Category: Neighborhood Services Department News

Campus-Community Compact

On June 21, 2023 was the launch of the Campus-Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice (Compact) Convening. In response to Chancellor Jones’ Call-To-Action against racism and social injustice in July 2020, the Community Action and Public Engagement (CAPE) Committee established the Compact, comprised of a diverse group of leaders from both the campus and the […]


Neighborhood Services Hosts Game Night in Turnberry Ridge Park

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a game night in Turnberry Ridge park. Game nights are designed to bring neighbors together to enjoy an evening of fun in their own neighborhood parks. Staff simply show up, set up, and provide games, music, a bounce house and frozen treats for whatever neighbors […]


City Staff Attends Damage Assessment Training

Staff from the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) and the Building Safety Division (BSD) participated in Damage Assessment Training presented by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Staff from other area government agencies including the University of Illinois and Champaign County attended the training as well. Due to recent staff turnover in both NSD and BSD, […]


Neighborhood Services Host In-Person Neighborhood Leaders Meeting

On Friday, June 9, 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) hosted an in-person neighborhood leaders meeting at the CityView Events and Meeting Center. This was the first in-person meeting for the group leaders since March of 2020, when COVID-19 dictated a change to an all-virtual meeting format. Representatives from 27 of the City’s 45 registered […]


NSD Hosts Game Night at Hedge POP! Park

On Thursday June 9th, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a Game Night event at Hedge POP! Park from 5-7pm. City staff from NSD, Champaign Police, and Equity and Engagement Departments were on hand to engage with Garden Hills youth at the park.  These events are held each Thursday at a different park throughout the city. […]


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 […]