Chambana Sun

The City of Champaign has launched a new City Center Team to serve the Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown districts. The team is made up of six members and an operations supervisor, providing services that include visitor assistance, safety monitoring, cleaning, beautification efforts, and graffiti removal.

This initiative is part of a partnership with Block by Block, a company based in Louisville, Kentucky. The agreement for this partnership was approved by the Champaign City Council on July 15, 2025. Funding for the program comes from the city’s Tax Increment Finance District as well as Food and Beverage funds.

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen stated, “The City Center Team is an investment in keeping our core business districts welcoming, vibrant, and safe. Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown stand at the very heart of our community, and the City Center Team will help us ensure these areas remain clean, inviting, and safe for everyone. By having a visible presence in Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown, they will enhance the visitor experience and support our residents and businesses. This partnership ensures that Champaign will remain a destination where people want to gather, shop, and visit. This great new program is yet another way the City of Champaign is investing in the vitality of our city’s core and helping to support our local businesses.”

Block by Block has been active since 1995 when it began its first program in Louisville. Since then it has expanded its model—which includes engagement services beyond just cleaning—to more than 150 locations across the United States. These sites include downtowns as well as improvement districts, parks, college campuses, transit systems, and other public spaces.

Additional information about the City Center Team can be found at http://visitdowntownchampaign.com/team.