Neighborhood Services Applies for IHDA Strong Communities Grant
Neighborhood Services staff members worked hard preparing an application to the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Program (SCP), that was due June 7, 2023. This program funds local municipalities to help address affordable housing needs and community revitalization efforts. Consideration of these funds will aid in returning several vacant residential properties in Champaign […]
Code Compliance Division Tours Idea Garden
The Code Compliance Division of the Neighborhood Services Department recently toured the Idea Garden at the University of Illinois Arboretum. The inspectors attended to become more familiar with some common alternative vegetation. There is an area in front of the main garden that has some examples of alternative vegetation that is appropriate for planting in […]
“Ice Pops with a Cop” Event Held at Hedge Pop! Park
On June 6, 2023, Champaign Police were joined by staff from multiple City departments to host “Ice Pops with a Cop” at the Hedge Pop! Park. This first-time event featured hundreds of popsicles and fun activities for police personnel, city staff, and children from the Garden Hills neighborhood, along with an opportunity for the kids […]
Neighborhood Services and Busey Bank Successfully Close Out the Affordable Housing Program Grant
In June 2019 Neighborhood Services partnered with Busey Bank to apply for a highly competitive Affordable Housing Program grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB). In November 2019 the Neighborhood Services Department received notice that they were approved for the grant for the purpose of providing safety and lighting upgrades to single […]
Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park
On May 26, 2023, the City of Champaign came together to host a Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park. The City’s Equity and Engagement Department, with the assistance and support of the Police, Planning, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments were there to make sure this was the best event possible. Multiple Blueprint partners, community organizations, […]
City Uses Yard Signs to Promote Modified SLEEP Enrollment
During Modified SLEEP installations, the City is posting signs in participants’ yards to promote the program. The new signs will lead neighbors to the enrollment form through a convenient QR code. This new method of promotion was implemented in response to neighbors approaching contractors to learn how they could get enrolled. The Modified SLEEP Program […]
43:43:43 Neighborhood Engagement Campaign Update
Neighborhood Services and Public Works Department staff attended the United Garden Hills Neighborhood Association (UGHNA) neighborhood group meeting on May 15. Public Works provided an update on the drainage and lighting infrastructure improvement construction timeline planned for the neighborhood. Also attending was Champaign Park District Executive Director Sarah Sandquist, who received community input regarding proposed Hedge POP! […]
Game Night in Turnberry Ridge Park
Neighborhood Services Department hosted a game night at Turnberry Ridge Park on Thursday, May 18, from 5-7 pm. The event was a success, with nearly 30 kids and 15 adults dropping by for a fun filled and family friendly evening that included games, a bounce house, music, and refreshments. Game nights are hosted in […]
2023 Boneyard Creek Community Day
Boneyard Creek Community Day (BCCD) started in 2006, and what started as a few volunteers to clean up the Boneyard Creek, has turned into over 900 volunteers to clean up litter around the community. Boneyard Creek Community Day is organized by Champaign Park District, Urbana Park District, University of Illinois Facility Services, Prairie Rivers, Savoy, […]
Garden Hills Hedge POP! Park Refresh
The Hedge POP! Park is receiving a refresh ahead of the summer months. Last week, City Staff from the Planning and Development, Neighborhood Services Department and Engineering Division worked with dedicated volunteers from First Followers and about 10 neighborhood kids to spread mulch, place planter boxes, pick up liter and also have some fun! More […]