News Flash

Valpo Offers Support During Government Shutdown

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the City of Valparaiso is taking steps to ease the impact on local residents. The City has announced that bus fares on the V-Line intracity service will be suspended for passengers showing proof of S...

Valpo Shares Options for Eastside Master Plan

The City of Valparaiso hosted a well-attended Open House on November 5 to share conceptual options for the Eastside Master Plan. The event invited residents to learn more about the evolving vision for the city’s eastside and to provide feedback ...

Valpo Invites Public for Feedback on Eastside Master Plan

The public is invited to an Open House to hear an update, review concepts and share input on a master plan for the development of the city's east side, between 500 North and 400 North. The Open House will be Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 6:...

Valpo to Begin Leaf Pick-Up October 27

The City of Valparaiso will begin its annual curbside leaf pick-ups October 27 through December 5, weather permitting, announced Mayor Jon Costas. The City has four leaf collection zones and crews will rotate through them continuously.&a...

Valpo Seeks Rising Stars

The City of Valparaiso is seeking extraordinary youth to recognize in their Rising Star Award program, created by the Valparaiso Mayor’s Youth Council. The Rising Star Award was introduced in 2024 to celebrate the abundance of responsible, intel...

VPD Offers Free Gun Locks to Promote Firearm Safety

The Valparaiso Police Department and Mayor Jon Costas are reminding the public of their ongoing commitment to promote safe firearm storage, offering free gun safety locks for residents. “Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to ...

Valpo Fire Offers Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The Valparaiso Fire Department is continuing its successful Out to Alarm Valpo program, offering free installation of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms for residents of the City of Valparaiso and Center Township. The program, launched in 2015, has alr...

Valpo Adds ADA-Compliant Picnic Tables to Downtown

The City of Valparaiso has added ADA-compliant picnic tables to the courthouse lawn. The new tables are surrounded by smooth surfaces and provide easy access for those using wheelchairs or assistive devices. "We were looking to add ways for all visit...

Valpo Partners with CN for Rail Safety

 Because a vehicle or person is hit by a train every three hours, on average; and because more than 60% of these collisions happen at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates, the City of Valparaiso is recognizing "See Tracks? Think Train...

Valpo Invites Community to Share Input on Recycling

Valparaiso City Services (VCS) is inviting the community to participate in one of five upcoming focus group sessions designed to gather input about recycling in Valparaiso. Both recyclers and non-recyclers are encouraged to attend and share their experien...

Valpo Offers Neighborhood Grants for 2026

The City of Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to submit applications for the annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, announced Maggie Clifton, Valparaiso’s Community Engagement Director. Guidelines have been updated for 2026, setting t...

Mayor's Youth Council Sworn In

The City of Valparaiso has sworn in a new class for the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council. “We’re excited to welcome these outstanding students to the fifth annual Mayor’s Youth Council. The Council is an opportunity ...

Valpo Launches Major Sewer & Stormwater Separation Project

The City of Valparaiso has kicked off a major sewer and stormwater separation project, supported by a $960,000 grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency with support from Congressman Frank Mrvan. This $1.5 million infrastructure improve...

Valpo to Host Neighborhood Workshop & Summer Social

To promote neighborhood engagement and foster stronger connections within the community, the City of Valparaiso is hosting a Neighborhood Workshop & Summer Social on Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Forest Park Welter R...

Patrick Lyp Leaves City of Valpo

Patrick Lyp has accepted a job in the private sector and will leave his position as City Attorney, announced Mayor Jon Costas. “Patrick has been an invaluable member of the leadership team in Valparaiso and has contributed greatly to the success ...

Holly Taylor Names Certified Public Finance Administrator

Valparaiso Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor has earned the designation of Certified Public Finance Administrator (CPFA) by the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada in recognition of her commitment to excellence in public treasury s...

Valpo Encourages Smart Lawn Watering to Conserve Water & Promote Healthier Lawns

During this intense heat, lawns also struggle to thrive. Valparaiso City Services is reminding residents to water wisely and adopt smart irrigation practices that save water, save money and help grow healthier lawns.

“Small changes in the way we ...

Valpo Updates Cooling Centers

City of Valparaiso Announces Cooling Centers 2025

The City of Valparaiso has announced the availability of a number of community organizations to offer cooling centers to help keep the city safe during this week’s heat wave. “We encoura...

Valpo Shares Ambitious 2025 Schedule for Capital and Paving Projects

The City of Valparaiso has launched an aggressive schedule of infrastructure projects this season, working strategically to maximize the miles and lifespan for roadways and capital projects citywide. “With more than 175 miles of roadway...

Valpo Introduces New Neighbor Guide

The City of Valparaiso is extending a warm welcome to newcomers with the introduction of a New Neighbor City Services Guide, encouraging new or relocating residents to enjoy all the city has to offer. “The new neighbor guide is designed to help ...

Valpo Announces Compost Awareness Week

The City of Valparaiso has proclaimed this first full week of May as International Compost Awareness Week, announced Mayor Jon Costas. “Composting is an effective way to reduce waste. Organic materials make up about 30% of the material going to ...

Valpo to Begin Hydrant Flushing April 16

 The Utility Field Services Division (FSD) for Valparaiso City Services (VCS) will begin a scheduled maintenance program for unidirectional flushing of water mains on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Unidirectional flushing is an important maintenance ...

Valpo Invites Applications for Mayor's Youth Council

The City of Valparaiso is inviting youth to apply to join the annual Mayor’s Youth Council, designed to encourage youth to interact with City government, build leadership skills and enhance civic engagement. The Council will include 18-22 member...

Statement from Mayor Jon Costas Re: Ordinance 6-2025

Statement from Mayor Jon CostasRe: Ordinance 6-2025

After receiving much counsel and deliberating extensively over the potential pros and cons of its enactment, I have decided to sign Ordinance 6-2025 into law. While I, along with three other city council ...

Valparaiso Invites Participants to City Government Academy

To encourage community engagement, the City of Valparaiso offers a seven-week City Government Academy as an opportunity for residents to learn about how city government works in Valparaiso. “More than 150 people have graduated from our City Government Aca...

Valpo Named Tree City USA

The City of Valparaiso has been named a Tree City USA for 2024 by the Arbor Day Foundation, in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.  “Planting trees and cultivating an urban forest brings us together for meaning...

Valpo Awards Neighborhood Grants

The City of Valparaiso has announced 19 new grants in the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, providing $167,040 in funds to support neighborhood unity and community improvements, with projects including pollinator gardens, public art sculptures,...

Valpo HRC Invites Applications for Community Cultural Educational Grants

The City of Valparaiso’s Human Relations Council invites the community to apply for its new Community Cultural Educational grants. “We are looking to support events or efforts that further the mission of the HRC, which is to increase a...

Statement by Mayor Jon Costas on the Proposed Data Center

Today I am announcing that the city will cease all efforts toward exploring a data center on the city's east side.  Our city council is in unanimous support of this action.   Our citizens have spoken decisively that they believe...

Media Statement on Data Center from Mayor Jon Costas

There is a significant amount of misinformation being shared over the last few days as to the potential construction of a data center in Valparaiso. The City is issuing this statement to provide accurate information and dispel some of the more egregious r...

Valpo Announces Appointments to Environmental Advisory Board

The Valparaiso City Council has announced the appointment of members to its newly established Environmental Advisory Board. “These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in sustainability, environmental science and community enga...

Valpo to Host Community Conference on April 17

The City of Valparaiso is inviting the community to attend the Valparaiso Community Conference on Thursday, April 17, 2025, noon to 5:00 pm at the Harre Union, Valparaiso University. “This first-ever Community Conference is for anyone w...

Valpo to Host Food Drive for Martin Luther King Day

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the City of Valparaiso will host a food drive on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with drop off locations at Valparaiso City Hall (166 W Lincolnway) and Valpo Parks Administration Office (3210 N Campbel...

Valparaiso to Host Neighborhood Workshop

To promote neighborhood engagement, the City of Valparaiso is hosting a Neighborhood Workshop on Wednesday, January 22, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway. Neighborhood Workshops provide an opportunity for neighborhood representati...

Valpo Plans for the 2024-2025 Winter Weather Season

The City of Valparaiso is preparing for winter weather and reintroducing a winter event priority map, indicating priority streets, neighborhoods and cul-de sacs. “During inclement weather, our top priority is the safety of our community. Our tea...

Paul Sommer Named Good Neighbor for Valparaiso

The City of Valparaiso has named Paul Sommer as its Good Neighbor recipient for 2024, recognizing his exemplary commitment to the community. “Paul Sommer sees a need and works to fill it, benefiting so many, including the local running ...

Evan & Ryan Quackenbush Named Valpo's Rising Stars

The Mayor’s Youth Council has named Evan and Ryan Quackenbush as Valparaiso’s Rising Stars. The inaugural Rising Star recognition celebrates the abundance of responsible, intelligent and hardworking youth that contribute to the success of Valparaiso every...

Valpo Parks Introduces Advisory Speed Limits to Improve Safety

Valpo Parks has introduced a plan to improve safety and traffic measures surrounding Valpo Parks facilities, including advisory speed limits and designated pedestrian connections. “Safety is a priority at our parks and this program is designed t...

Valpo Shares Results of Water Service Line Inventory

Valparaiso City Services recently completed the required initial inventory of water service lines throughout Valparaiso as part of the revised State and Federal Lead/Copper Rule requirements. Customers have been notified through the mail if their water se...

Valpo Seeks Members for Ethics Commission and Environmental Advisory Board

The City of Valparaiso is encouraging citizens to participate in local government by applying to serve on the newly established Environmental Advisory Board, which is seeking four new members; and the Ethics Commission, which is seeking one new member.&am...

Valpo Awarded Community Crossing Funds for Roadways

The City of Valparaiso has been awarded an additional $220,075 in the latest round of Community Crossings grant funding through the Indiana Department of Transportation, announced Governor Eric Holcomb. Community Crossings funds awarded earlier t...

Valpo Upgrades Leaf Collection

The City of Valparaiso has upgraded its leaf collection efforts with the addition of a new leaf vacuum that adds efficiency and speed. The new truck holds three times the volume of leaves, allowing collection to continue with fewer stops to empty the load...

Valparaiso Offers Grants to Encourage Gatherings

To encourage neighborhood engagement, the City of Valparaiso is offering a Know Your Neighbor grant program to support neighborhood gatherings, planned activities, block parties and other creative ideas that bring neighbors together.  

 “...

Valparaiso City Services to Propose Water & Sewer Rate Adjustments

To continue providing safe, reliable and uninterrupted water, sewer, stormwater and fire utilities at a competitive cost while supporting responsible growth and maintaining environmental compliance, Valparaiso City Services (VCS) has been reviewing its ra...