Corvallis e-News | August 2023

In this issue: Benton County Fair shuttle, Open Streets, and Movie in the Park!

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Open Streets Returns on August 20

Open Streets Corvallis is a free street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks – as places where people walk, bike, and play. Join us from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park and Peanut Park. Click here for more info. 

For one day each summer, over a mile of neighborhood streets are closed to motorized traffic so that people may use them for walking, rolling, dancing, playing, and socializing. Activity hubs in public parks along the route include local food and drink, live music, giant-sized games, and more. Neighbors, community organizations, and businesses will host interactive activities.

The goals of the event are:

  • Have a positive impact on community livability by connecting neighborhoods and neighbors.
  • Improve the health and wellness of Corvallis residents.
  • Encourage walking, biking and other forms of active transportation.
  • Increase awareness of sustainable transportation options.
  • Foster new, creative partnerships that put money back into the local economy.
  • Support equity and inclusion on event day and beyond.

Read more and plan your visit: https://openstreetscorvallis.org/

Benton County Fair Shuttle Available August 2-5

Benton County Fair patrons, volunteers and employees can avoid traffic congestion and parking costs by using the Corvallis Transit System (CTS) Fair Shuttle.  CTS will offer a fareless service to the 2023 Benton County Fair beginning at the Downtown Transit Center (DTC), with stops at two FREE Park & Ride locations.  This year’s shuttle will stop at both dedicated Park & Ride locations on the way to, and returning from, the Fair.  A map of the route can be found at this link: Fair Shuttle Map

The shuttle service will run Wednesday August 2 and Thursday August 3 from 3:30pm to 11:30pm, and Friday August 4 and Saturday August 5 from 4:30pm to 12:30am, allowing riders time to enjoy the late night Fair concerts. 

The Fair stops will be marked with special Benton County Fair shuttle signs.  The shuttle will not service other CTS stops along the way. In addition to regular CTS bus routes connecting with the shuttle at the Downtown Transit Center, the shuttle will stop at the following locations where FREE parking will be available:

  • Grace Lutheran Church parking lot, 435 NW 21st Street, corner of NW Kings Blvd & NW Harrison Blvd.
  • OSU/Reser Stadium parking lot, SW Western Blvd & 26th Street.
  • Downtown Transit Center, SW 5th Street and Monroe Avenue. Free parking is available downtown after 5:00 pm; check signs to ensure you are in a free parking space. 

Movie in the Park Returns on August 17

Experience an FREE outdoor movie screening of the timeless classic: Wall-E at Avery Park! The fun starts at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at sunset.

The evening will feature:

  • Aerial Arts Performance
  • Fun with the Library
  • Robot Comedian
  • Concessions 

Bring your loved ones, a comfortable blanket, and immerse yourself in the captivating story that reminds us of the significance of love, friendship, and environmental responsibility.

Measure 2-141: Proposed Ballot Measure for Library and Parks & Recreation

In November 2023, Corvallis voters will have an opportunity to consider a proposed ballot measure which would continue the existing five-year operating levy that funds services in Parks & Recreation and at the Library, as well as the City’s annual social services grants.

For more information about the services proposed for funding under the levy, visit this resource page on the City website.

State Incentives for New Heat Pumps in Rental Units

Landlords can take advantage of new statewide incentives to install energy efficient heat pumps in rental units in Corvallis and Benton County. The program can offer tax credits for up to 30% of the costs of purchasing and installing a heat pump or a heat pump water heater, up to a maximum of $2,000 per year. This is in addition to the $1,200 available in tax credits for other energy-saving renovations and appliances.

Read more about local and statewide incentives for energy efficient home improvements. 

$260,000 in Grant Funding Available to Benton County Small Businesses

The Corvallis-Benton Economic Development Office, in partnership with Central Willamette Credit Union, will distribute $260,000 to small businesses in Corvallis and Benton County that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a minimum, businesses must be for-profit, headquartered and operational in Oregon for at least one (1) year, and be located within Benton County. Other eligibility restrictions apply. Businesses must complete a pre-screening questionnaire that will help determine eligibility and viability. Additional information and application materials can be found here: https://www.centralwcu.org/bcbusgrants

Grants will be in the amount of $10,000 per award. Eligible businesses must:

  • Be located in Benton County and employ a majority of their employees in Benton County;
  • Have no more than 500 employees;
  • Be for-profit;
  • Be independently owned and operated,
  • Not be nationally dominant in its field;
  • Been in existence prior to June 30, 2021 and continue to exist and operate through the date that grant funds would be disbursed.
  • Must have been impacted or disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Applications will be received until August 5, 2023 at 5 p.m.

E-Notifications from the City

There's a LOT going on at the City of Corvallis in a given month. You can sign up to track issues and meetings that interest you by visiting our e-notification page. The City sends out monthly email notifications about upcoming meetings, events, and other announcements.

Click here to vist the e-notifications 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 2023: Find Your Voice! June 1-August 31! Find out more and get started: cbcpl.net/summeratyourlibrary

  • Outdoor Storytime, 10:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August. Storytime is moving to Central Park for the summer!   

  • Free Employment Help: Wednesdays, 10am-noon, 2nd Floor Classroom, drop-in.  Job-seekers can drop in to meet with an Employment Specialist from Worksource Oregon.

  • Tech Help Lab: 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 2nd 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.

  • Pool Party: August 5, 5:30-7:00, Osborn Aquatic Center  All summer reading participants and their families are invited!

  • 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!

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