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Corvallis e-News | July 2022

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In this issue: Open Streets, new ward boundary maps, summer street resurfacing, and more.)

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New Ward Boundary Maps

The City of Corvallis has adopted a set of new ward boundary maps, capping off a once-per-decade process that adjusts the boundaries of the nine wards in the city. An interactive map displaying the new wards is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/ward-boundary-maps.

The new ward maps were adopted by the City Council on June 21, following several months of discussion and deliberation. The process of creating new maps is governed by guidelines in the City Charter, focusing on preserving neighborhood groupings, seeking to create compact, regular boundaries, and containing equal populations whenever possible. The process is also informed by state laws that require maps to be free from political bias and to provide equitable voting strength for ethnic minorities or language groups.

The new ward maps were built using the latest population figures compiled in the 2020 Census, which put the city’s population at 59,093. The biggest change was to Ward 4, which had historically contained the entire campus of Oregon State University. Population growth citywide meant that the OSU campus could no longer be contained within a single ward, so small portions of Ward 4 were added to Ward 1 and Ward 2.

Although the ward maps take effect on July 5, 2022, individual residents will continue to be represented by their existing elected Councilor.

In the November 2022 election, ballots will be printed and distributed using the new ward boundaries. The relatively small number of households that are moving into a new ward will receive ballots that display candidates running for office in their new ward.

Thinking of Running for Office in Corvallis? Attend the Upcoming Election Info Session

The City is hosting an informational session for prospective candidates interested in running for local elected office in Corvallis. The hybrid session will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, July 25 at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave., and will be livestreamed online. For more information, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/2022-election-information-session.

Resurfacing Starts July 1 for Van Buren Avenue and Washington Avenue

The annual summer road construction season is underway in Corvallis. Resurfacing work starts July 1 on portions of Van Buren Avenue and Washington Avenue in the central downtown area and is expected to conclude by the end of September.

Work includes asphalt grinding and paving, restriping, and improvements to sidewalk ADA ramps. Blocks involved in these projects include:

  • Van Buren Avenue between 17th Street and 4th Street.
  • Washington Avenue between 11st Street and 2nd Street.

Typically, work will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional work on Saturdays as needed.

Travelers can expect periodic traffic impacts from July through September. Van Buren Avenue may be reduced to one lane of travel, and parking temporarily removed from this section of Van Buren during construction. Washington Avenue will also have parking temporarily removed during construction. 

Services such as mail delivery and garbage collection will remain available.

Corvallis Transit Service (CTS) will continue to serve these areas. Any changes to CTS stops or routes will be posted on the City’s website at www.corvallisoregon.gov/cts. Bus riders can also sign up to receive service alerts via email.

As always, this schedule is subject to change due to impacts from weather and unforeseen delays. Thank you for your patience as we make the most of our relatively short summer road construction season in Corvallis. 

Contact Josh Bjornstedt, project manager, with any questions at 541-766-6731 x 5156 or josh.bjornstedt@corvallisoregon.gov.

Open Streets Corvallis Returns — Volunteers Wanted!

Join us on Sunday, August 14, 12 – 4 PM, for a free street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks. Two miles of city streets between Arnold Park and Chintimini Park will be opened up for people to walk, bike, and roll (see this year’s route map).

Volunteers are needed! We have many 2-hour 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 the volunteer sign-up page for a complete list of shifts.

This year’s event features a neighborhood bikeway demonstration along portions of Lincoln Avenue and Coolidge Way.

Local organizations and businesses will anchor Activity Hubs in each park, including bicycle-powered activities, giant-sized games, local food and drink, dance, and live music. Neighbors, community groups, and businesses are invited to host interactive activities along the route. The deadline to register an activity at a park is July 14.

For more information, visit: openstreetscorvallis.org or email Lindsey.Almarode@corvallisoregon.gov.

City Council Adopts $242 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

The Corvallis City Council voted Monday to approve an annual budget totaling $242,677,700 for Fiscal Year 2023. Council’s action was the final step in the City’s 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 takes a cautious approach to City finances, following a tumultuous year that saw the COVID-19 pandemic lead to inflation concerns and supply shortages that impacted all sectors of the economy. As a full-service municipality, the City is not immune from inflation-driven cost increases.

“We’re entering a new fiscal year with more uncertainty on the horizon,” said City Manager Mark Shepard. “As careful stewards of community resources, it is our obligation to adopt a balanced budget that keeps costs contained as much as possible. As always, we will continually strive to find new resources to continue delivering the many high-quality services that the Corvallis community expects.”

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

Online Resources for Citywide Facilities Project

What's the latest on the citywide facilities project? Based on the results of the facilities strategy that was adopted earlier this year, we're getting a better sense of the scope of projects that may be coming down the pipeline in the future. Don't worry — we're not going to do everything at once.

The phasing plan adopted in June will help prioritize projects and set the table for the discussion about how to fund these important infrastructure improvements. The City’s portfolio of municipal buildings is a significant public asset that the community over time has paid for, through taxes and fees, to construct, remodel, and maintain.  Years of under-investment in City facilities resulted in facilities that are increasingly undersized, outmoded, and approaching the end of their service life.

Read more on the Investing in Corvallis Facility Needs landing page.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

Summer @ Your Library 2022:  Read Beyond the Beaten Path

  • June 1-August 31

Summer reading runs through August 31 for kids, teens, and adults, featuring free books for participants.

You can also participate virtualy through  Beanstack, a free app and website for tracking reading and activities, or you can use a paper reading log. Read and complete activities to earn badges and prizes along the way! The Beanstack app even makes it easy for families to track multiple family members in one place. Keep reading and having fun all summer long! 

Find out more and get started: Summer @ Your Library: https://cbcpubliclibrary.net/summeratyourlibrary/

Register on Beanstack: cbcpubliclibrary.beanstack.org

All summer events are posted online at corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

  • Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!   
  • Children’s Concert with Red Yarn:  10:30am on July 7 at Central Park  instead of Storytime.
  • Comedy with Angel Ocasio:  10:30 am on July 20 at Central Park. A bilingual English/Spanish,  high energy, very funny one man variety show, for children and families
  • Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to 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!

 

More Information

View full details on our website

Corvallis e-News | June 2022

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In this issue: Sign up for the watershed tour, jump into summer reading at the Library, test your home internet connection, and more.)

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New Parking Meter Rates Take Effect

Parking meter rates in Corvallis are set to increase on June 1 after more than 14 years without an adjustment. The increase will ensure that the parking program continues to function as intended and offers rates that are in alignment with similarly sized comparator cities.

(Read more: Parking Meter Rates Frequently Asked Questions)

Parking in Corvallis is managed by the City to balance the availability and convenience of public parking in neighborhoods and business districts throughout the community. The City maintains more than 600 parking meters, most in the downtown area, in the Library and Fire Station parking lots, and near the Oregon State University campus. Adjusting fee rates periodically allows the City to operate and maintain its parking program and infrastructure to ensure the availability of convenient metered parking in these areas of the community.

Starting June 1, the typical hourly rate for a metered parking spot will increase to $1 per hour. In addition, the fee for a parking citation will increase to $15 per violation.

Summer Reading Starts June 1 at the Library

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

You can also participate virtually through  Beanstack, a free app and website for tracking reading and activities, or you can use a paper reading log. Read and complete activities to earn badges and prizes along the way! The Beanstack app even makes it easy for families to track multiple family members in one place. Keep reading and having fun all summer long! 

Find out more and get started: cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary

Register on Beanstack: cbcpubliclibrary.beanstack.org

See all summer events at the Library: corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com

Corvallis Police Department Selected to Pilot New Crisis Training Program

The Corvallis Police Department was selected as one of three law enforcement agencies nationwide to pilot a new crisis training program being developed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The intensive, 40-hour training program is designed to prepare police officers in their response to people experiencing crises related to behavioral health conditions, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) course took place in Corvallis at the end of May and involved law enforcement staff from the Corvallis Police Department, Albany Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Local agencies have been training on crisis response techniques for many years, but this new program represents a more inclusive approach to issues like substance abuse and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Our goal here is to give officers a better understanding and recognition of mental health and disability awareness crisis communications, and to equip them with the latest de-escalation tools that they can take back to their agencies,” said Trevor Anderson, a police officer in CPD’s Community Livability Unit who helped coordinate the training. “We also want to connect law enforcement staff with resources in the community. It’s important for officers to understand that they are not an island, and there are local resources they can call on during a crisis response.”

The curriculum focused on topics such as mental health, trauma and post-traumatic stress, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Each module featured trainers and subject matter experts who shared the latest evolving thinking on each of these complex topics. Throughout the five-day training course, instructors and researchers encouraged attendees to provide feedback on the content and practical applicability of the training course.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t have an opportunity to use these tools and techniques,” said Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy Colin Tominey, shortly after participating in a roleplay scenario that featured a series of interactions with an adult with autism.

The training also highlighted the opportunity to make meaningful improvements to the limited array of crisis resources in Corvallis and Benton County — something Tominey understands all too well.

“In law enforcement, we have two choices when responding to a person experiencing a crisis: take them to the hospital if they are sick or a danger to themselves, or take them to jail if they are committing a crime,” Tominey explained. “We need additional resources, like a drop-in crisis center and support programs, to give us that viable third option.”

The training course was developed by researchers from the University of Cincinnati and facilitated by Policy Research Associates, a consulting firm focused on behavioral health issues. Key local partners included The Arc of Benton County as well as the Benton County Health Department. Moving forward, the instructors will refine the curriculum using data and feedback gathered in Corvallis and the other two pilot sites (Pittsburgh and Rapid City, South Dakota). The eventual goal is to offer the training nationwide so that law enforcement agencies around the country can benefit from the latest approach to this critical topic.

“Bringing this new training opportunity to Corvallis was an incredible achievement,” said Corvallis Police Chief Nick Hurley. “We are excited to grow this program and help roll it out around the nation.”

For more information on the Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) pilot program, go to www.informedpoliceresponses.com/training.

Watershed Tour Set for June 15

On June 15, the community is invited for a rare opportunity that only comes along once a year: a guided tour of the Corvallis Forest, located on the lower slopes of Marys Peak. The 2,400-acre site provides about 30 percent of the city's drinking water via the Rock Creek Water Treatment Plant.

The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to get a closer look at the vast wooded mountain slopes that capture water that eventually ends up in the City's municipal water system. The Corvallis Forest is located nine miles southwest of Corvallis, on the east side of Marys Peak adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest.

The tour will depart at 4:30 p.m. on June 15 from Corvallis City Hall and is expected to last about three hours, including travel time. Round trip transportation will be provided by the City. The tour is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call the Corvallis Public Works Department at 541-766-6916 or email publicworks@corvallisoregon.gov .

This year's tour will focus on forest management, with visits to several different sites in the forest showcasing different aspects of the City’s management activities. The tour will take place rain or shine, and will involve walking on gravel roads, so participants should dress for the terrain and the weather.

Seeking Volunteers for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force

Help the City refine its policies related to diversity and inclusion! We're recruiting volunteers for a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force to examine city policies related to these important issues. The time commitment will probably involve monthly meetings starting this summer and likely finishing up by the end of the year. Apply on the city website and feel free to email patrick.rollens@corvallisoregon.gov with any questions.

Test Your Home Internet

Corvallis is supporting a statewide effort to gather data on internet speed, price, and availability throughout Oregon. Faster Internet Oregon is asking all Oregonians to run an internet speed test on their home computer to help them collect this information. This will help inform our local, regional, and state leaders about how to improve broadband coverage across Oregon. For more information and to take the test, click here.

Citywide Facilities Project Adopts Phasing Plan

What's the latest on the citywide facilities project? Based on the results of the facilities strategy that was adopted earlier this year, we're getting a better sense of the scope of projects that may be coming down the pipeline in the future. Don't worry — we're not going to do everything at once.

The phasing plan adopted in early June will help prioritize projects and set the table for the discussion about how to fund these important infrastructure improvements. The City’s portfolio of municipal buildings is a significant public asset that the community over time has paid for, through taxes and fees, to construct, remodel, and maintain.  Years of under-investment in City facilities resulted in facilities that are increasingly undersized, outmoded, and approaching the end of their service life.

Read more on the Investing in Corvallis Facility Needs landing page.

Neighborhood Bikeways Design Guidelines Published

The Active Transportation Group (part of the Public Works Department) has unveiled a brand-new resource to guide the development of bicycle infrastructure in the community. The Neighborhood Bikeway Design Guidelines and Best Practices handbook includes tools for creating a bicycle-friendly, safe and accessible community. The handbook outlines definitions, treatment characteristics and guidance that is being used to design our Neighborhood Bikeway network.

This guide is just the starting point for a larger discussion about planning and design for bicycles. Neighborhood Bikeways are new to our community and how they grow, connect and evolve is defined by Corvallis’ own unique context and needs. We anticipate this guide evolving over the years to accommodate the subtle changes needed to keep up with our evolving transportation network.

The Neighborhood Bikeway standards are available for download on the City’s Neighborhood Bikeway web page.

Home Energy Score Ordinance

The Climate Action Policy Advisory Board (CAAB) recently recommended that the City adopt a home energy score ordinance to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and curb emissions. This month, staff will present the home energy score ordinance to City Council. Click here to learn more about that effort and other climte-related initiatives from the City of Corvallis.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

More Information

View full details on our website

Corvallis e-News | May 2022

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In this issue: In-person Council meetings are back, check out the Corvallis Walking Map, and celebrate Sister Cities Month.)

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Introducing the Corvallis Walking Map

Last year, the Public Works Department asked the Corvallis community to help us find, and develop, the Active Travel Corridor (ATC) network. Together we identified over 100 ATCs, providing all of Corvallis with “people only” paths helping to shorten trips for those traveling by active modes.

May 1 signifies National Bike Month and this year, we celebrate it again by honoring all of those who walk, ride and roll in and around our city.

With our ATC network identified, we have produced Corvallis’ first Walking Map to highlight the path network along with other foot-friendly locations. Useful markers such as where Corvallis Transit System (CTS) bus shelters are located, providing an outline of where the routes run and to alert you where to duck under should the weather turn wet. We also call out the Corvallis Parks and Recreation trail and natural areas network. These paths invite you to wander the beauty of the City’s nearly 2,000 acres of places to play, explore and roam.

Download the Digital Version by visiting the Corvallis Walking Map website

Physical maps are coming soon!
Email josh.capps@corvallisoregon.gov and we'll let you know when physical maps are available to pick up around town.

City Council Resumes In-Person Meetings

More than two years after implementing virtual meetings, the Corvallis City Council resumed in-person meetings in May. Regular Council meetings and twice-monthly work sessions will once again take place at Council Chambers, located on the second level of the Downtown Fire Station, 400 NW Harrison Blvd.

The City will continue its popular livestream of Council meetings and work sessions using remote webinar software, for community members who wish to attend the meetings virtually. Community members can register for the webinar and then log in using a link provided, or they can dial in from a phone to follow the audio feed. Limited public seating will be available in Council Chambers. Masks are welcome, but not required.

Read more about the return to in-person hybrid meetings.

Community Evacuation Exercise Scheduled for May 14

Emergency management officials in Corvallis and Benton County will host an evacuation exercise for 10 neighborhoods in the area on Saturday, May 14. Participating neighborhoods and households have already been identified and have received training from emergency planners to safely take part in this event.

The exercise will include three test messages sent via the Linn-Benton Alert mass notification system on the morning of May 14, using language corresponding to the three evacuation levels.

  • 8:00 a.m. – Be Ready! Prepare to evacuate; have your plan and go kit ready.
  • 8:30 a.m. – Be Set! Be set to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
  • 9:00 a.m. – Go! Leave immediately without delay.

Everyone in Benton County should expect to receive these alerts if they are signed up for the Linn-Benton Alert. The messages will be clearly marked as test/exercise messages to avoid confusion. Please do not call 9-1-1 if you receive a message on the morning of May 14.

The exercise will be led by the Corvallis Fire Department, in partnership with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Corvallis Police Department. Trained volunteers from the Corvallis Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also be involved.

Read more about the upcoming May 14 evacuation exercise.

May is Sister Cities Month in Corvallis

submitted by Patty Harris, CSCA-Gondar Council Chair

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

This month, the Corvallis Sister Cities Association invites you to:

  • Visit our display at the Corvallis Library and pick up a Sister Cities Activity Kit for children. Thank you to the Corvallis Library for all their support!
  • Visit us at the Farmers Market on May 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will be offering Ethiopian coffee and Ukrainian chocolate, as well as information about Corvallis Sister Cities Association.
  • Take a walk in Central Park (across from the Benton County Library) to see our sister city flags.
  • Join our Sister Cities Association by becoming a member! https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/membership/
  • Consider volunteering for Corvallis Sister Cities Association board of directors and/or for the Uzhhorod or Gondar council. For information email us at CorvallisSCA@gmail.com

Here's some more information about our two Sister Cities.

Gondar, Ethiopia:  

Corvallis has shared a sister cities relationship with Gondar for over 17 years. Members of the CSCA-Gondar Council have visited Gondar over the years and educators and officials from Gondar have visited Corvallis as well. Providing access to clean water and improving quality of education is at the heart of our work, as well as assisting our friends in times of need.

During this past year we have been focusing on education, clean water resources and food security. We have funded teacher and librarian training and purchased books and early bilingual readers for schools in Gondar and its rural areas. We are currently assessing the wells we have built for maintenance to ensure continuity. The sustainability projects we are supporting through our partnership with Bridge of Hope offer solutions to the difficult issue of food scarcity in Gondar.

In Corvallis, we are working with elementary schools to facilitate a Shared Learning Activity, encouraging relationships between elementary schools in Corvallis and Gondar and bringing unique opportunities for global citizenship to our city.

To learn more about our most recent educational projects, accessing clean water, watershed rehabilitation efforts, school partnerships, and our newsletter, visit our website: https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/gondar/

Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Oregon has a 30-year sister city relationship with Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Trusted friendships and partnerships have developed over those three decades. There have been many exchanges between the two cities, including government, education, health care, transparency, culture, students, music/culture, tourism, agriculture, business, and artists.

Uzhhorod is the western-most city in Ukraine, protected somewhat by Slovakia to the west and Transcarpathian mountains to the east. The airport in Uzhhorod is directly next to the Slovakian border. This has protected it somewhat during the current war, and yet we know missile strikes are able to reach most everywhere.

When this larger invasion began, we knew we had to do something because thousands of refugees began to flee to various locations including Uzhhorod. We have estimates that there are over 70,000 displaced people in this region and even more who have traveled through on their way to Slovakia or Hungary. There are 3 border closings very close to our sister city.

Every one of us in the sister city organization know individuals in Uzhhorod who are hosting refugees. In fact, we don’t know anyone who is not. One person has 30 in their home; another has 11 in their flat. They are welcoming fellow Ukrainians with open arms. In addition, there are at least 15 refugee centers in the city.

The Corvallis Sister Cities Association- Uzhhorod Council- established an emergency fund to support the Refugee effort. It has been open at a local bank and $250,000 has been donated. We are in awe of the generosity and response! In addition, a GoFundMe has been set up by our council. These funds will be used to alleviate the needs of the refugees. We expect there will be a long term need and that the needs will change with time.

Currently, the refugees are not arriving in Uzhhorod with battle wounds, but they have anxiety, health care issues such as unmonitored diabetes and hypertension. They come with only a suitcase or backpack and many need bedding, pillows, mattresses, medical supplies, food, water, phone cards, etc.

We have already sent more than $50,000 of the funds raised to the sister city team in Uzhhorod to use for refugee needs. This includes meeting the basic needs of refugees and setting up an emergency health care clinic in our sister city.

In addition, volunteers flew over and drove to the border caring suitcases of socks, medical supplies, and notes and drawings of encouragement from children in Corvallis. They then went into Slovakia and purchased microwaves, refrigerators, mattresses, hot pots as well as other supplies requested by the different shelters. A second couple will be flying over with suitcases full of supplies and then purchasing items needed by the shelters.

Corvallis Sister Cities Association members are in daily contact with our colleagues in Ukraine. Our team members in Uzhhorod are busy, tired, and appreciative of our support.

Visit our website for more information: https://sistercities.corvallis.or.us/uzhhorod/

Thank you Corvallis for all your support!

Budget Commission Meetings in May and June

The City of Corvallis Budget Commission will begin meeting in May to review and discuss the proposed city budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

Currently, Budget Commission meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

  • Tuesday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Monday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. (Public Hearing)
  • Thursday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. (if needed)

The City of Corvallis Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (PDF) is now available to review.

New Schedule at Osborn Aquatic Center

Due to staffing shortages, Osborn Aquatic Center is updating its schedule to continue to provide safe usage with reduced staffing levels.

  • Starting in May, the following modifications will be made until further notice:
  • Monday-Thursday: The facility will be closed from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Fridays: The facility will close at 1 p.m. for the duration of the day.
  • Long Course will be held on Saturdays instead of Fridays.
  • Outdoor Lap Pool will open on June 19 (staffing dependent).

We will continue to update the community as our situation changes.

Police Department Earns CALEA Accreditation with Excellence

The Corvallis Police Department hit a major milestone this month with the re-accreditation of the department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA), an internationally renowned accreditation agency. CPD was first accredited in 1995.

The Corvallis Police Department received the organization’s highest award – Accreditation with Excellence – at the CALEA annual conference in Orlando, Fla. This is CPD’s ninth award of national accreditation, and this is the first time the department has earned the Accreditation with Excellence award, which was only awarded to 6 of 115 agencies being accredited at the CALEA spring conference.

Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Chief of Police Nick Hurley and Accreditation Manager Laurie Jackson accepted the award in person from the CALEA commission.

“This prestigious recognition could not have been accomplished without the efforts and professionalism of the department’s staff, elected officials, and the support of the Corvallis community,” Chief Hurley said.

Read more about the CALEA accreditation process and the significance of this achievement on the city website.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

More Information

View full details on our website

Corvallis e-News | April 2022

Corvallis e-News logo

In this issue: Check out the Arbor Day photo contest, share input on your values for the facilities project, and check out an in-person show at the Majestic Theatre.

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Arbor Day Photo Contest

April is Arbor Month in Oregon, and we're celebrating trees in our urban forest this April!

To observe Arbor Month, National Arbor Day, and to celebrate Corvallis’s 21 consecutive years as Tree City USA and 13th Growth Award, the Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the community to participate in a Tree Photo Contest!

  • Submit a photo entry of your favorite tree and why, with a general location of where the tree is located to get a chance to win a prize!
  • To qualify, photos should be taken within the Corvallis area and submitted by April 15.
  • The community will then get to vote for their favorite photo! Then vote for your favorite online from April 16 - April 28.

The top three photos with the most votes will be announced the winners on National Arbor Day, Friday, April 29. Winners will be notified via email. 

The first place winner will have their photo featured in this fall’s Activity Guide from Parks & Recreation!

Submit a photo here!

Facilities Investment Project

The City of Corvallis recently completed a study of its buildings to determine the space needed for employees and the tools and equipment they use to deliver services to the community. The assessment identified significant and decades-old deficiencies in public buildings and facilities. Read more about these findings on the City website.

We have a plan in place to address these long-term issues. The Citywide Facilities Strategy, which lays out the scope of work, is available on the City website.

Share Your Values

There’s a big task ahead of us, and you can help out by sharing your input on the various facility shortcomings that can be addressed through different projects.

Please let us know what YOU think in this short questionnaire: ENGLISH | SPANISH

The feedback provided here will be shared with the City Council at their May 5 work session. We appreciate your thoughtful input.

Neighborhood Bikeways Taking Off in Corvallis

The first in a planned series of neighborhood bikeways is starting construction this spring on 11th Street!

Wait, what's a neighborhood bikeway?? Well, these are local streets adjusted to make it more pleasant for people to walk, ride bikes and/or roll. Neighborhood Bikeways are part of our Low-Stress network outlined in our Transportation Systems Plan and budgeted for in our City’s Capital Improvement Program. We’ll be rolling out more of these as the years go by and next locations are as follows:

  • 11th Street South (from NW Harrison to SW E Street; FY22-23)
  • Tyler Avenue (NW 1st St to NW Kings Blvd; FY23-24)
  • SE Corvallis (FY25-26)
  • NW 27th Street Bikeway (NW Walnut Blvd to NW Grant Ave; FY26-27)

Elements of a Neighborhood Bikeway vary from corridor to corridor. Mostly, they will bring pavement markings (sharrows), new signage and sometimes new asphalt for better travel conditions. They can also mean  curb bulb outs, made with flexible posts and paint, at certain higher volume intersections and neighborhood traffic circles, also made with flexible posts and paint, at smaller intersections where Neighborhood Bikeways intersect. Removing on-street parking is not generally a treatment used in Neighborhood Bikeways treatments.

We're excited to get started on this project. Let us know what you think as 11th Street starts to take shape!

Linden Avenue and 9th Street Improvements

This is just a heads up that Public Works will be starting a big construction project on NW Linden Avenue and NW 9th Street in April. The project will begin with some water pipeline work on Linden, followed by some repaving on Linden, before moving on to grind & resurface 9th Street from Circle to Conifer.

The whole project should carry us through the end of the summer and wrap up, ideally, by October. There will likely be periodic traffic controls in place for portions of this work. The map shows more detail on the affected areas. For more information, please feel free to contact Josh Tacchini at Joshua.Tacchini@corvallisoregon.gov.

Spring/Summer Parks & Recreation Activity Guide

Registration is OPEN for most activities in the new spring/summer activity guide from the Parks & Recreation Department. Print copies are arriving in mailboxes soon, and you can always access the full roster of events online in English and Spanish!

Who Works at the City of Corvallis?

Who works at the City of Corvallis? We're stewards and sustainers, and planners and dreamers. There's a place for you, too. Read more & apply for a job online.

In-Person Performance Update at the Majestic Theatre

Majestic Theatre has been offering in-person events for a while now, but this month the theatre will be ending vaccine verification and masking requirements for live performances. In doing so, the theatre is following venues both across the state and locally in moving from requiring to recommending that patrons and volunteers continue to mask up in order to help bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end.

If you purchased tickets for upcoming Majestic performances with the understanding that masking and vaccine verification would be in place and are not comfortable attending without them, please reach out to us Monday - Friday 10 a.m. 5 p.m. at 541-758-7827 to request a refund.

If you have any concerns or questions about this plan, please contact the Theatre Supervisor at jimbo.ivy@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-766-6586.

And don't forget to visit the Ticketing page for more information on all of the fabulous upcoming productions at the Majestic.

What's New at the Library this Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

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Corvallis e-News | March 2022

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In this issue: Meet the new Fire Chief, sign up for Corvallis Police 101, and browse active land use cases at the City.

(View this newsletter in your web browser.)

Ben Janes Appointed as Corvallis Fire Chief

Ben Janes has been appointed to the position of Fire Chief of the Corvallis Fire Department. City Manager Mark Shepard made the announcement after a three-month transition period in which Janes served as Interim Fire Chief.

“Chief Janes brings a wealth of knowledge and a thorough understanding of the Fire Department’s operations and strategic vision,” Shepard said. “In addition, he is a respected leader who will work hard to develop the next generation of firefighters and professional staff at the Department.”

Janes, a 20-year veteran of CFD, was born and raised in Corvallis and came up through the Corvallis school system, eventually graduating from Linn-Benton Community College and Oregon State University. Janes started in 2001 as a volunteer firefighter with CFD, and he worked his way through the ranks over the next two decades, serving as a fire prevention assistant, firefighter, lieutenant, and battalion chief. In 2020, Janes was named Deputy Fire Chief, responsible for day-to-day operations at the Department’s five stations.

Read more about Chief Janes, and be sure to give him a wave if you see him around town!

Support for Our Sister City in Ukraine

Corvallis has had a 30-year relationship with our sister city in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Because Uzhhorod is located in the most western region of Ukraine, thousands of refugees are fleeing each day to escape the war in the eastern portion of the country. To help alleviate the needs of these individuals, the Corvallis Sister Cities Association is raising funds to send to our physician colleagues in Uzhhorod. Checks and cash can be dropped off at or mailed to:

Citizens Bank - Circle Branch
978 NW Circle Blvd.
Corvallis, Oregon 97330

Checks need to be made out to: Uzhhorod Refugee Fund. Due to the emergency nature of this need, the donations are not tax-deductible.This fundraising effort is sponsored by the Corvallis Sister Cities Association. Donations will be wired to a contact in Hungary to deliver to our physician colleagues in Uzhhorod (because banks in Ukraine are closed at this time). They will use them to help the refugees with bedding, medications, food, or other needs.

Register Today for Corvallis Police 101

The Corvallis Police Department is enrolling now for Corvallis Police 101, a FREE ten-week virtual program that provides 20 hours of instruction, discussion, participation, and fun. Classes meet online Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 starting on March 30, 2022. CPD 101 is like an extended open house, and our door is open for you. It is the best way to get to know your police officers, and to learn about all facets of your police department, the services it provides, and how it delivers those services.

The 2022 session will be hosted in a virtual webinar format. The schedule and sessions have been slightly altered to accommodate the virtual format. To participate in this session, you will need access to a computer with internet access. If you have any questions about the virtual format, please send us an email at CPDEvents@corvallisoregon.gov.

Class members historically represent a cross section of our community: teens to seniors, Corvallis newcomers to lifelong residents, people just curious about what their police do to people considering careers in law enforcement, and proponents of police to people with oppositional views. In short, participants come from the full range of demographics that make up our community. We welcome and encourage you to attend.

Read more about CPD 101 — the deadline to apply for the next course is coming up on March 9.

Active Land Use Cases at the City

Here's a nifty resource to bookmark and keep handy: a page on the City website listing all active land use cases currently before the City.

The page includes a link to the application filed with the City, as well as contact information for the staff person who is managing the case. It also displays recent decisions and closed cases. Check it out and be sure to share with your friends and neighbors who like to be kept informed about these topics.

New Development Services Lobby Hours

Effective March 7, 2022, the Development Services lobby at City Hall will be open to customers from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m., or by appointment. The lobby will be closed to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The changes to our lobby hours are due to a current staffing shortage and high volume of work.

Customers can use the online permit system (www.corvallispermits.com) to apply for a permit or to check the status of a permit.  You can also contact our office at (541) 766-6929 if you have any questions.

Annual Water Quality Report Released

The City of Corvallis Public Works Department’s annual water quality report is now available to download at www.corvallisoregon.gov/waterreport.

The report offers a snapshot of municipal water system in Corvallis, including an overview of how water is produced, treated, stored, distributed, and tested regularly to ensure a safe, secure, and affordable water supply for City customers.

The City of Corvallis produces water from two sources – the Taylor Plant in south Corvallis, which draws water from the Willamette River, and the Rock Creek Plant on the lower slopes of Marys Peak, which draws water from a 6,000 acre forested watershed.

The report details a number of water quality metrics required by state and federal law, including levels of various minerals and potential contaminants. As in years past, water produced by the City of Corvallis is well within regulations from both state and federal agencies.

As Corvallis looks ahead to the spring and summer, Public Works officials are advising residents to save water by watering wisely. Weekly irrigation guidelines are available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/irrigation or by phone at 541-766-6733.

For more information on the municipal water system in Corvallis, as well as tips on reducing water use, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/water.

What's New at the Library in March?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

 

More Information

View full details on our website

Corvallis e-News | February 2022

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Welcome to 2022! We're revamping the monthly Corvallis e-News email newsletter to make it integrate better into the city website. It's the same great roundup of news and announcements from the City of Corvallis ... it just looks a little different. Thanks for reading!

(View this newsletter in your web browser.)

Empowerment Grants Return for 2022

The popular Empowerment Grant program is returning this year in Corvallis, after taking 2021 off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As in prior years, the program will make available $10,000 in small cash grants from the City of Corvallis to fund projects around the community. The grant program is inviting applications from the community in two broad categories:

  • Neighborhood Empowerment Grants are focused on improving geographic areas in Corvallis. Past projects have included landscape improvements, neighborhood events, public art installations, education programs, and training services.
  • Community Empowerment Grants are focused on assisting individuals and organizations doing enriching work throughout Corvallis. Example grants include cultural events, guest lectures, outreach campaigns, or the launch of a nonprofit organization. Often this work cuts across different geographic areas and may serve diverse community groups.

The City of Corvallis will host two virtual grant workshops on February 9 and February 23 to share more information about the grant program. City staff and board members will be on hand to answer questions about the program and the application process.

Read more on the Empowerment Grants program page. Applications are accepted through 5 p.m March 1, 2022.

New Strategic Operational Plan for 2022-2026

The Corvallis City Council adopted its annual Strategic Operational plan, covering the five-year period from 2022 to 2026. The SOP is a reflection of the policy priorities of the City Council, along with the action items and metrics that we are using to achieve those priorities. The SOP is updated each year to reflect available resources, staff capacity, guidance from the City Council, and input from the Corvallis community.

The SOP is built around the framework of Imagine Corvallis 2040. As such the Strategic Operational Plan addresses six focus areas, which mirror the six focus areas of the vision. The SOP is designed to be a resource for elected officials, city staff, and the general public. Although it's a detailed document, the SOP is intended to be readable and transparent for a broad audience. you've ever wondered "What's the City doing about [X]?" then the SOP is for you! The Corvallis community is encouraged to explore the SOP to learn more about the many and varied services provided by the City of Corvallis. Think of it as a single location to see not only what's coming in the next year, but also what's on the horizon for future years for all City departments.

Read more about the latest Strategic Operational Plan.

C3 GameCon at Corvallis Community Center

Join us for two days of gaming, cosplay, and vendors! C3 GameCon is a place to celebrate all things gaming, fanart, cosplay, and more! With live tabletop and board game sessions, a costume contest, and a vendors hall with local artists and businesses, there's something at C3 GameCon for everyone!

Interested in attending, vending, or running a game? Check out our C3 GameCon Page!

CTS Bus Service Reductions

Due to an ongoing shortage of drivers, Corvallis Transit System is forced to reduce service beginning on Monday, January 24, 2022 until further notice.  This reduction will affect Routes 5, 6, 50, and Route 1 Peak PM. We are working very hard to hire drivers and as soon as we do and they are fully trained, CTS will return to regular service.

Read more about specific service reductions on these routes.

In addition, all Corvallis Transit System and Philomath Connection passengers will be required to provide their own face covering. Face coverings should fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, and have multiple layers of cloth. Wearing a face covering is mandatory to ride Corvallis Transit System and Philomath Connection.

How to Deal with Graffiti

Graffiti is a problem that impacts our neighborhoods in a variety of ways. It decreases property values in residential neighborhoods, negatively impacts industrial and commercial areas, and it is often the first sign of criminal street gang activity. If you spot graffiti, please report it!

Businesses and residences who are victimized by graffiti are responsible for its removal. Contact the Police Department at 541-766-6924 prior to removing graffiti, as they will match victims with businesses offering to sell paint at cost, provided there is a police report and/or business card from the responding police officer; the back of the card should include the case number and the words “Qualified for Victims of Graffiti Project.” The Downtown Corvallis Association (541-754-6624) also has graffiti clean up and painting materials available for its members.

Graffiti in Parks: Please call Parks and Recreation directly at 541-766-6918. Parks staff typically remove graffiti on sight (especially if it is offensive), or within 48 hours if special equipment is needed to remove it. The Police Department will be contacted by Parks staff if it is hate, gang, theft, or high-value related.

Graffiti on City signs, pump stations, buildings, reservoirs, traffic signal controller cabinets, bridges, etc: Please call Public Works at 541-766-6916. Public Works will also facilitate callers reporting graffiti on Benton County (signs), Oregon DOT (bridge abutments) and private utility (Qwest, Comcast cabinets) properties as the responsible party is often difficult for a citizen to know.

Drug Take-Back Locations in the Benton County

Do you have old, unused, unwanted, or expired medications? Don't flush them down the toilet. Dispose of them safely with NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Community members can now safely and discretely discard unused, unwanted medicine at participating pharmacies in Benton County. To find nearby locations on a map, visit the Oregon Drug Take-Back Program at https://medtakebackoregon.org/

The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies estimates that 40% of all prescribed medicine goes unused. Most prescription medication abuse occurs when drugs are obtained from family and friends. As a water, wastewater, and stormwater utility, the City of Corvallis Public Works Department also is interested in removing these products from our watersheds to protect our drinking water supply and the aquatic organisms that live in our streams and rivers.

What's Up at the Library This Month?

There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!

More Information

View full details on our website

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