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 […]
One Hope United | Open House
On April 23, 2025, City staff from both the Champaign Police Department and the Equity & Engagement Department were present at an open house hosted by One Hope United. This Illinois-based non-profit organization provides crucial support to approximately 10,000 children each year through educational programs, family and youth assistance, and mental health services. The event […]
Staff Canvass for Fire Safety
On April 24, 2025, firefighters and staff from the Champaign Fire Department, Building Safety Department, and Equity & Engagement department collaborated in a proactive effort to enhance fire safety within the community. Their joint initiative involved a thorough canvassing of the neighborhoods surrounding Spaulding Park. This groundwork was laid in preparation for the upcoming Fire […]
Urbana School District 116’s Strategic Plan Development
On April 16-17, 2025, Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons (Equity and Engagement Department), participated in the Urbana School District 116’s Strategic Plan development sessions at the I Hotel Conference Center. Tracy was selected to join a group of community and educational leaders to help shape the district’s mission, core values, and strategic priorities for the […]
City Staff Panelist at I-Engage 2025
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons (Equity & Engagement), represented City staff as a panelist at the I-Engage 2025 – Community Wellness event, hosted at the Health and Wellness Center. The panel focused on redefining wellness within the community through a holistic lens—encompassing environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and organizational dimensions. Panelists […]
Champaign County Community Coalition
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting. The Coalition was excited to host a special panel discussion focused on the critical issues of Civility, Compassion, Climate Change, and Violent Crime. The panel, comprised of Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone, Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler, TRI Director Karen Simms, […]
Speaking at City of Peoria’s Fair Employment Commission
At the beginning of April, Community Relations Manager, Janel Gomez (Equity and Engagement) spoke at a meeting with the City of Peoria’s Fair Employment Commission. During this meeting, Janel provided the commissioners with a comprehensive overview of the Equity and Engagement department’s responsibilities and ongoing activities. She also addressed their questions regarding the City’s Human […]
City Staff Attend the Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment Conference
From April 8–11, 2025, Community Relations Specialists, Betsy Barclay and Mikal Washington, (Equity and Engagement Department) attended the 8th Annual Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Hosted by the University of Illinois College of Education, the four-day event brought together scholars and community leaders from across the country to engage in […]
Chief Tyler, Equity & Engagement Staff Participate in Empathy Panel
On Thursday, April 10, Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler participated as a panelist in a discussion entitled “Empowering Empathy.” The panel was hosted by the Grainger School of Engineering at UIUC. Chief Tyler was among several law enforcement officials from throughout the area who participated, including elected officials, UIPD co-responders, and leaders at the University […]