wishing to dispose of industrial waste or larger-than-household quantities of waste should call 360-772-2838 to schedule a drop-off time for Friday, February 7.

For more information, and to see a calendar of future events please visit www.republicservices.com/corvallis.

Know Your City Event Series Returns in February

Since 2017, the League of Women Voters of Corvallis has offered annual public forums on Corvallis city services and programs. For 2025 the League is offering two programs on facilities managed by Corvallis Parks and Recreation and the city’s infrastructure managed by Public Works. The two events will be held in the Corvallis Benton County Public Library Main Meeting Room, 645 NW Monroe, Corvallis on February 6 and February 19, 2025. Both programs will start at 7:00 pm.

The first event (Parks and Recreation: What Do We Have and How Do We Pay for It?) will take place at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025. Have you found yourself looking for something special to do, wondering what opportunities the city offers? Or do you already know that Corvallis owns and manages an amazing variety of natural areas, parks, and recreational opportunities and sometimes wonder how the city pays for acquiring and maintaining them? Get answers to your questions from Meredith Petit, Director of Corvallis Parks and Recreation. Register online on the LWV website. 

The second event (Pipes and Roads and Sewers, OH MY! Aging City Infrastructure) will take place at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 19. Do you ever think about the gift we have with clean water, storm drainage and street and trail networks and wonder about their health and maintenance? Do you drive, bike, or walk over a pothole or crack in a road or sidewalk and ask why is this not fixed? Join Jeff Blaine, Corvallis Director of Public Works to get your questions answered. Register online on the LWV website.

Know Your City programs are sponsored by the League of Women Voters Corvallis, Corvallis Benton County Public Library and the City of 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. 

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 each Saturday. 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):

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: February 5 and 19,  2nd floor Board Room, 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: February 5, Conference Room C, second floor , 10am-noon, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Digital Life Classes: Various Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:00am:  Learn about various technology topics with library staff.  Free, drop in.

• People and Pianos Day: Feb 1, 10:30-3pm :  Main Meeting Room and Lobby.  A day filled with piano music provided by Corvallis-OSU Piano International.

• Nerf Night for Adults 18+: Feb 7, 6:15-8:15, Main Meeting Room. Snacks, crafts, and Nerf games after hours in the library!

• Intro to Paper Quilling: Feb 8, 2-3:30pm  Come and find out what paper quilling is all about. Quilling tools and strips provided for the first 30 people.

• Random Review: February 12, 12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online. Jennifer Richter reviews Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World by Pádraig Ó Tuama.

• Cucunandy Celtic Band:  Feb 15, 3-4:30pm:  With fiddle, Irish flute and penny whistle, cello, Irish drum and guitar, Cucunandy will lead you on a musical journey through the 7 Celtic nations.

• Craft Night for Adults:  February 18  , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.    

• Game Night at the Library: February 20,  5-6:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Board games, card games and video games for all ages! 

• True Crime Author Rebecca Morris:  Feb 22 10-11 am, Main Meeting Room   Join Rebecca Morris, a true crime author raised in Corvallis, for a presentation about the cold case of Kyron Harmon who went missing 15 years ago from Portland Oregon.

• Ten Tiny Dances®:  Feb 22, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room: Everyone is welcome to this free preview performance. Ten Tiny Dances® will visit the library and perform their magical dances, expressing the theme “Books – Tell Me a Story.”  

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

   

In this issue: New Council takes office, the FYI about PFAS and Phthalates, new city service fee rates, and more!

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New Council Takes Office on January 6

The new 2025-2026 Corvallis City Council will be sworn into office at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the year on January 6, 2025. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Municipal Judge Larry Blake will administer the oath of office for new and returning elected officials:

• Ward 1 Councilor Jan Napack
• Ward 2 Councilor Briae Lewis
• Ward 3 Councilor Jim Moorefield
• Ward 4 Councilor Ava Olson
• Ward 5 Councilor Charlyn Ellis
• Ward 6 Councilor Alison Bowden
• Ward 7 Councilor Paul Shaffer
• Ward 8 Councilor Carolyn Mayers
• Ward 9 Councilor Tony Cadena

City Councilors will serve a two-year term from 2025 to 2026. The Mayor took office in 2023 and is currently serving a four-year term. 

To sign up for email notifications about upcoming City Council meetings, please visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/notify and select "City Council" under the "Calendar" header.

First All-Inclusive Playground Opens at Avery Park

People of all ability levels are invited to explore the new, all-inclusive playground that opened last month at Avery Park in Corvallis. The $1 million playground project was the result of a year-long community engagement process to assess community needs and desires, followed by a six-month construction process. The playground — complete with accessible swings, sensory play equipment, and special surfacing for people using mobility devices — is the first dedicated play area in Corvallis to be designed from the ground up to serve people of all ability levels.

The City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation Department led the makeover effort that upgraded the decades-old main playground area in Avery Park. Funding came from a combination of sources, including $300,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and a $532,000 grant from the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department.

The new playground layout leans into the concept of inclusive play, says Parks & Recreation Director Meredith Petit.

“Inclusive Play is all about integrated play spaces so that kids, adults, and caregivers can play together,” Petit said. “It’s not about just meeting the bare minimum by providing a few accessible elements in one section of the playground.”

Visitors to the playground will notice colorful, nature-inspired design elements that complement the site’s location in Avery Park (the oldest park in Corvallis, located along the Marys River). Ramp access and a specially designed surface grants easier access for kids or caretakers who use mobility devices. A sensory-focused play space encourages visitors of all ages to engage in rambunctious play, while also providing quiet areas to spend time alone or socialize in small groups.

The project also features site improvements that will serve the broader park patron community. A new restroom building with two individual, all-gender toilet rooms, drinking fountain and water bottle filler has been installed adjacent to the inclusive play area. Also included is a new picnic shelter with four wheelchair-compatible picnic tables and ample circulation area.

Perimeter fencing adjacent to the parking lot and driveway adds additional safety measures to minimize any potential conflict between the playground and moving vehicles. The popular kid-focused musical equipment, which was installed several years ago, has been reused in the new playground. Integrated shade umbrellas provide shelter over the play structure.

City Service Fees 2025 Rate Adjustment

City service fees are monthly charges that appear on the City of Corvallis City Services bill. Fees represent a small charge shared among all Corvallis billing customers to pay for specific services. Rate adjustments are considered annually by the City Council.

Each fee is used to pay for a specific service, and funds collected for one service cannot be used to pay for other services. For example, the City does not use money collected through the Sidewalk Maintenance Fee to pay for Police Department expenses.

The current fees are:

• Water – Fee collected based on usage to pay for City water service and related infrastructure.
• Wastewater – Fee collected to support the City’s wastewater (sewer) infrastructure and operation.
• Stormwater – Fee collected to support the City’s stormwater system, including urban streams and pollution mitigation.
• Street Maintenance (TMF) – Fee goes to support regular maintenance on the City’s most-used streets.
• Sidewalk Maintenance – Fee used for sidewalk maintenance and repair.
• Transit Operation Fee – Fee supports fareless service on Corvallis Transit System. This fee is adjusted once a year based on the price of a gallon of gasoline.
• Urban Forestry – Fee supports maintenance of the City’s urban tree canopy.
• Police Services – Fee maintains current service levels at the Police Department.
• Fire Services – Fee maintains current service levels, including enhanced coverage by adding personnel to staff a new ambulance unit.
• Low-Income Assistance Fee – This fee goes into a fund for income-eligible customers who need assistance paying their monthly City Services bill.

Fees are reviewed annually by staff and the City Council as part of a public process to ensure that they are operating as intended to generate adequate revenue for municipal services that the community relies on.

Rate increases for 2025 are displayed in the chart on this page, showing the previous rate and the new rate that takes effect on February 1, 2025.

Low-Income Assistance Program Enters Fifth Year Serving Corvallis Community Members

The City of Corvallis Low-Income Assistance Program, launched in January 2021, is entering its fifth year of operations. Over the last four years, the program has provided financial assistance to 849 income-eligible households — an average of 212 households per month.

Financial assistance initially provided a credit of $25 per month to qualifying community members on their monthly City Services bills. Over the last four years, that amount has been increased by the City to meet community needs. The current assistance credit provides $53.55 per month and is reviewed annually by the City Council.

How to Apply

To apply, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/billassistance. Applications are processed throughout the year, and eligible community members typically begin receiving credit on their City Services bills about one month after their application is processed by the City.

Eligibility is determined based on household income, and applicants will need to show proof of eligibility through enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),  Oregon Health Plan (OHP), or direct certification through Corvallis School District 509J. This is an annual program and must be renewed each year by submitting a new application.

The program is funded through a 96-cent surcharge that appears on the monthly City Services bill.

The FYI About PFAS and Phthalates

Here at the City of Corvallis, we’re always looking ahead to upcoming environmental regulations and rules that could impact services in our community. One topic that’s been the subject of recent discussion at the state level involves PFAS and Phthalates — aka "forever chemicals" that you might have read about in the news. These chemicals are byproducts of some common manufacturing processes for clothing, cookware, and food packaging. They don’t break down easily in the environment, so they often end up being detected in the air, soil, and water.

We’re excited to launch a comprehensive online resource on the City website to help the community understand what PFAS and Phthalates are, why you should care, and how they have not been detected in Corvallis drinking water.

The web page includes links to the latest information from state and federal sources. And, a detailed Frequently Asked Questions page will help keep you in the know. We'll be sharing more material in the weeks and months to come. 

Development Services Division Quarterly Newsletter

What's new in the building department? We don't have a "building department" per se, but development and permit activity is handled by the capable team in our Development Services Division. They recently released their quarterly newsletter full of information for the development & contractor community. 

It's a great way to stay up-to-date about changes to building codes, services, and fees. Check out the newsletter on the City website. If it's helpful to you, the Development Services team would appreciate any feedback you have. You can reach them anytime at development.services@corvallisoregon.gov.

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. 

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 each Saturday. 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):

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?

• Winter Reading Bingo:  Through January 15.  For all ages.  Complete a bingo card and receive a small prize!

• Storytime:  10:30am Tuesday-Friday, Main Meeting Room .  Tuesdays: Infant, Wednesdays: Toddler,  Thursdays: Preschool, Fridays, Family.  Drop in.

• Tech Help Lab:     January 15, 3-4 pm 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:   January 15 , 10am-noon, 2nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Digital Life Classes:   various Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:00am:  Learn about various technology topics with library staff.  Free, drop in.

• Pride Storytime with Haus of Dharma: January 4, 10:30-11:30 AM.  Join us for an all ages Pride storytime with performers from Haus of Dharma! 

• Random Review:  January 8   12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online   Cleavon Smith reviews  Hell of a Book: A Novel by Jason Mott

• Puzzle Swap:  Jan 11-, 12:00-1:30, Main Meeting Room.  Bring your puzzles to swap!  All ages and levels welcome.

• Game Night at the Library: January 16 5-6:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Board games, card games and video games for all ages! 

• Craft Night for Adults:  January 21  , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+. This month’s craft is mixed-media bookmarks.

• Discussion of I Lived to Tell the World by Elizabeth Mehren:  Jan 18 and 25, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room.  The OSU Center for the Humanities presents moderated book club conversations.  Books available at 2^nd floor reference desk.

• Puppet Show:  Snow Soup:  Jan 30, 1:00pm, Main Meeting Room.  Join Pegasus Puppets for a  wintry rendition of Stone Soup!

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!

In this issue: Fall leaf collection, pool roof assessment, holiday closures, and more!

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Fall Leaf Collection Underway Through December 23

The City of Corvallis Fall Leaf Collection Program is underway and is scheduled to wrap up on December 23, 2024. During this period, Republic Services will pick up leaf piles in the street once a week, generally on the same day as normal garbage collection.

New for 2024: Free community leaf drop sites

For the Fall 2024 leaf collection season, the City and Republic Services are partnering to offer additional leaf collection options. We have designated four sites across the community where Corvallis residents may drop off their leaves, free of charge. The following locations will be available for leaf drop off:

• Dr. MLK, Jr. Park – gravel parking lot at 4905 NW Walnut Blvd
• Pioneer Park – gravel parking lot at 1300 Philomath Blvd (US20/OR34)
• 2392 NW Garyanna St – asphalt parking area across from NW Havengreen Place
• Crystal Lake Sports Park – gravel lot at 100 SE Fischer Ln

Community members are asked to help by following these simple guidelines to ensure a successful leaf collection program:

Leaf drop sites:

• Leaf drop sites are open to Corvallis-based Republic Services residential customers only; they are not for commercial use.
• Please observe all signs including open hours (typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Closures may occur periodically for site cleaning and special events.
• Please drop un-bagged leaves only, no sticks, branches, bags, or trash.

In-street collection:

• Use your yard debris cart as the first choice for disposing of leaves.
• Only rake leaves into the street if you run out of room in your yard debris cart. Consider piling excess leaves and placing them in your cart the following week.
• If you need to rake leaves into the street, place them there in piles the evening before your scheduled leaf pick up day.
• Place leaf piles one foot from the curb to allow space for rainwater to run off along the street curb line.
• Ensure that leaves do not block or cover catch basins or storm drains.
• Avoid parking vehicles near leaf piles, as Republic Services cannot collect leaves blocked by vehicles.
• Out of consideration for the bicycling public, please do not place leaves in bike lanes. For those of you who live adjacent to streets with bike lanes and no parking, this means using one of the new leaf drop-off sites, or your yard debris carts for leaf disposal. Contact Republic Services for additional options to handle the volume of leaves on your property.

The Fall Leaf Collection Program is the only time leaves may be deposited in piles in the street. Using blowers to scatter leaves into the street is not allowed at any time. Other debris, such as grass, branches, limbs, are strictly prohibited from being placed in the street at any time and will not be picked up by Republic Services.

In conjunction with the Fall Leaf Collection Program, Public Works will expand its street sweeping to include both day and night shifts. Neighborhoods are scheduled to be swept once every two weeks.

More information can be found here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/leaf-collection

Most City Offices and Facilities Are Closed on December 25 and January 1

As a reminder, most City of Corvallis offices and facilities are closed on December 25 and January 1 for Christmas and New Year's Day. You can use the online payment options available through the City website to make a payment even when offices are closed. 

Public safety services provided by Corvallis Police and Corvallis Fire will continue to operate through the upcoming holidays. As always, please call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. 

Report a Problem Online

Need to report a problem to the City? Bookmark this page and keep it handy for all sorts of issues that might pop up, including potholes, streetlights, plugged storm drains, and plenty more.

Osborn Aquatic Center Roof Assessment

We're posting regular updates on the City website about progress on the inspection and assessment of the roof corrosion at Osborn Aquatic Center.

In November, we shared some photos of the floor-to-ceiling shoring supports that were installed to brace the roof and prepare the facility for a thorough inspection. 

With the shoring supports in place, structural engineers were able to access the ceiling and begin exploring the extent of the corrosion in the roof supports. Engineers intend to open up more than 30 identified locations on the ceiling to examine them for possible corrosion. Preliminary information is expected by the middle of December.

Read all about the assessment process, as well as a list of frequently asked questions, on the City website: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/osborn/page/osborn-aquatic-center-roof-a...

Stormwater Pollution Community Resources

Did you know pollution can reach our city’s creeks and rivers in unexpected ways, from oil leaks to illegal dumping? Public Works staff work hard to protect our local waterways using a variety of tools. From schools to public events, we’re out in the community sharing ways to prevent pollution from entering our streams and rivers.

You've probably heard out mantra before: "Only rain should go down the drain!" Many storm drains lead directly to our creeks — that water is not filtered or treated at our treatment plant.

If you see pollution in or near a waterway, please call our 24-hour Pollution Hotline at 541-766-6565.

Want to learn more? Interested in a presentation for your service organization or student group? Email us at environmentalservices@corvallisoregon.gov.

More information about how we try to prevent pollution in Corvallis is available on the City website. 

Federal Grant Funding Available for Affordable Housing or Capital Projects

The City of Corvallis is seeking proposals for grant funding through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the HOME Investment Partnerships program, both of which provide funding to accomplish the City's housing goals. The application packets for both grant opportunities are available on the City website. The deadline to submit a project checklist (the first step in the application process) is 12 p.m. Friday, December 20. Additional information and proposal requirements are described in the request for proposal packets.

Funding totals for both programs are dependent on amounts approved next year by the federal government, so exact amounts may change. Funding will be available after July 1, 2025.

For more information on these two grant opportunities, please contact Nyssa Paul, Housing Grant Coordinator, at 541-766-6550 or housing@corvallisoregon.gov.

Are You Prepared for a Flood?

The City of Corvallis annually updates this brochure as a reminder of the dangers related to heavy rainfall and the damage that can be caused when a flood occurs. Please review this information to ensure you are prepared in the event of flooding in Corvallis.

• Flooding & High Water Preparedness Brochure

Revolving Loan Fund Program Available for Businesses in South Corvallis

A new Revolving Loan Fund Program has launched to support new and existing businesses and encourage commercial investment in the South Corvallis Urban Renewal District. The first funding cycle application closes Friday, December 27 at 5 p.m. Applications will be accepted in person at City Hall or by emailing economic.development@corvallisoregon.gov.

Eligible projects include building and façade renovations, new construction, and renewable energy improvements at commercial properties within the South Corvallis Urban Renewal District. Low interest financing up to $100,000 per business or property is available. $250,000 is available to serve requests this funding cycle. Projects will be competitively evaluated based on their ability to meet some or all of the following criteria:

• Proposed business will improve food access in South Corvallis
• Project is ready to submit for permits or begin construction within 3 months of grant award and be completed within one year of loan issuance.
• Building has been vacant for 1 year or more but will become occupied as a result of the project.
• Project significantly improves energy efficiency of the building or improves renewable energy production.
• The applicant has not received previous public grant or loan awards at this location within the last 3 year and certifies the project would not be financially feasible without support.
• Project helps bring building or site up to current code compliance.
• Applicant’s entity is COBID (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity) Certified or otherwise self-identifies as eligible.
• Project adds green spaces, improves public amenities and/or reduces impervious surface area.
• Business education course completion with partner org within last 12 months.
• Proposed business will have its first location at project site.

Projects do not need to meet all goals to be eligible. Projects will be ranked and the top scoring proposals meeting at least a 60/100 score threshold will be awarded as funding allows. Those who meet this threshold yet do not receive funding will be recommended and included in an upcoming cycle. Revolving Loan Fund Program awards will be announced in January 2025.

This new loan program was made possible by the South Corvallis Urban Renewal District, which was approved by Corvallis voters in 2019 and is intended to catalyze economic growth in this area of the community for years to come. For more information on the South Corvallis Urban Renewal District visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/business/page/urban-renewal-south-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. 

Note: December's schedule looks a little different, with back-to-back meetings scheduled for Monday, December 16. The changes are due to holiday scheduling adjustments. Details on how to participate in those meetings can be found at the links below.

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 each Saturday. 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):

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: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 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: 1st Wednesday, 10am-noon, 2nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Digital Life Classes: 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays, 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays, 11:00am:  Learn about various technology topics with library staff.  Free, drop in.

• 2024 Champinefu Series: December 4  7-8:30 pm, virtual.  Lower Columbia River Art and Placekeeping with University of California Santa Barbara Ethnic Studies Professor Natchee Barnd

• Random Review:  December 11  12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online   Sarah Henderson reviews What’s Cooking in the Kremlin: From Rasputin to Putin, How Russia Built an Empire with a Knife and Fork by Witold Szablowski

• Craft Night for Adults: December 17  , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.   

• Game Night at the Library: December 19  5-6:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Board games, card games and video games for all ages! 

• 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!

• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!