Champaign Developing Outdoor Dining Options in Support of Local Restaurants
On May 20, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced that bars and restaurants will be able to open for outdoor seating during phase three of the state’s reopening plan, which is expected to start in Champaign on May 29. In response, the City of Champaign is actively developing a three-pronged plan to support the many local establishments […]
Keeping Construction Workers and City Inspectors Safe during COVID-19
The March 20, 2020, stay-at-home order issued by Governor Pritzker identified activity that was considered “essential.” Included on this list is “Construction” which is interpreted to mean both private and public construction projects. The continuance of construction during the COVID-19 outbreak means City of Champaign employees must continue to serve that industry by reviewing building […]
City of Champaign Announces Additional Suspensions to Services
Today, the City of Champaign announced additional service changes to promote social distancing and to proactively support the prevention and management of COVID-19. Changes are temporary, and an announcement will be made once the City is able to return to normal business. The Code Compliance Division (Neighborhood Services) is suspending all inspections except for cases […]
Urban Planning Students Tour Bristol Place Residences
Taught by the City’s Assistant Director of Planning and Development Rob Kowalski, students from an Urban Planning class at the University of Illinois visited the new Bristol Place Residences on February 27, 2020. There they heard from developer Jim Roberts and were able to tour several of the homes and learn about the City’s process […]
Downtown Champaign Commercial District Receives Designation on National Register of Historic Places
The City of Champaign is proud to announce that on January 24, 2020, the United States Department of the Interior and National Park Service added the Champaign Downtown Commercial District to the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. The new Champaign Downtown Commercial District contains 52 contributing and 11 non-contributing structures and […]
City Planning Staff Engages with the “Next Generation”
In October 2019, staff members from Champaign’s Planning and Development Department – Rob Kowalski and TJ Blakeman – shared their expertise about Downtown development and city government with students from the Next Generation School after-school STEAM program. The students were highly engaged and asked great questions. Could be some future city planners in the group!
2020 Census Information
2020 Census Information In preparation for the upcoming 2020 Census, The Census Bureau will be conduction address canvassing in neighborhoods throughout Champaign County between August 4, 2019 and October 18, 2019. Census workers will be checking to ensure that all addresses are accurate for the official census count on April 1, 2020. These Census workers […]
New Way to Access Zoning Cases Online
Staff from the City of Champaign’s Planning and Development Department recently worked with the Geographic Information Systems Administrator to make previously approved zoning cases, including Planned Developments, Special Use Permits, Historical Landmarks, Rezonings, Mitigation Plans, Variances, and Annexation Agreements, available to the general public through the City’s Interactive City Map. The City Map is available […]
Tax Incentives Available to Champaign Residents Living in Enterprise Zone
With construction season ramping up, the City of Champaign reminds homeowners and landlords of an incentive program offered for the renovation and upgrade of single family and renter-occupied homes located in the City of Champaign’s Enterprise Zone. The Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program strives to improve properties within the Enterprise Zone (see map below) in order […]
City Employees Set New Records for Charitable Giving
In 2018, the City of Champaign once again participated in the Combined Charities Campaign that was organized by the United Way of Champaign County. Each year, the City participates in this campaign by encouraging City employees to donate to a wide variety of local, state, and national charitable organizations. The campaign wrapped up late last […]