Neighborhood Services Department Staff Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Homebuild
On June 18, staff from the Neighborhood Services Department volunteered their time to support a Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County homebuild on Cypress Drive. Neighborhood Services staff assisted with siding installation. The Cypress Drive home is one of several new construction projects led by Habitat for Humanity to increase access to safe, affordable housing […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts NRD Resource Exchange
On Monday, June 16, the Neighborhood Services Department-Relations Division hosted a resource exchange focused on the topic of best practices for neighborhood engagement. Neighborhood Relations Manager John Ruffin gave a presentation on neighborhood organizing, including holding effective meetings, planning and implementing neighborhood-based engagement activities, and the resources offered by the City to support registered neighborhood […]
Ridgewood Neighborhood Association Holds Neighborhood Meet and Greet Event
On June 7, 2025, the Ridgewood Neighborhood Association held a neighborhood meet and greet, which served as the newly formed group’s first all-call meeting. More than 30 neighbors had the opportunity to meet Neighborhood Services and Police Department staff, including Police Chief Tyler. Ridgewood neighbors discussed possible social activities and are excited to work with […]
Timberline Valley South HOA Holds Neighborhood Clean-Up
The Timberline Valley South HOA hosted a neighborhood clean-up event on May 31, 2025. 34 neighbors participated, dropping off mattresses, box springs, and other bulk items for disposal. The event was well planned and organized. Group leaders rented a dumpster and neighbors were asked to sign up prior to the event start. The HOA partnered […]
Mittendorf Neighborhood Association Light Installation
On June 2, 2025, the Mittendorf Neighborhood Association held a small block party to celebrate the installation of solar powered yard lights. The lights were purchased using neighborhood small grant funds. Group leaders spoke with Public Works Engineering staff to discuss placement of the lights in the parkway to help deter vehicle break-ins. Neighborhood volunteers […]
Holiday Park Neighborhood Association Holds Neighborhood Group Meeting
On May 31, 2025, the Holiday Park Neighborhood Association held a neighborhood group meeting at Leonhard Recreation Center. Councilmember Shauna Clayborn was invited to share her vision and hear neighbor concerns as the newly elected District 3 representative. Attendees also discussed responses to a neighborhood survey that polled potential engagement projects for the group to […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts State of IL Chief Homelessness Officer
On May 29, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a day-long site visit by representatives from the Illinois Office to Prevent Homelessness, including Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley and Senior Policy Advisors Euginia Olison and Michael Mallory. The visit provided an opportunity for local elected officials to engage with Ms. Haley and her team regarding State […]
2025 Champaign Neighborhood Network Conference Wrap-Up
The Neighborhood Services Department hosted the 2025 Champaign Neighborhood Network Conference on May 9, 2025. Mayor Feinen provided inspiring opening remarks at the breakfast reception. This event was attended by more than 100 community leaders representing neighborhood groups, community organizations and other governmental units. City Departments, including the City Manager’s Office, Equity and Engagement, Planning […]
Devonshire HOA Hosts Annual Meeting
The Devonshire HOA group held its annual meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Neighborhood Services and Public Works staff were present to respond to neighborhood questions regarding engagement and street lighting. Public Works Director Terry Lusby provided neighbors with an overview of the process for requesting additional neighborhood streetlights. He also shared information regarding other […]
11th Annual Smoke Alarm Blitz
On May 3, 2025, the 11th annual ‘Smoke Alarm Blitz’ mobilized over 60 dedicated volunteers. This significant community initiative honors lives lost in residential fires and proactively works to prevent future tragedies. Volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods surrounding Spalding Park, distributing 125 informational bags containing fire safety literature and guidance on scheduling smoke alarm installations. Critically, […]