Champaign Police Bolster Ranks, Address Unlawful Firearms in 2024
In 2024, the Champaign Police Department focused on hiring and officer training, along with continued proactive work to promote public safety in Champaign. Champaign Police hired 20 new personnel in 2024, including three civilians, 15 new hire officers, and two experienced officers. These hires include the largest and most diverse police academy class in the […]
Champaign County Community Coalition
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 PM – 5 PM. Champaign County Young Lives shared details about their program, which supports expecting and parenting adolescents in developing leadership, life skills, and faith. Young Lives provides mentorship and a range […]
Police Training Institute
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager for the Equity and Engagement Department, addressed incoming cadets from across the state at the Police Training Institute. With over 105 cadets in attendance, Tracy spoke about the vital importance of building strong Police-Community Relations and actively engaging with the community to foster positive connections […]
Visiting The Springfield Project’s CAP 1908 site
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager, and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist with the Equity and Engagement Department, participated in an incubator tour of The Springfield Project’s CAP 1908 site. This project aims to collaborate with public agencies and private partners to facilitate community development and revitalization, foster diversity development initiatives, […]
2024 Showcase of the Equitable Development Data Insight Training
On December 12, 2024, Rob Kowalski, Director of the Neighborhood Services Department; Rachel Joy, Director of the Equity and Engagement Department; and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist, participated in the 2024 Showcase of the Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT). During the event, City staff had the opportunity to present alongside other 2024 cohorts, including […]
Champaign County Community Coalition
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 to 5 PM. Coalition attendees had the opportunity to celebrate local law enforcement agencies as they showcased key achievements from 2024. Highlights included the introduction of innovative initiatives, the deployment of advanced equipment, […]
Government Alliance on Race and Equity Panel
On December 11, 2024, Rachel Joy, Director of the Equity and Engagement Department, served as one of two panelists for the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) conversation on Operationalizing Policies to Foster Connected and Prosperous Immigrant Communities. GARE includes 13,000 plus members who serve as racial equity practitioners and other governmental staff representing […]
DEI County Presentation
On Dec. 10, 2024, Janel Gomez from the Equity & Engagement Department, gave a presentation to the Champaign County Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Task Force about the City of Champaign’s Equal Opportunity in Purchasing Ordinance, the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program, and the DEI Division at the City of Champaign. The County DEI Task force […]
State Designated Cultural District Quarterly Meeting
On December 10, 2024, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the State Designated Cultural District quarterly meeting. During the meeting, staff had the opportunity to connect with representatives from other districts to explore potential collaboration opportunities, discuss next steps in planning, and review the reporting process.
City Staff Engage with Students at Booker T. Washington
On December 6, 2024, staff members from various City departments— including Neighborhood Services, Finance, Equity and Engagement, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Internet Technologies—furthered their engagement efforts by visiting Booker T. Washington Elementary School to read to students. This initiative focuses on promoting a positive outlook on reading and continued education while fostering meaningful relationships […]