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 dilapidated properties and awarding them to new owners through the City’s Lot Disposition Program.
Special thanks to Community Development Specialists Betsy Barclay and Shelby Mammano who led the grant application effort, along with assistance from staff in Code Compliance, Police, Planning, Public Works, and Finance.