Ready to take your business to the next level? Find out how the Champaign Public Library can help in the latest episode of Champaign Spotlight! In this new episode Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton speaks with Adult Services Manager Jordan Neal to learn about the treasure trove of resources the library has for local businesses.
On October 17-18, 2023, April Faulkner, Community Relations Specialist in the Equity and Engagement Department, attended the inaugural National Immigrant Integration and Citizenship Education (NIICE) Conference. This conference brought together immigration and citizenship leaders from around the county to share their experiences, work, and hopes moving forward
State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is criticizing Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker who recently established a tax-exempt issue advocacy nonprofit called "Think Big America" with a primary focus on protecting and expanding abortion rights nationwide.
On October 3-5, 2023, Council Member, Alicia Beck and Community Relations Manager in the Equity and Engagement Department, Tracy Parsons, attended the Southwest Organizations Unifying Resources for Community and Employees (SOURCE) Conference.
On October 12, 2023, April Faulkner and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialists in the Equity and Engagement Department, attended the UIUC All-Employee Expo.
On October 11, 2023 the Equity and Engagement department hosted the monthly Champaign County Community Coalition meeting at the Holiday Inn hotel from 3:30pm-5pm. Information regarding the importance of gun safety was shared by Moms Demand Action.
October 3-6, 2023, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the 7th annual Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) Conference hosted by the University of Illinois.
In a new episode of Champaign Spotlight, Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton chats with Community Relations Manager and Compliance Officer Janel Gomez.
On Saturday, September 30,2023, the Ashland Park HOA hosted a neighborhood resource fair. Hundreds of neighbors gathered in Toalson Park to learn more about local programs and services, and to enjoy music, games and food. Staff from Neighborhood Services, Police, and Fire were in attendance, serving food, playing games with the kids, and making cotton candy!
On September 30, the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted the Black Mental Health and Wellness conference at Parkland College. The conference aimed at addressing the challenges of mental health in the black community and assisting those affected along with their families on a path to wellness.
Please join in on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to Noon to pick up litter for America Recycles Day @ Boneyard Creek. This event will be hosted by City staff and members of Keep Champaign Beautiful.
State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), along with other key stakeholders such as Wirepoints founder Mark Glennon and fellow Illinois Freedom Caucus Representatives recently engaged in discussions regarding the controversial proposed Gotion plant in Manteno.
On September 28, 2023, Neighborhood Services staff submitted the FY 2022-23 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CAPER summarizes the progress the City made in carrying out its strategic plan outlined in its 5-year Consolidated Plan, including accomplishments, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources available, persons assisted, and other actions. Information is provided for the prior fiscal year on what goals and objectives were met from the Annual Action Plan (1 1-year component of the Consolidated Plan).
In June 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department applied for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Program (SCP) grant. The City was recently notified it was awarded $135,000 in grant funds. This money will aid in returning approximately 11 vacant residential properties in Champaign to productive and taxable uses. This is done by demolishing dilapidated properties and awarding them to new owners through the City’s Lot Disposition Program.