City of Champaign
Recent News About City of Champaign
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Presentations to University Environmental Leadership Program
On January 12, 2024, Council Member Alicia Beck and Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton delivered presentations at the University of Illinois' Environmental Leadership Program. The aim of their presentations was to provide valuable insights and information to the students regarding local policy changes and the Council-Manager form of government.Council Member Beck, during her presentation, offered several tips for the students to consider when advocating for local policy changes. Her expertise and experience in the field of environmental leadership provided valuable...
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Shooting Investigation on W. Green Street Leaves One Injured
Champaign Police responded to a shooting incident on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the 100 block of W. Green Street. The victim, a 23-year-old male from Champaign, was found at the scene with a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound. Immediate medical assistance was provided by officers and the Champaign Fire Department, and the victim was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital where he remains in stable condition.According to the initial investigation, the victim was waiting in a store when an unknown individual approached and attempted to rob him. When the...
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Community Canvassing in Champaign Aims to Address Gun Violence
On January 8, 2024, the Equity and Engagement Department, along with the Neighborhood Ambassadors, took to the streets of Champaign following a recent gun violence incident. The team went door-to-door in the area surrounding Colonial Plaza, distributing flyers to inform residents about the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint and the support available to them from the City.The flyers not only provided information about the resources and services offered by the City of Champaign, but also included thought-provoking questions for residents to consider. These questions...
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2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration
The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration is set to take place on January 14, 2024, in Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. This event brings together the Cities of Champaign and Urbana, Champaign County, the Village of Rantoul, Parkland College, and the University of Illinois to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.During the ceremony, community members who have made significant contributions to upholding the principles and ideals of Dr. King are recognized with prestigious awards. It is a time to celebrate their dedication and commitment to...
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Champaign Designated as Certified Welcoming Place by Welcoming America
The City of Champaign has been recognized as a Certified Welcoming place by Welcoming America. This prestigious designation acknowledges the city's commitment to inclusivity and its efforts to create a welcoming environment for all residents, including immigrants and newcomers.In a recent episode of the Chambana Proud podcast, Terri and Carly had the opportunity to speak with Rachel Joy from the City of Champaign and Akua Forkuo-Sekyere from the New American Welcome Center. These individuals played pivotal roles in driving the city's efforts to become a Certified...
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Champaign County Community Coalition Highlights Illinois Soul at January Meeting
On January 10, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois. The meeting focused on various community initiatives and organizations making a difference in Central Illinois.One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of Illinois Soul, a new media platform set to launch on February 1, 2024. This platform aims to bridge the gap in the media landscape for the black community in Central Illinois. Illinois Soul will feature NPR programming, local news, music shows, and public...
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Champaign Police See Reduced Violence, Increased Engagement in 2023
In 2023, the Champaign Police Department made significant strides in fostering community relationships, promoting public safety, and preventing and solving crime. According to the department's report, there was a remarkable 49.6% reduction in shooting incidents in Champaign, with only 65 incidents recorded in 2023 compared to 129 in 2022. This reduction represents a staggering 74.9% decrease from the 259 shooting incidents reported in 2021. It is important to note that a shooting incident is counted whenever the police find evidence of a gun being fired.To strengthen...
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Shooting Investigation Underway in Champaign
Champaign Police were called to the 900 block of S. Mattis Avenue on January 7, 2024, following a report of shots fired and potential injuries. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 27-year-old man from Gary, Indiana, who had been transported to a local hospital with multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds. The victim remains in critical condition.According to the initial investigation, the victim was outside an apartment building when an unknown individual approached him. After a brief interaction, the suspect produced a firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the...
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City of Champaign Seeks Bids for Dump Trucks for Public Works Department
The City of Champaign has announced that it is seeking bids for the purchase of five dump trucks for the Public Works Department. The invitation to bid was posted on January 7, 2024, and interested parties can request bid documents through the provided link.The need for new dump trucks arises from the increasing demands placed on the Public Works Department. As the city continues to grow, there is a greater need for reliable and efficient vehicles to handle various tasks, such as hauling materials, maintaining roadways, and supporting infrastructure projects.According...
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Randolph Street Lane Closure for Masonry Repair
Hankins Masonry has announced a temporary lane closure on Randolph Street between Park Street and Church Street in order to complete masonry repair. Starting on Monday, January 8, one northbound lane will be closed, resulting in reduced traffic to one lane in the area. The closure is expected to last until Thursday, January 11, 2024.The closure is necessary to facilitate the repair work and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the vicinity. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow for extra travel time during this period. Hankins Masonry, a...
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Upcoming Regular Council Meeting in Champaign
The City Council of Champaign has released the agenda for their upcoming Regular Council Meeting on January 9, 2024. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 102 N. Neil Street in Champaign. This meeting is open to the public, and participation is both welcome and encouraged.According to the official announcement, the agenda is now available for download through the provided link. It covers various topics of discussion that will be addressed during the meeting. The Council encourages residents to stay informed and take an active part...
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All-Way Stop Installation at John Street and McKinley Avenue
The Public Works Department has announced plans to install an all-way stop at the intersection of John Street and McKinley Avenue. The decision comes after a series of accidents that took place between May 10 and December 13, 2023. According to records, there were three crashes during that period, prompting the need for increased safety measures at this location. In addition, there was one other crash reported at the intersection back in September 2022.To address the issue, the Public Works Department will be installing two stop signs on John Street. This will effectively...
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Anthony Drive Road Closure (between Dobbins Drive and Dale Drive)
White Construction has announced that Anthony Drive will be temporarily closed between Dobbins Drive and Dale Drive. The closure will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic on Anthony Drive. According to the announcement, the closure is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 8, 2024, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.During this time, detours will be in place to redirect traffic in the affected area. The closure has been planned to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians while construction work is being carried out. Access to all local properties will...
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Kirby Avenue Lane Closure to Facilitate Pavement Patching
The city of Champaign has announced a lane closure on Kirby Avenue between Lincoln Road and Prospect Avenue to facilitate pavement patching. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of the road surface in this area.According to the Public Works Department, Stark Excavating will be undertaking the pavement patching work. As a result, one eastbound lane of Kirby Avenue will be closed from Friday, January 5, 2024, until Monday, January 8, 2024. During this time, eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane.The closure is expected to cause some...
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Award Recipients Announced for 2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration
The MLK Countywide Committee and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy for Justice Committee have announced the recipients of the prestigious awards at the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration. This event, which will take place on January 14, 2024, aims to honor individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles and ideals of Dr. King.The three community members who will be honored at the celebration are Marco Price, Rev. Herbert D. Burnett, and Minnie Pearson. Marco Price will receive the James R. Burgess, Jr./Susan...
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Shooting Investigation Underway in Champaign
Champaign Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred on December 31, 2023, in the 2400 block of N. Neil Street. Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, they discovered that a 24-year-old woman from Rockford, Illinois, had arrived at a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim is currently in stable condition.According to the initial investigation, the victim was seated in her vehicle when she heard multiple shots fired in the area. The gunfire struck a building and...
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Third Street Road Closure for Water Service Installation
Third Street between University Avenue and Clark Street in Champaign will be temporarily closed to through traffic starting on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. The closure is necessary for DUCE Construction to install water service at 214 E Clark Street. The road will reopen on Friday, January 5, 2024. According to the Public Works Department, access to all properties in the affected area will be maintained during the closure. However, motorists are advised to plan alternate routes to avoid delays."We understand that road closures can be inconvenient, but this temporary...
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Neighborhood Services Hosts Quarterly Neighborhood Leaders Huddle
Neighborhood Services hosted the Q4 Neighborhood Leaders Huddle on December 16, 2023, replacing the monthly neighborhood leaders meetings. This quarterly event serves as a platform to inform our neighbors about upcoming events, projects, and community partner services and resources. The huddle featured presentations from staff members and local community partner agencies.During the huddle, several important topics were addressed. One of the presentations focused on the Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint, aiming to address and reduce gun violence in our community. Another...
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GHMC Neighborhood Group Hosted Luminaries and Caroling Event
On December 17, 2023, the Green Healey Mckinley Chicago (GHMC) neighborhood group brought a touch of holiday magic to their community by hosting an enchanting evening of luminaries and caroling. The event, made possible through the City's small grant program, was a heartwarming display of community spirit and togetherness.The GHMC neighborhood group utilized the small grant program to cover the costs of luminary bags, sand, and candles. With the support of their fellow neighbors, several individuals took the initiative to fill the bags with sand and candles. These...
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No City Council Meeting Scheduled for December 26, 2023
The City Council of Champaign has announced that there will be no meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 26, 2023. This was confirmed in a notice posted on December 21, 2023. The announcement stated, "There is no City Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 26, 2023." The city has provided a link to download the official notice of the no meeting on December 26, 2023. This notice can be accessed by clicking here.The decision to cancel the meeting is likely due to the holiday season, as the notice is tagged with "City holidays." It is common for governing bodies...