March Community Coalition Meeting Highlights
The Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting, where local law enforcement shared recent crime trends and upcoming community engagement events. The I Am Helen Strong chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America shared an overview of the foundation’s overall goals regarding diagnosis, treatment, and access to services. They also announced their Lupus Awareness […]
Community Outreach and Engagement Division Hosts Film Screening and Community Discussion
On March 4, 2026, in partnership with Illinois Soul, the Community Outreach and Engagement Division, along with the Race Relations Subcommittee, hosted a community film screening and discussion featuring the documentary Black and Jewish in America: An Interwoven History. The film, narrated by Henry Louis Gates Jr., explores the longstanding relationship between Black and Jewish […]
Community Leaders and Service Providers Begin Work on Countywide Homelessness Plan
On Monday, March 9, more than 150 individuals representing over 50 organizations gathered at the Champaign Public Safety Headquarters (CSPH), Homebase, and the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center to kick off the development of the Champaign County Plan to End Homelessness. The event marked an important first step in a collaborative, countywide effort to […]
Orientation Welcomes New Pre-Apprenticeship Cohort to Skilled Trades Training
On Tuesday, March 10, the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council hosted an orientation for the newest cohort of its pre-apprenticeship program. The program is designed to provide training, mentorship, and support for individuals from underserved communities who are interested in pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Participants receive foundational instruction that prepares […]
Building a Strong Foundation: The City’s New Co-Responder Team
The City’s new Co-Responder Team has been actively building the skills and partnerships needed to support residents through a compassionate, community-centered response. The team recently completed Mental Health First Aid certification led by Dr. Kristal Hines, alongside members of the Police Department, Fire Department, and METCAD. The Co-Responder Team also participated in substance use response […]
Equity and Engagement Staff Attends First Followers Film Screening
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, staff from the Community Safety and Justice and Mental Health and Emergency Response Divisions of the Equity and Engagement Department attended a Black History Month film screening hosted by Blueprint partner First Followers. The event was held at the space provided by fellow Blueprint partner Y on the Fly, creating […]
City Staff Connect with Cultural Districts Across Illinois at State Meeting
Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager for the Equity and Engagement Department, recently attended the State-Designated Cultural District Meeting in Springfield, Illinois, hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Staff provided representation on behalf of the North First Street Cultural District. During the meeting, staff engaged in meaningful discussions focused on funding […]
City Supports Courage Connection “Breaking the Cycle”
On February 25, 2026, the Champaign County Community Coalition, in partnership with Courage Connection, hosted the “Breaking the Cycle – Town Hall Event.” City Councilmember Bob Pollett and Deputy City Manager Christopher Walton attended, demonstrating the City’s leadership presence and commitment to addressing issues impacting local youth and families. The community forum brought together residents, […]
Monthly Shine the Block Event Draws a Crowd
Council Member Shauna Clayborn joined Kellen Brown and Andre Davis from the Equity and Engagement Department at the most recent monthly Shine the Block event, continuing the City’s commitment to meaningful community engagement. Shine the Block events play an important role in strengthening relationships between residents, community organizations, and City staff. These gatherings help ensure […]
Staff & Council Members Attend Hire360 Pre-Apprenticeship Program Graduation Ceremony
On Saturday, February 21, Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, joined by City Councilmembers Kathy Shannon, Bob Pollett, and Vanna Pianfetti, City Manager Joan Walls, Public Works Director Terry Lusby, Jr., and Community Relations Managers Tracy Parsons and Jorge Elvir of the Equity and Engagement Department, attended HIRE360’s Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduation ceremony. City leadership and […]