Staff Attend Youth Assessment Center Meeting
On Tuesday, July 8, staff from the City’s Equity and Engagement Department and Police Department—including Mikal Washington (Community Relations Specialist), Andre Davis (Justice Victim Advocate), Aaron Lack (Investigations Lieutenant), and Katherine Thompson (Patrol Lieutenant)—attended a Youth Assessment Center meeting at the Brookens Administrative Center. The meeting focused on collaborative strategies to address juvenile justice challenges […]
City Sponsors Sensory-Friendly Activity at Freedom Celebration
The City’s Equity and Engagement Department is proud to sponsor a sensory-friendly activity at this year’s Champaign County Freedom Celebration, highlighting its commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all residents. The event will feature That Kid Place, a mobile sensory museum designed to provide a welcoming and supportive activity for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including […]
July Community Coalition Update
The Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. A key highlight of the meeting was the update on the upcoming Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, scheduled for September 20, 2025. The event will feature Dr. Tiffany Gholson of Breaking Barriers International as […]
Campus-Community Compact Convening
On June 5, 2025, the Campus-Community Compact hosted its “Compact in Action: Community Impact Stories” event at the Beckman Institute. The gathering welcomed Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, Council Member Vanna Pianfetti, and key representatives from the City’s Equity and Engagement and Information Technologies Departments. Notable attendees included Community Relations Managers Tracy Parsons and Janel Gomez, […]
Community Relations Manager Attends Welcoming Interactive Conference
From May 20-22, 2025, Community Relations Manager Janel Gomez (Equity and Engagement) attended the 2025 Welcoming Interactive in Detroit. This biennial conference brought together more than 1,000 community leaders, policymakers, and advocates to share best practices and innovative strategies for immigrant inclusion and community building. The event featured workshops, panel discussions, and keynote addresses focusing […]
Neighborhood Network Conference Videos Now Airing on CGTV
Two more sessions from the 2025 Champaign Neighborhood Network Conference are now available for viewing on CGTV and Vimeo. These sessions were presented by the Equity and Engagement Department, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve public safety and community collaboration. The first session covers the Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint Update. This discussion offers historical context on […]
E&E Staff Attends Early Childhood Graduation of Blueprint Client
On May 22, Justice Victim Advocate Angela Worthey and Intern Elise Gratz (Equity & Engagement) attended the Pre-K graduation at the Regional Planning Commission’s Early Childhood Program. They were there to support the family member of a Blueprint client who is currently receiving wraparound services. The room was filled with joy and celebration as families, […]
Community Coalition Holds Monthly Meeting
On May 14, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting, where law enforcement officials shared updates regarding recent crime activity and upcoming community engagement events. Also presenting at the meeting, Regina Crider (Senior Policy Analyst for Community and Parent Leadership) delivered key insights into the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, emphasizing the […]
2025 Champaign Neighborhood Network Conference Wrap-Up
The Neighborhood Services Department hosted the 2025 Champaign Neighborhood Network Conference on May 9, 2025. Mayor Feinen provided inspiring opening remarks at the breakfast reception. This event was attended by more than 100 community leaders representing neighborhood groups, community organizations and other governmental units. City Departments, including the City Manager’s Office, Equity and Engagement, Planning […]
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 […]