City Holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
On September 11, 2024, the Champaign Fire and Police Departments came together for a solemn ceremony to honor the lives lost in the tragic events of 9/11. The event, held at West Side Park, featured reflections, the ringing of the bell, and the lowering of the flag in honor of the victims, first responders, and […]
Community Gun Violence Response Meeting
On August 5, a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting was held at Garden Hills Elementary School from 4 to 5:30p.m. The meeting was hosted by the Equity and Engagement Department in collaboration with the CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative. The meeting was attended by City Council members Vanna Pianfetti, Will Kyles, Kathy Shannon, and Jamar […]
Summer Youth Employment Services (YES) Program Farewell
On August 2, 2024, staff from the City Manager’s Office, the Equity and Engagement Department, the Police Department, and Public Works Department came together with their interns to celebrate the conclusion of the Summer Youth Employment Services (YES) Program. From 11 am to 1 pm, the team enjoyed a delightful lunch and engaged in fun […]
4th Annual Beat the Streets
On June 29, 2024, Angel’s Youth Center hosted their fourth annual “Beat the Streets” event at Champaign’s Centennial Park. Executive Director Angelica Johnson said the event was created to educate kids about the dangers of gun violence, and to encourage consideration for their future. Angel’s Youth Center welcomed nearly 50 kids from throughout Central Illinois […]
The Beat Kicked Off In a Big Way!
May 31 was the official kick off for The Beat Downtown Champaign! The Beat is a new campaign to bring more music, entertainment, and culture to Downtown. The Beat aims to attract residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds, provide a safe and inclusive space to enjoy entertainment, to showcase Downtown’s unique shops and businesses, and […]
CPD Marks Police Week with Ceremonies
The Champaign Police Department marked National Police Week (May 12-18, 2024) with events and ceremonies. These events included the annual Police Memorial and a Historical Dedication held on May 14, Police Employee Awards held on May 15. The department used the week’s celebration to offer opportunities for the Champaign community to learn about CPD’s storied history, including a […]
The Beat
The City is thrilled to announce the launch of the downtown entertainment district’s official logo “The Beat.” Unveiled at a Council study session on May 7, 2024, the Beat encompasses all of the downtown entertainment district. Boasting a wide variety of entertainers and programs for the community to enjoy, The Beat will allow community members […]
CAACI Community Event
On April 20, 2024, City staff from the Equity and Engagement Department and the Police Department attended a community event hosted by the Chinese American Association of Central Illinois (CAACI). This event allowed members of CAACI and community members to learn more about the organization and meet their newly elected board members. The event featured […]
2nd Annual “Rising Star” Program
On March 28, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition, Parkland College, Champaign Unit 4, and Urbana 116 schools came together to promote black student excellence. The 2nd annual “Rising Star” program recognized any 5th or 8th grade African American student that has shown academic promise and/or academic excellence. Using a variety of data sets (including […]
Dispute Resolution Institute Informational
On March 28, 2024, Mikal Washington with the Equity and Engagement Department and Joe Lamberson with the Champaign Police Department attended a listening session hosted by Dispute Resolution Institute. The event brought together community leaders and local service providers to discuss conflict resolution. Participants were able to share insight into how the community currently deals […]