Category: Neighborhood Services Department News

City Manager Announces Appointment of Neighborhood Services Director

City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced today that she has appointed Rob Kowalski to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Neighborhood Services Director starting October 9, 2023. Kowalski currently serves as Assistant Director of the City’s Planning and Development Department and has more than 25 years of experience as a city planner. Serving the […]


Turnberry Ridge HOA Annual Meeting

On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Turnberry Ridge HOA held their annual HOA meeting. Per the group’s request, Police were in attendance to share crime data updates and address the neighbors’ safety concerns. The Neighborhood Ambassadors were in attendance to offer an overview of their work in support of neighborhood groups. Registered neighborhood groups are […]


CU Days 2023!

On August 12, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department participated in CU Days at Douglas Park by distributing school supplies, City information, and engaging with residents to inform them of upcoming City events. This could not have been accomplished alone; the Champaign Police Department, Champaign Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department, METCAD, Human Resources, Public Works, […]


Neighborhood Services Completes CommUnity Matters Site Visits

Neighborhood Programs staff members Jennifer Carlson, Betsy Barclay, and Shelby Mammano recently wrapped up site visits with the City’s CommUnity Matters partners: DreAAm, Champaign Park District, and Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. The site visit for Champaign Unit 4 School District will take place during the school year. Boys and Girls Club youth were […]


City Facilitates Game Night at Providence at Thornberry

On August 10, 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department returned to Providence at Thornberry to host another game night where families enjoyed games, music, a bounce house, and frozen treats. This game night is in preparation for the August 17, 2023, targeted engagement event for the Providence neighborhood. The event was hosted in partnership with the […]


Neighborhood Services Supports Neighborhood Based National Night Out Events

On August 1, 2023, several registered neighborhood groups hosted National Night Out events using up to $500 in small grant funds to cover costs. The $500 is in addition to the $5,000 per year registered groups can access to host neighborhood clean-up, beautification, and social events. Police, Fire, Equity and Engagement, and Neighborhood Services Neighborhood […]


Neighborhood Services Hosts Game Night

On August 3, 2023, Neighborhood Services hosted a game night at Providence at Thornberry. Typically held in neighborhood parks, this game night was held at the Providence club house. Families enjoyed games, music and a bounce house. Staff also invited the Providence neighbors back to the clubhouse for an education and resource fair planned for […]


‘Thank You’ Celebration!

Through the University of Illinois and Champaign Community Unit 4 School District, the City welcomed 19 interns and Youth Employment Services (YES) students to join our staff this summer. These students were able to see the ins-and-outs of how the City works while getting hands on experience in eight different departments. On July 20, the City hosted […]


BPM² Neighborhood Groups Hosts BBQ and Clean Up Events

The BPM² (Bradley, Prospect, Mattis & Mimosa) neighborhood group hosted a neighborhood social event on Friday, July 8, 2023, at Willis Park. The event was organized by the group to build neighbor to neighbor connections. NSD staff were on hand to support the engagement effort which included food, music, and games. The social event served […]


Neighborhood Services Hosts Game Night in Hedge POP! Park

On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Neighborhood Services hosted a game night in Hedge POP! Park. Game nights are hosted in various parks throughout Champaign to encourage residents to gather outside for an evening of fun and engagement with one another. The Hedge POP! Park game nights are part of a series of events planned through […]