Category: Neighborhood Services Department News

Neighborhood Services Staff and Board Member Attend the Feeding Champaign County Food Summit

Neighborhood Services staff Jennifer Carlson and Brittanie McMullen, and Neighborhood Services Advisory Board Member Richard Weibl, recently attended the Feeding Champaign County Food Summit, joining community partners to discuss strategies that improve food access and strengthen coordination across local organizations. The summit brings together leaders from across the food system to collaborate on solutions that […]


Neighborhood Services Department Hosts Resource Exchange

The Neighborhood Services Department’s Neighborhood Relations Division (NRD) hosted the NRD Resource Exchange on Wednesday, March 18. Viktoria Ford from Friends of Geese shared information on humane management of the goose population. Attendees included members of various Homeowners Association (HOA) groups across the city, and one participant asked how to encourage geese to move away […]


Neighborhood Services Tours Completed Flooring Project at Strides Shelter

Neighborhood Services staff recently toured Strides Shelter following the completion of a flooring replacement project supported by the City. The project replaced worn flooring in the entry area, staff offices, hallways, and the laundry room, improving safety and the overall condition of the facility. The work was completed in January 2026 at a total cost […]


City Staff attend Affordable Housing Forum

Neighborhood Services Department staff recently attended the Illinois Housing Council Affordable Housing Forum, joining approximately 825 housing professionals from across Illinois. The event brought together developers, consultants, nonprofit organizations, lenders, and public agencies to discuss strategies for expanding affordable housing and addressing growing housing demand. City staff also networked with affordable housing developers and consultants […]


Elementary Students Encouraged to “Protect Their Dream”

On February 26, Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons, alongside author Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan, visited Leal Elementary and Kenwood Elementary Schools to discuss Dr. Logan’s book, Protecting a Dream. Through messages of accountability, perseverance, and personal responsibility, students engaged with the themes of the book and were encouraged to reflect on their own goals, choices, […]


Staff Attend UIUC Housing Fair

Staff from the Neighborhood Services Department attended the UIUC Housing Fair to promote the Housing Needs Analysis and Strategy survey and share information on how to request a tenant inspection. Staff discussed the initial findings of the Housing Needs Analysis and Strategy with students and had conversations about their housing concerns. Visit engagechampaign.org for more […]


Neighborhood Services Department Hosts Resource Exchange

The Neighborhood Services Department’s Neighborhood Relations Division hosted a Resource Exchange on February 21, 2026 at Champaign Fire Station 1. Public Works staff presented information on detention pond maintenance and available City programs, credits, and incentives to assist. They also shared information on the various State-level organizations that provide resources on best practices for detention […]


Council and Staff Tour New C-U At Home Shelter

City Council members and staff recently toured the new C-U at Home shelter site at 1207 S. Mattis. The facility is expected to begin serving individuals later this month and will add 26 new shelter beds to support community members in need. The City invested $408,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for critical […]


Neighborhood Services Department’s Housing Rehab Programs Help Reduce Radon in Homes

Did you know: The City’s housing rehab programs help reduce radon levels in qualifying homes. January is National Radon Action Month, a time to highlight the importance of protecting families from radon exposure in their homes. Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless gas that can seep into houses through the ground and is the second […]


Neighborhood Services Hosts Reception for Registered Neighborhood Group Leaders

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Neighborhood Services Department-Neighborhood relations Division hosted a Neighborhood Leaders Reception in appreciation of the various engagement activities completed by neighborhood leaders and volunteers. Neighborhood-based engagement activities increased by 42% over last year, with 50 total engagement events in 2025 versus 35 in 2024. The largest increase was in neighborhood-based […]