City of Champaign
Recent News About City of Champaign
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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...
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Grant Writing and Utilizing Ai
On December 11, 2023 staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended an all day workshop hosted by the U of I School of Social Work. Inspired by community partner feedback, the event focused on grant-writing and include a portion on utilizing AI for productivity and grant-writing. More than 50 people were in attendance for this workshop was designed to help human service providers navigate the process of applying for grants more confidently. The portion on AI showcased, amongst other things, how AI can assist with proofreading, changing the tone on exciting copy, functioning as a idea board, and much more.
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Successful Small Business Networking Event Supports Local Entrepreneurs
On December 14, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department, in collaboration with the Campus Community Compact, organized a small business networking event at Neil Street Blues. This event aimed to provide opportunities for small business owners to enhance their businesses and establish connections with other local enterprises. The event, which was the first in a series, focused on supporting small, local, MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and WBE (Women Business Enterprise) entrepreneurs and contractors.The event saw a diverse range of attendees, including city staff,...
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Green Street Lane Closure: Traffic to be Diverted Around Construction Area
Signature Sign Company has announced that they will be closing one lane of Green Street between Fifth Street and Sixth Street in order to install a sign at 603 S. Sixth Street. The closure will begin on Wednesday, December 20, and will reopen on Thursday, December 21, 2023.During the closure, traffic will be diverted around the construction area. One lane of eastbound and one lane of westbound traffic will be maintained at all times. This measure is being taken to ensure the safety of both the construction workers and the motorists passing through the area.The Green...
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City of Champaign Requests Proposals for Axis Cameras
The City of Champaign has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the purchase of Axis cameras and accessories. The RFP, which was posted on December 19, 2023, invites qualified vendors to submit quotes for the specified equipment.According to the official announcement, the City of Champaign is looking for qualified vendors who can provide Axis cameras and related accessories as detailed in the RFP documents. The request is part of the city's ongoing efforts to enhance its surveillance capabilities and ensure public safety.In order to participate in the bidding...
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December 19, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Cancelled
The City Council Regular Meeting that was supposed to take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, has been cancelled, according to a recent announcement. The cancellation notice can be downloaded by clicking here.The reason for the cancellation was not specified in the announcement. However, it is important for residents and stakeholders to be aware of this change in the schedule.In light of this cancellation, it is advisable for anyone who had plans to attend the meeting to make alternative arrangements or seek information through other channels.As stated by the...
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Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration
The Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration is set to be hosted January 14, 2024 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at 5:00 PM. This event honors the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while acknowledging organizations and individuals upholding his ideals and principles to better serve our community.
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University Avenue Lane Closure (between Second Street and First Street)
A lane closure is scheduled for University Avenue between Second Street and First Street in Champaign. DUCE Construction will be closing one westbound lane of University Avenue in order to install water service at 134 E University Avenue. The closure is set to begin on Monday, December 18, 2023, and will reopen on Friday, December 22, 2023. During this time, westbound traffic in the area will be reduced to one lane.This lane closure is necessary to facilitate the installation of water service at 134 E University Avenue. The closure will allow DUCE Construction to safely...
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Champaign County Community Coalition Reflects on a Successful Year
The Champaign County Community Coalition recently held its "Year in Review" meeting, marking the end of a successful year of community engagement and progress. The event, which took place on December 13, 2023, was a joyful celebration filled with music and holiday treats. The highlight of the evening was a special guest appearance by Dr. Tony Davis, who shared his inspiring story of forgiveness.During the meeting, representatives from various local police departments highlighted the achievements made in 2023. These accomplishments included increased staff hiring, a...
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Former O’Charley’s Property Cleanup
The Code Compliance Division recently responded to a complaint regarding the former O’Charley’s restaurant property in Champaign. Upon inspection, it was discovered that two individuals were living outside the abandoned building, surrounded by an accumulation of shopping carts, tarps, garbage, and other refuse.To address this issue, a nuisance notice was promptly issued to the owner of the property. In addition, the Neighborhood Services staff reached out to the Street Outreach staff at Strides Shelter in order to offer resources and assistance to the two individuals...
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Citizenship Fast Track Program Wraps Up Successfully
On December 9, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department collaborated with the New American Welcome Center (NAWC) to conclude their inaugural Citizenship Fast-Track program. This intensive 10-day program catered to community members who were confident in their English skills and aimed to equip them with the necessary knowledge of American history and the skills required to apply for and pass the citizenship exam. On Saturday, the program culminated with mock interviews to allow participants to practice their skills and receive feedback from NAWC staff, City staff, and...
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E&E Intern Wrap-Up
The Equity and Engagement Department at the University of Illinois (U of I) recently concluded its semester-long internship program, in collaboration with the School of Social Work's Community Learning Lab (CLL). The CLL aims to foster connections between the university students and the local community, fostering mutual benefits in areas such as sustainability, service, growth, and education. This semester, the program hosted four interns who engaged in valuable experiential learning opportunities.The interns were tasked with gathering data on the Champaign Diversity...
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Grant Writing Workshop Explores the Benefits of AI
On December 11, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department staff attended a workshop hosted by the U of I School of Social Work. The event, inspired by community partner feedback, focused on grant-writing and included a session on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for productivity and grant-writing. With over 50 attendees, the workshop aimed to empower human service providers in navigating the grant application process with confidence.During the workshop, the participants explored the potential of AI in various aspects of grant-writing. One of the highlights was how...
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Champaign County Hosts Inaugural Day of Forgiveness
On December 13, 2023, Champaign County held its first-ever "Day of Forgiveness," bringing together community members to discuss the power of forgiveness in healing from gun violence. The event began with a meal where families impacted by gun violence shared their experiences and had a chance to engage in a dialogue about grief and forgiveness with Dr. Tony Davis, a survivor of gun violence himself.The following day, Dr. Davis made an appearance as a guest star on the radio program "A Penny for Your Thoughts" to share his story and discuss the journey of forgiveness....
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Holiday Tree Collection
The City of Champaign’s Holiday Tree Collection Program collection date has been set as Monday, January 8, 2024. This free collection program is available to all residential properties within the City’s corporate limits.
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New IGFOA Downstate Chapter President
Courtney Kouzmanoff, a member of the Finance Department, has been appointed as the new President of the Downstate Illinois Chapter of the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association (IGFOA). Kouzmanoff, who previously served as the Vice President of the chapter, will now take on the role of leading the organization.The IGFOA is an association that focuses on serving finance professionals by providing opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. Kouzmanoff's appointment as the Chapter President highlights her dedication and expertise in the field...
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Champaign Police Call in Community Backup in Stuff the Squad Food Drive
On Giving Tuesday, November 28, Champaign Police joined area law enforcement and the Eastern Illinois Foodbank for a “Stuff the Squad” community food drive. Four local agencies – Champaign PD, Urbana PD, University of Illinois PD, and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office – participated in the friendly competition to collect non-perishable food items.
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City Manager Announces Appointment of New Champaign Fire Chief
On Dec. 8, City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced that she has appointed Andy Quarnstrom to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Fire Chief. Quarnstrom has served at the Champaign Fire Department for more than 26 years and is currently the Acting Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. He has also served as the elected City of Champaign Township Supervisor since 2013, a position he intends to resign from to focus on his new responsibilities. Quarnstrom will assume his new duties as Fire Chief on March 1, 2024, or upon the Township Board’s appointment of a replacement Township Supervisor, whichever is sooner.
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Washington Street Lane Closure (Between Neil Street and Hickory Street)
In order to complete pavement patching, AT&T and Western Utility will close one lane of Washington Street between Neil Street and Hickory Street. The closure will begin on Wednesday, December 13, and will reopen on Friday, December 15, 2023, weather permitting. An eastbound lane and a westbound lane will be maintained in the area. Traffic lanes will shift around the construction area.
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City of Champaign Requests Letter of Interest for Rapid Response Engineering and Architectural Services
The City of Champaign is seeking professional engineering and architectural services through a qualification-based selection process. The city has invited firms to submit a Letter of Interest for Rapid Response Engineering and Architectural Services, with the intention of procuring these services for a period of three years, starting in 2024 and running through 2026.The services required involve providing "on-call" response to engineering and architectural issues associated with the design and construction of development projects, facility projects, and public...