On June 17, 2025, the Planning and Development Department held a Developer’s Forum with 57 attendees. The forum was held at Papa Del’s Pizza Factory, and updates were given on several City initiatives. Eric Van Buskirk, Senior Planner, provided an overview of the Downtown Plan update process and market analysis. Fire Chief Andy Quarnstrom explained the intent and benefits of updated requirements for emergency vehicle access for new developments, and T.J. Blakeman, Planning Manager for Economic Development, highlighted key projects to be completed through the Capital Improvement Plan.
Following a hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Planning and Development Department reinstated the Developer’s Forum in 2025 in keeping with the recommendations of the Development Services Audit. The Developers Forum meets three times each year for a lunch, learning and networking meeting that includes members of the local development community, City elected leaders, City staff, and representatives from community serving institutions like the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Unit 4 Schools and many others.
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