Corvallis e-News | August 2025

In this issue: Van Buren Bridge reopens, Movie in the Park returns, and more!

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Facility Funding Options Open House Set for August 12

We're exploring funding options to make critical investments in the facilities that we use to deliver city services and support the community. 

We're hosting an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 to share some more insights about planned improvements to two key downtown buildings: City Hall and the Police Station. We'll talk a little bit about the process so far, and then we'll hear from our financial consultant (Clearwater Financial) about different funding options and how they could work for these two facilities.

The event will take place in the Law Enforcement Building's conference room, located at 180 NW 5th St. (This is one of the two facilities currently being considered for priority improvements.) This meeting is free and open to the public.

What You'll Learn

• Facility funding options under consideration to make improvements to City Hall and the Police Station
• Timeline for City Council's decision-making process

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.

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.”

Share Your Feedback

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. 

FAQ: Facility Funding Options for the Civic Campus and Police Station

We've received some inquiries from the community about the feasibility study that is currently examining funding options for the Civic Campus and Police Station.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. This seems like a big project. Where are we in the timeline?

The City has been developing a plan for facility improvements since 2021. This process has included detailed studies, facility assessments, and prioritization of options. The City Council has been engaged throughout the process, and their decisions over the years have helped move this project forward while reflecting community values and priorities.

We had some recent successes in 2023 and 2024, when we renovated two fire stations serving the north and west sides of Corvallis using federal grant money. We also identified a funding source to build a new park maintenance facility in Avery Park. These were all projects identified in our long-term facility plan.

Now it’s time to move forward on improvements to two facilities that support community services downtown: the Civic Campus and the Police Station. The City is evaluating funding options for both facilities this summer. You can learn more about the City’s planning efforts here: www.corvallisoregon.gov/facilities

2. Can’t the City just keep using the facilities you already have?

City Hall was built in the 1920s and has served as a temporary location since the 1970s. After 50 years in a building not designed for long-term use, the facility is no longer adequate. Aging infrastructure, safety and accessibility issues, and lack of space make it increasingly challenging to support modern public services.

Similarly, the existing law enforcement building is outdated and no longer supports the needs of a modern police department. Upgrades are critical to supporting public safety and meeting the expectations of our growing community.

Additionally, the City looked into leasing space in other buildings elsewhere in Corvallis. While this option may seem like an acceptable solution, leasing is typically more expensive over time, provides no public ownership or equity, and lacks the long-term certainty and civic visibility that a purpose-built City facility can provide.

3. What’s going to be in the new Civic Campus building?

The new Civic Campus will be located at the corner of 5th and Madison and will bring together many different community services under one roof. These services include urban planning, building permitting, code compliance, utility billing, municipal court, human resources, IT services, in addition to other aspects of City administration.

The new Civic Campus will also accommodate meeting spaces for the City Council – something that will be new for Corvallis. Currently, the City Council meets in a large conference room in the downtown Fire Station, because the existing City Hall lacks community meeting spaces.

4. What would happen to the old City Hall?

The current plan would remove the existing City Hall and replace it with a new, purpose-built facility. The decision to remove the existing City Hall building came down to increasing costs to maintain the building, particularly costs to address seismic improvements, accessibility upgrades, and structural deficiencies.

5. Haven’t residents already voted on this and rejected a bond?

No, that was the Benton County jail bond. The City of Corvallis has not asked voters to fund any facilities projects.

6. How does this plan benefit the community?

A new Civic Campus would create a central, accessible hub for the community at a time when downtown Corvallis is seeing a new burst of vitalization and investment. Improving community facilities downtown would improve efficiency, provide equitable access, and reinforce the City’s commitment to a vibrant, welcoming downtown.

7. What are some of the funding options you’re considering?

The City is looking at a variety of possible funding options, including a payroll tax, a general obligation bond, a local option levy, or state/federal grants. It’s likely that the result will be a combination of funding sources to accomplish this project.

8. Why can’t the City just use existing revenue sources?

The only way to use existing revenue is to redirect it from essential community services. That would mean cuts to services like police, fire, parks, or road maintenance. New costs require new resources to maintain existing service levels.

9. Will the public get to vote on the final decision?

That depends on the funding option selected. Some options require a public vote, while others do not. This is why participation in the City’s recent feedback questionnaire is so important. Your input will help shape the path forward.

10. Where can I learn more about this project and some of the decisions that have been made over the years?

You can read all about the history of this project, the assessments and data that went into the decisions, and the City Council’s role in shaping the project plan, on the City website: www.corvallisoregon.gov/facilities.

Movie in the Park Returns August 15

Experience an outdoor movie screening of the timeless classic, The Emperor's New Groove!

Gather your friends, grab your coziest blanket, and head to Avery Park for a movie under the stars! This year we'll be screening The Emperor’s New Groove. Experience the wild transformation of an imperious emperor into a lovable llama as he discovers that true greatness comes from unexpected friendships, loyalty, and a hearty dose of humor.

This FREE event begins at 7 p.m. August 15 with Kid Zone activities, followed by the movie at sunset. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Van Buren Bridge Reopens

From our friends at Oregon Department of Transportation...

One lane of eastbound traffic is now open on the new Van Buren Bridge, along with a new path for people walking, rolling, and biking. It’s a big step forward in one of Corvallis’s largest construction projects.

The new bridge is built to modern seismic safety standards and is much stronger than the original 1913 structure. It has deep foundation shafts, reinforced concrete piers, and other modern design features to help it withstand a major earthquake.

This milestone includes progress on the south side of Van Buren Street, between First and Second streets. That work, nearly done, adds a protected bike lane, new sidewalks, and curb ramps that meet ADA standards. Access from Van Buren to First Street is open again, making it easier to get through downtown.

What's Next

The next major step is removing the two temporary bridges: the traffic detour bridge and the construction bridge. This work must happen during the in-water work window, which ends Oct. 31. Crews will also complete final paving and begin restoring the area. Multi-use path construction and connections at the ends of the new bridge, landscaping and finishing touches will continue into 2026.

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.

• READ Dogs:   Tuesdays and Thursdays in August 3:30-4:30.  Kickoff all day on August 5.  Kids can practice reading in any language to  trained therapy Reading Education Assistance Dogs

• Free Employment Help: August 6, second floor classroom, 10am-noon, drop-in. Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

• Pool Party @ Clemens Pool:  August 9, 3-4 and 4-5.  Registration recommended.  All are welcome to celebrate Summer Reading at Clemens Community Pool in Philomath

• Love My Library Day:  August 16, 1-2:30, Main Meeting Room.  Join us to express our shared love for libraries! Write a letter, an email, or call your representatives to advocate for library funding across the country.

• Craft Night for Adults:  August 19   , 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.     This month’s craft: shadow drawing

• Family Craft Night:  August 26, 5-6:30 pm, Main Meeting Room/Patio.  Join us for chalk and bubbles to celebrate the end of summer!

• 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!