New Episode of Champaign Spotlight features Rob Kowalski
Dive into the latest episode of Champaign Spotlight, where we sit down with Neighborhood Services Director Rob Kowalski. Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton first talks with Rob about his background and what kept him in Champaign after attending the University of Illinois. Then we dig in to learn more about the pivotal role the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) […]
City Beautifies Its Public Spaces
At the request of the City Manager, signage was installed in conference rooms at 205 W. Park Avenue and in the second floor hallway of 102 N. Neil Street. The frosted vinyl signs are approximately three feet square, and proudly show off the City’s Logo and Mission Statement. The signs serve not only to accentuate […]
South Downtown Sanitary Sewer Project (Springfield Avenue Lane Closure)
In order to reconstruct the north side sidewalk and retaining wall along the Springfield Avenue viaduct, Stark Excavating will close the westbound lane of Springfield Avenue between South Market Street and South Water Street. Both Market Street and Water Street will remain accessible throughout the closure. This work is a continuation of the South Downtown […]
LIFT Black History Month Annual Program
On February 26, 2024, Deputy City Manager, Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Department staff, Rachel Joy and Tracy Parsons, attended the LIFT annual Black history month event held at Neil St. Blues. The event was an opportunity for families and students to review historical facts with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance, engage with […]
City Staff Attend ILCMA Winter Conference
City Manager Dorothy Ann David and Deputy City Manager Joan Walls attended the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) Winter Conference in Normal, IL February 7-9, 2024. During the conference, Joan Walls was honored with the Life Saver Award, which honors ILCMA members who have provided support and mentoring to members in career transition. In addition, […]
Welcoming Plan ‘Thank You!’ Luncheon
On January 20, 2024 staff from the Equity and Engagement Department, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center, hosted a ‘Thank You!” luncheon at the Illinois Terminal. This luncheon provided leaders, collaborators, and supporters of the Champaign County Welcoming Plan to come together and celebrate the milestones that have been reached thus far. With […]
Presentations to University Environmental Leadership Program
On January 12, 2024, Council Member Alicia Beck and Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton presented at the University of Illinois’ Environmental Leadership Program. Council Member Beck shared several tips for the group to consider when advocating for local policy changes, and Jeff provided an overview of the Council-Manager form of government and how policy issues are […]
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 […]
City Manager Announces Appointment of New Champaign Fire Chief
Today City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced that she has appointed Andy Quarnstrom to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Fire Chief. Quarnstrom has served at the Champaign Fire Department for more than 26 years and is currently the Acting Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. He has also served as the elected City of […]
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 […]