City Staff Presents for National Small Business Week
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist (Equity and Engagement), and Adonis Fuller, Purchasing and Compliance Specialist (Finance), participated in the Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) webinar series in recognition of National Small Business Week. During the session, City staff presented information on the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP), highlighting the City’s […]
Speaker at the Police Training Institute
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Community Relations Manger, Tracy Parsons (E & E) spoke at the Police Training Institute. During his remarks, city staff emphasized the critical importance of fostering strong relationships throughout the community, promoting active engagement, and supporting the principles of community policing. City staff also highlighted the need for accountability and the […]
11th Annual Smoke Alarm Blitz
On May 3, 2025, the 11th annual ‘Smoke Alarm Blitz’ mobilized over 60 dedicated volunteers. This significant community initiative honors lives lost in residential fires and proactively works to prevent future tragedies. Volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods surrounding Spalding Park, distributing 125 informational bags containing fire safety literature and guidance on scheduling smoke alarm installations. Critically, […]
Co-Responder Models | Lunch and Learn
On May 1, 2025 the Justice Victim Advocates from E&E participated in a Lunch and Learn event at the Cunningham Township Supervisor’s Office. The session aimed to educate community members and service providers on various Co-Responder Models implemented nationwide. The presentation highlighted the existing benefits for local agencies, organizations, and residents as our region progresses […]
11th Annual Power of the Purse
On May 1, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy participated in the 11th Annual Power of the Purse held at Pear Tree Estates. This significant yearly fundraiser, organized by the United Way through its Women United group, harnesses the generosity of attendees via engaging silent and live auctions specifically […]
News, Brews, and Beatz is Back!
On Wednesday, April 23, News, Brews, and Beatz marked its 10th episode with a special live recording at Campbell Hall. Titled “It Takes a Village: The State of Champaign-Urbana’s Black Community Through the Lens of Key Black Leadership,” the program delved into pressing issues and promising opportunities within the local Black community, with a focus on youth development, education, […]
Language Access | What You Need to Know
On May 1, 2025, Social Work Intern Terra Salgado from Equity and Engagement delivered a Language Access Training to department staff. This evidence-based and interactive session focused on practical strategies for creating a more equitably accessible community. Key objectives included defining language access, highlighting the consequences of inadequate access, explaining different types of interpretation, and […]
Voices through Vision
On April 25, 2025, Justice Victim Advocate Angela Worthy (E&E) joined members of the Urbana City Council, the Regional Planning Commission (RPC), and representatives from both Champaign and Urbana, to support “Voices through Vision” at Rape, Advocacy, Counsoling, and Education Services (RACES). This event showcased artwork by survivors and provided a supportive open mic forum […]
Sharing Stories of Hope
On April 24, 2025 the Lived Experience Subcommittee hosted a Women’s Focus Group at Strides Shelter. During this session, subcommittee members facilitated discussions to understand the factors contributing to homelessness, identify helpful services, and explore how service providers can improve their support. The evening fostered positive feedback, highlighting the significant impact of services provided by […]
Country Brook Apartments Easter Fair
On April 18, 2025, staff from the Champaign Police Department and the Equity & Engagement Department hopped over to participate in a vibrant Easter Egg Hunt and Resource Fair held at Country Brook Apartments. This inclusive event, organized by Country Brook Apartments, fostered connection by inviting various community partners and city departments to host informative […]