Champaign City Manager Dorothy Ann David today announced her plans to retire from the City of Champaign on December 20, 2024. David has served the City of Champaign for more than 30 years, including the last eleven years as City Manager.
Upon announcing her upcoming retirement, City Manager David said, “I am extremely grateful to have served this community for the past 30 years, working with the many City employees who selflessly care for our City. It has been an honor to serve with them and making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am also appreciative of the support and leadership of the City Council members with whom I have worked during my time with the City. Champaign is a special place because of their commitment and stewardship.”
David started with the City of Champaign in 1994 as Neighborhood Services Director, was promoted to Assistant City Manager in 2007, and has served as City Manager since April 2013. Prior to working for the City of Champaign, David served as the Community and Neighborhood Services Director for the City of Muskegon, Michigan, Community Development Program Manager for the City of Kansas City, Kansas, and as a Public Management Intern for the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen said, “Dorothy has dedicated the last 30 years to making a difference in the lives of Champaign’s residents. Thanks to her professionalism, Champaign is recognized nationally as a leader in government efficiency, ingenuity, and responsibility. Dorothy leaves big shoes to fill in the City organization, but her hard work, dedication, and forethought has positioned the City for continued future success even as we move to this next chapter. On behalf of the City Council, I congratulate and thank City Manager Dorothy David for her long and impactful career of public service and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.”
City Manager David has played an integral role in many City projects, policies, and initiatives during her 30 years with the City. Through her leadership as City Manager, the City consistently adopted balanced budgets and maintained its AAA bond rating. David was also instrumental in leading the City through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Some other examples of City accomplishments during David’s tenure include:
- Neighborhood Wellness and Affordable Housing – Construction of the Taylor Thomas Subdivision, Oakwood Trace Townhomes, Douglass Square, and the Bristol Place Subdivision.
- Infrastructure Investment -The MCORE project, Green Street Streetscape improvements, sanitary sewer expansion projects, numerous stormwater control projects, the Downtown Plaza, and Garden Hills Neighborhood infrastructure improvements including drainage, streetlights and the new Hedge Park.
- Economic Development – Expansion of the University of Illinois Research Park, the Carle at the Fields development, the Costco development, and the launch of the City’s Small Business Incentive Programs.
- Community Reinvestment – TIF Districts to support redevelopment in Downtown and Campustown, the Kraft Warehouse development, Bristol Place and Garden Hills neighborhood improvements, and preparing for a new Springfield and Mattis TIF District.
- Public Safety – Establishing the Citizen Review Subcommittee to allow for public participation in the police complaint process, implementation of Police Body-worn Cameras, Automated License Plate Readers, Public Safety Cameras, and partnering on a new countywide Police Records Management System.
- Expanded Transparency – Increased public access to information through the City’s Financial Transparency Portal, Just FOIA Portal, and the Engage Champaign public engagement platform.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Establishment of the City’s Equity and Engagement Department, adoption of the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program, and Champaign’s designation as a Welcoming Community.
- Community Partnerships – Support for The Launch Business Center and The Studio teen space at the Champaign Public Library; joint leadership for the LIFT Program with Unit 4 Schools to empower traditionally underserved youth and families; ongoing support for Experience CU, 40North, and the Economic Development Corporation; and leadership of the Champaign County Community Coalition.
The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Champaign City Council. More information about the appointment of the next City Manager will be shared in the coming weeks.