City Awarded Strong Communities Grant
In June 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department applied for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Program (SCP) grant. The City was recently notified it was awarded $135,000 in grant funds. This money will aid in returning approximately 11 vacant residential properties in Champaign to productive and taxable uses. This is done by demolishing […]
Two New Registered Neighborhood Groups
On Monday September 11, 2023, Old Warson Road neighborhood watch held their first group meeting at Powell Park. Ten neighbors participated in the initial group meeting and discussed challenges and opportunities impacting the neighbors. NSD staff shared engagement and organizing strategies to address some of the neighborhood stability issues. The initial group meeting will be […]
Liberty on the Lake HOA Hosts Neighborhood Bash
On August 19, 2023, the Liberty on the Lake HOA hosted their Neighborhood Bash at Henry Micheal Park. The event included food, slushies, games, a bounce house, music and an inflatable obstacle course for neighbors to enjoy. The neighborhood bash was one the many neighborhood-based events implemented as part of the City’s 43:43:43 Neighborhood Engagement […]
Strides Low Barrier Shelter End of Summer BBQ
On August 26, 2023, staff from the Strides Low Barrier Shelter hosted an end of summer BBQ for residents and volunteers. Neighborhood Ambassador, Javier Pena, supported the event by bringing the Neighborhood Engagement Trailer to Skelton Park to provide tables, chairs and music for the afternoon. Javier also assisted with event set up and tear […]
City Manager Announces Appointment of Neighborhood Services Director
City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced today that she has appointed Rob Kowalski to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Neighborhood Services Director starting October 9, 2023. Kowalski currently serves as Assistant Director of the City’s Planning and Development Department and has more than 25 years of experience as a city planner. Serving the […]
Turnberry Ridge HOA Annual Meeting
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Turnberry Ridge HOA held their annual HOA meeting. Per the group’s request, Police were in attendance to share crime data updates and address the neighbors’ safety concerns. The Neighborhood Ambassadors were in attendance to offer an overview of their work in support of neighborhood groups. Registered neighborhood groups are […]
CU Days 2023!
On August 12, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department participated in CU Days at Douglas Park by distributing school supplies, City information, and engaging with residents to inform them of upcoming City events. This could not have been accomplished alone; the Champaign Police Department, Champaign Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department, METCAD, Human Resources, Public Works, […]
Neighborhood Services Completes CommUnity Matters Site Visits
Neighborhood Programs staff members Jennifer Carlson, Betsy Barclay, and Shelby Mammano recently wrapped up site visits with the City’s CommUnity Matters partners: DreAAm, Champaign Park District, and Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. The site visit for Champaign Unit 4 School District will take place during the school year. Boys and Girls Club youth were […]
City Facilitates Game Night at Providence at Thornberry
On August 10, 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department returned to Providence at Thornberry to host another game night where families enjoyed games, music, a bounce house, and frozen treats. This game night is in preparation for the August 17, 2023, targeted engagement event for the Providence neighborhood. The event was hosted in partnership with the […]
Neighborhood Services Supports Neighborhood Based National Night Out Events
On August 1, 2023, several registered neighborhood groups hosted National Night Out events using up to $500 in small grant funds to cover costs. The $500 is in addition to the $5,000 per year registered groups can access to host neighborhood clean-up, beautification, and social events. Police, Fire, Equity and Engagement, and Neighborhood Services Neighborhood […]