Category: Equity & Engagement Department News

North First Street | Designated Cultural District

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the City of Champaign’s North First Street has been selected as one of the ten inaugural State Designated Cultural Districts.  Launched in 2023, the State-Designated Cultural Districts program aims to uplift the unique contributions of historic cultural districts with the overarching goal of increasing […]


City of Champaign Location Selected as Inaugural State-Designated Cultural District

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the City of Champaign’s North First Street has been selected as one of the ten inaugural State Designated Cultural Districts. The North First Street Cultural District, which is home to sections of the African American Cultural Trail and newly redesigned Skelton Park, contains landmarks […]


Resistance in Resilience : Intertwining Our Roots Standing Our Ground

On  February 24, 2024, Eric Toga from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the University of Illinois’ annual Black & Latinx Summit  “Resistance in Resilience : Intertwining Our Roots Standing Our Ground”. This was an all day event held from 9:30am to 6:30pm at The I-Hotel and Conference Center. The summit discussed the challenges students […]


CUPHD | Black Health, Wealth, and Wellness Panel Discussion

On February 22, 2024, Mikal Washington and Eric Toga from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the Black Health, Wealth, and Wellness panel discussion hosted by Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s Justice Coalition. The event focused on the inequalities regarding healthcare, economic development, and access to resources for blacks in America. City staff were able to […]


IDOT Conference | Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward

On February 21, 2024, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department and Adonis Fuller from the Finance Department attended IDOT’s annual conference “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” in Springfield, IL at the Crowne Plaza hotel. The event was centered around providing education and networking opportunities to DBE firms and contractors. City staff provided information on […]


Community Coalition February Meeting

On February 14, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at Holiday Inn Conference Center (101 Trade Center Dr., Champaign, IL 61820). This month’s meeting included updates from local law enforcement regarding crime statistics, upcoming engagement efforts, and partnership opportunities. Operation Hope, a college and career readiness program through Unit 4 held […]


City Staff Attend ILCMA Winter Conference

City Manager Dorothy Ann David and Deputy City Manager Joan Walls attended the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) Winter Conference in Normal, IL February 7-9, 2024. During the conference, Joan Walls was honored with the Life Saver Award, which honors ILCMA members who have provided support and mentoring to members in career transition. In addition, […]


Du Sable Summit

On February 1, 2024, Community Relations Manager, Tracy Parsons (E&E) participated in the Du Sable Summit hosted by the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment. The purpose of the event was to convene black business organizations, leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. Participants were able to build connections, share ideas, participate in world-class matchmaking, and receive firsthand […]


Welcoming Plan ‘Thank You!’ Luncheon

On  January 20, 2024 staff from the Equity and Engagement Department, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center, hosted a ‘Thank You!” luncheon at the Illinois Terminal. This luncheon provided leaders, collaborators, and supporters of the Champaign County Welcoming Plan to come together and celebrate the milestones that have been reached thus far. With […]