GHMC Neighborhood Group Hosted Luminaries and Caroling Event
On December 17, 2023, the Green Healey Mckinley Chicago (GHMC) neighborhood group hosted an evening of luminaries and caroling. The group used the City’s small grant program to cover the costs of luminary bags, sand, and candles. Several neighbors filled the bags with sand and candles while others placed them along the sidewalks throughout the […]
Former O’Charley’s Property Cleanup
The Code Compliance Division responded to a complaint of tarps and refuse at the former O’Charley’s restaurant property. The inspector found two people living outside of the building. There was an accumulation of shopping carts, tarps, garbage, and other refuse. A nuisance notice was issued to the owner of the property. Neighborhood Services staff contacted […]
Day of Forgiveness
On December 13, 2023 community members were invited to participate in the first ever ‘Day of Forgiveness’ in Champaign County. This Day of Forgiveness began the night before when families impacted by gun violence were able to have a meal with Dr. Tony Davis, a gun violence survivor himself, to discuss grief and the journey of forgiveness. The following […]
Devonshire HOA Completes Gateway Sign Maintenance
The neighbors of the Devonshire HOA recently completed maintenance to their neighborhood’s gateway sign. Small improvements such repairs to the light fixtures and painting of the metal sign and emblem go a long way to refresh the neighborhood’s entrance. The cost for the work was covered by the City’s small grant program. Registered HOA groups […]
Neighborhood Services Advisory Board Open House
On November 9, 2023 the Neighborhood Services Advisory Board hosted an open house. This occasion served as the board’s annual public social event and was an opportunity for the City’s registered neighborhood group leaders, board and commission members, and residents to meet the current Neighborhood Service Advisory Board members, elected officials, and City staff. Approximately […]
City Celebrates Staff for Service and Values
The annual Employee Awards and Service Recognition Ceremony was held on November 15, 2023. This event celebrates the accomplishments and service of City of Champaign staff honored with either an employee award or for achieving a career milestone. This year’s celebration honored 83 employees who received an individual or team award. These staff members were […]
Resource Fair
On October 26, 2023, The Equity and Engagement Department and Neighborhood Services Department collaborated on a resource fair for Champaign residence. This fair took place from 4:00pm-6:00pm, in the parking lot of the commercial area shared with Blueprint Partner, Y on the Fly. There were more than 3 dozen people in attendance, even in midst […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts Block Party in Hedge POP! Park
On October 10, Neighborhood Services hosted a block party in connection with the Garden Hills Groundbreaking Ceremony. The block party served as one last engagement in the park, which will be removed to allow drainage improvements for the Garden Hills Neighborhood. The event included a DJ, food, a bounce house and a touch-a-truck display featuring […]
Code Compliance Update
The Code Compliance Division of the Neighborhood Services Department continues to receive a high number of tenant inspection requests. Through the end of September, 243 tenant inspection requests had been received. This is a slight increase over the same period in 2022, and an increase of more than 30% over the same period in 2021. […]
Connecting Communities: A Conversation with Javier Zenil Pena
In the latest episode of Champaign City Profiles we talk with Javier Zenil Pena, one of the City of Champaign’s dedicated Neighborhood Ambassadors in our Neighborhood Services Department. Javier explains why he loves his job which allows him to proactively assist residents, share information, and enhance community wellness and safety. From working downtown on weekends […]