Category: Neighborhood Services Department News

Champaign Unit 4 School District Hosts Operation Hope Informational Meetings

Neighborhood Programs staff attended informational sessions this week for Unit 4 School District’s upcoming program year for Operation Hope. A meeting was held at both Centennial and Central High Schools to inform current and newly students enrolled in Operation Hope of expectations for the coming year. Operation Hope is a college and career readiness program […]


Neighborhood Services Department Submits CAPER to HUD

On September 28, 2023, Neighborhood Services staff submitted the FY 2022-23 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CAPER summarizes the progress the City made in carrying out its strategic plan outlined in its 5-year Consolidated Plan, including accomplishments, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources […]


City Awarded Strong Communities Grant

In June 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department applied for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Program (SCP) grant. The City was recently notified it was awarded $135,000 in grant funds. This money will aid in returning approximately 11 vacant residential properties in Champaign to productive and taxable uses. This is done by demolishing […]


Two New Registered Neighborhood Groups

On Monday September 11, 2023, Old Warson Road neighborhood watch held their first group meeting at Powell Park. Ten neighbors participated in the initial group meeting and discussed challenges and opportunities impacting the neighbors. NSD staff shared engagement and organizing strategies to address some of the neighborhood stability issues. The initial group meeting will be […]


City Manager Announces Appointment of Neighborhood Services Director

City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced today that she has appointed Rob Kowalski to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Neighborhood Services Director starting October 9, 2023. Kowalski currently serves as Assistant Director of the City’s Planning and Development Department and has more than 25 years of experience as a city planner. Serving the […]


Turnberry Ridge HOA Annual Meeting

On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Turnberry Ridge HOA held their annual HOA meeting. Per the group’s request, Police were in attendance to share crime data updates and address the neighbors’ safety concerns. The Neighborhood Ambassadors were in attendance to offer an overview of their work in support of neighborhood groups. Registered neighborhood groups are […]


CU Days 2023!

On August 12, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department participated in CU Days at Douglas Park by distributing school supplies, City information, and engaging with residents to inform them of upcoming City events. This could not have been accomplished alone; the Champaign Police Department, Champaign Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department, METCAD, Human Resources, Public Works, […]


Neighborhood Services Completes CommUnity Matters Site Visits

Neighborhood Programs staff members Jennifer Carlson, Betsy Barclay, and Shelby Mammano recently wrapped up site visits with the City’s CommUnity Matters partners: DreAAm, Champaign Park District, and Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. The site visit for Champaign Unit 4 School District will take place during the school year. Boys and Girls Club youth were […]