Corvallis e-News | February 2023

In this issue: C3 GameCon, green grants from the City, and Adopt-A-Path returns!)

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Green Grants Program Accepting Applications in February

A one-time Green Grants program from the City of Corvallis will be accepting applications in the month of February. The program will make available $15,000 in small cash grants to fund projects around the community that focus on climate change mitigation or adaptation. The grant program is encouraging applicants to focus on one of the community strategies in the Corvallis Climate Action Plan.

The Green Grants program was established by the Corvallis City Council in 2022 to encourage neighborhood and community organizations and small businesses to explore climate-related investments.

Anyone can apply for a green grant, though some restrictions and guidelines may apply. Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/greengrants to learn more. Applications will be accepted from February 8 to February 28, 2023 with grant funding expected to be distributed a few months later.

City Service Fees 2023 Rate Adjustment

City service fees are reviewed annually by staff and the City Council to ensure that they are operating as intended to generate adequate revenue to support municipal services that the community relies on. This year, the annual update will include some rate increases intended to offset increased costs related to inflation. 

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. The fees pay for popular and necessary services for the Corvallis community. The cost of supporting these services is spread among all Corvallis rate-payers, which brings the price down for everyone. By making regular adjustments to keep up with inflation and other costs, these services will be more financially sustainable in the future.

We've put together a list of frequently asked questions (in English & Spanish) to share information about the fees, the services that they support, and the 2023 rate adjustments.

The Fire Department's public safety fee is increasing this month, allowing the department to improve emergency coverage citywide. So how will all of this affect you? We visited Fire Chief Ben Janes for a closer look at emergency coverage in Corvallis and how this vital service will be improved with the increased public safety fee.

Click the video image above or visit our Vimeo page to watch the short video.

Adopt-A-Path Program Returns!

The Adopt-A-Path program has returned! This popular program from the City's Public Works Department provides community members the opportunity to help keep our shared-use paths beautiful by picking up litter and trimming vegetation. In exchange for a modest commitment to patrolling for litter and trimming of vegetation along the path’s edges, you and your neighbors can help ensure that that hundreds of cyclists, runners, skaters, and walkers enjoy a safer, more pleasant experience as they travel the city’s shared-use paths.

Oh, and did we mention you'll get one of those cool signs posted along the path?

Read more and fill out an application on the City website.

Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan Update

Did you know that the City owns and manages about 2,300 acres on the lower slopes of Marys Peak? It's known as the Corvallis Forest and it is part of the watershed that feeds into the Rock Creek Water Treatment Plant, which provides about 30% of the city's water supply.

The City has a Task Force working on an update of the Corvallis Forest Stewardship Plan, which guides the long-term management of the Corvallis Forest. We'd like to hear from you as the plan update gets underway. Learn more about our guiding principles and share your input at this page on the City website.

Ward 6 & Ward 9 Joint Meeting

Ward 6 Councilor Laurie Chaplen and Ward 9 Councilor Tony Cadena will host a joint ward meeting at 5:30 p.m. on February 28. The meeting will be held in person at Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr.

City Manager Mark Shepard, Police Chief Jason Harvey, and Fire Chief Ben Janes will also be on hand to meet community members and discuss city services.

Public Meeting on Climate-Friendly Areas Statewide Program

To help provide residents more housing and transportation choices, and meet Oregon’s adopted Climate Friendly & Equitable Communities rules, cities must reduce barriers for local builders who want to build traditional, more walkable development types. “Climate Friendly Areas” are intended to be places where people can meet most of their daily needs without having to drive by having housing located near a mix of jobs, businesses, and services. The Climate Friendly Areas process requires centering voices of underserved populations and working towards equitable outcomes.

A public meeting will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. February 22 at the Library Main Meeting Room, 645 NW Monroe Ave. The meeting will feature a presentation on the proposed areas from Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG), and a public input forum to gather community feedback on potential Climate Friendly Areas. 

For more information on Climate Friendly & Equitable Communities rules, visit the state website here: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/CL/Pages/CFEC.aspx.

Information on the City's efforts to implement the rules locally is online here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/oregon-climate-friendly-and-equitable-communities-program

C3 GameCon Returns February 17-18

C3 GameCon, the home-grown gaming convention at the Corvallis Community Center, is returning in February! Mark your calendars for February 17 and 18 for two fun-filled days of gaming, cosplay, vendors, and more at this family-friendly event. 

Visit the C3 GameCon page on the Parks & Recreation Department website for more info on registration and attendance. One and two day passes are available; register advance for a discount. See you there!

Low Income Assistance Program Accepting New Sign-Ups

The City's Low Income Assistance Program is accepting new sign-ups. Qualifying customers can receive a credit of up to $45 off their monthly City Services bill. Customers can sign up throughout the year, but annual renewals are required each year in January. Customers who participate in the programs will complete an application, show proof of their participation, and be approved before a credit will be applied.

To get started, visit the online sign-up form to read more about the program and the application process.

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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