Corvallis e-News | May 2025

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).

Parking lot outside the Union at Pacific HIghway apartment buildingThe 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

Volunteer VacanciesIt'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.

Annual Tour of the Corvallis Forest

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

Video image featuring James Inglis, city finance director, in a dark suit and purple tie standing in front of a meeting room speaking to the viewer

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 20th 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. 

Upcoming Council Meetings and Work Sessions
Date Meeting
May 5, 2025 Regular Meeting
May 19, 2025 Regular Meeting
May 22, 2025 Work Session

 

Government Comment Corner at the Library

Meet your local government officials and chat about whatever's on your mind at Government Comment Corner. Each two-hour session takes place at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon most Saturdays. A rotating cast of elected leaders from Corvallis and Benton County will be available for open, honest, one-on-one conversations with anyone who wants to stop by. Bring your questions about public services, and learn more about how to volunteer and get involved!

Here's the schedule (subject to change):

Upcoming Government Comment Corner Dates
Date Name
May 3, 2025 Ava Olson, Ward 4 Councilor
May 17, 2025 Paul Shaffer, Ward 7 Councilor

 

FYI: Council Three-Month Calendar

The City Council's three-month calendar is a good way to track topics and learn about upcoming business items. The three-month calendar is available on the City website.

The schedule is subject to change, so be sure to contact your City Councilor to learn more about any particular topic you see on the calendar.

What's New at the Library this Month?

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