Category: City Manager’s Office News

Inaugural “Rising Star” Program

March 30, 2023, the Champaign County Community Coalition, Parkland College, Urbana 116, and Unit 4 came together to promote black student excellence. The inaugural “Rising Star” program recognized any 5th, or 8th grade African-American student that has shown academic promise and/or academic excellence. Using a variety of data sets (including MAP, IAR, attendance, discipline, etc.) […]


City Staff Celebrate International Women’s Day

On March 8, 202, International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated around the world. This day is a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. The theme of IWD 2023 was #EmbraceEquity, a campaign to get the world talking about […]


New Episode of Champaign Spotlight Features Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler

The City’s video magazine show, Champaign Spotlight, puts the spotlight on the people, programs, and events of the City of Champaign. The latest episode debuted this week and features an interview by Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton with Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler. Chief Tyler shares some details about his amazing career before joining the […]


City Staff Presents to Environmental Leadership Program

On February 17, 2023, Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton spoke with students enrolled in the University of Illinois’ Environmental Leadership Program. The presentation featured an overview of the Council-Manager form of government and policy development at the local level. Approximately 25 students attended in person and more attended via Zoom. The students were engaged and asked […]


City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club

On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]


City Staffer Presents at ILCMA Winter Conference

On February 9, 2023, Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton participated in a panel presentation at the Illinois City/County Management Association’s (ILCMA) Winter Conference in Normal, Illinois. The presentation titled “Don’t Get Bitten by the Social Media Beast” provided tips about how local governments can use social media to better engage with residents. The panel shared information […]


New Champaign Spotlight Features Library Director Brittany Millington

The City’s video magazine show, Champaign Spotlight, puts the spotlight on the people, programs, and events of the City of Champaign. The latest episode features an interview with Library Director Brittany Millington. Brittany shares a little about her path to her current position and then talks about all of the programs and services that make […]


Equity and Engagement Hosts Community Conversations

On December 10, 2022, the Equity and Engagement Department, in partnership with the University of Illinois’s Community Compact, hosted a Community Conversations event titled “Addressing Economic Development and Minority and Women Owned Business Initiatives in Champaign County.” This meeting brought together more than 40 stakeholders from across the community, the University of Illinois, local business […]


City Staff Honored for Their Service and Commitment

During the City’s annual Employee Awards and Service Recognition Ceremony on November 16, 2022, the City celebrated the accomplishments and service of many of our exceptional staff members. This year’s ceremony honored 144 employees for going above and beyond the call of duty during the last challenging year. Employee Awards are earned in recognition of […]


New Champaign Spotlight Features Rachel Joy

The City’s video magazine show, Champaign Spotlight, is back! Each episode of the show puts the spotlight on the people, programs, and events of the City of Champaign. The latest episode features Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton interviewing Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy.  Rachel first shares how the department was formed to meet the needs […]