City of Champaign News

City Council to Consider Use of Grant Funds for Violence Prevention and Reduction

On February 21, 2023, the Champaign City Council will consider an agreement to accept a $334,440 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) through the federal Violence Prevention and Reduction Program. The grant funding was appropriated for the City of Champaign by State Representative Carol Ammons. If the agreement is approved, the grant […]


February 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting

The City Council agenda for the February 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting is now available through the link below. This meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers of the City Building, 102 N. Neil Street in Champaign, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and participation is welcome and encouraged. […]


Lunar New Year Celebration

On Saturday, February 11, community members from around Champaign and Urbana got together to celebrate a belated Lunar New Year! April Faulkner (E&E) got the opportunity to enjoy the festivities hosted by the New American Welcome Center. The 2023 Year of the Rabbit was celebrated with fun for the whole family and opportunities to learn about […]


Equity and Engagement Assists Displaced Residents

On February 14, the Equity and Engagement staff provided bus pass vouchers to displaced residents of Champaign Park Apartments.  Families that are in need will be given essential necessities like transportation and food vouchers, hygiene products, covers/blankets, food., etc. Above:  Justice Victim Advocates Jarrel Young and Eric Toga with residents


National African American Parent Involvement Day

On February 13, 2023 communities across the country celebrated National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) and the City of Champaign was no exception. The focus of this day is for parents to get involved with their children’s schools to see what their children experience day-to-day and support their educational futures. The Equity and Engagement […]


Cyntoia Brown Long Book Signing

On February 15, 2023, the Trauma and Resilience Initiative, in partnership with the Champaign County Community Coalition, set up a private discussion and book signing with Cyntoia Brown Long at the Illinois Terminal. The goal of the discussion was for transitional youth and community resource staff to have the opportunity to learn about Cyntoia’s journey […]


City Staff Member Presents to Central Illinois Human Resources Group

On Tuesday, February 14th, Jorge Elvir, Community Relations Manager for E&E, spoke at the Central Illinois Human Resources Group presenting on: You are welcome here! – Fostering an environment of inclusion. The presentation focused on the importance of welcoming environments when defining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This included an overview of what […]



City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club

On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]


Church Street Lane Closure (between New Street and Elm Street)

In order to complete sidewalk installation for Central High School North Fields, Stark Excavating is closing one westbound lane of Church Street between New Street and Elm Street.  The closure began on Tuesday, February 14, and will reopen on Friday, February 24, 2023, weather permitting. Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the […]