Fall Display at the Downtown Plaza
The Public Works Forestry Section teamed up with a Project Specialist II in Planning and Development during the Farmer’s Market at the Plaza on Main and Neil to create a festive fall display. The Forestry crew showcased their creativity by carving a pumpkin from a Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) harvested earlier this year. They also […]
City of Champaign Launches Second Round of Small Business Programs
Applications accepted through October 26, 2025 The City of Champaign, in partnership with the Champaign County Economic Development Center, is excited to launch a second round of the New and Growing Business Programs. These programs are designed to help start and grow small businesses in the City of Champaign by providing financial assistance and technical […]
City of Champaign Launches the New City Center Team
Team to provide assistance and services in Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown The City of Champaign is excited to announce that the new City Center Team is now out and assisting visitors to the City’s core business districts. This team was created through a partnership with Block by Block, of Louisville, Kentucky. The City Center Team […]
Annual CU Days Event Brings Opportunity to Connect
On Saturday, August 9, City elected officials and staff participated in CU Days, a lively community event hosted by the Champaign Park District at Douglass Park. Departments represented included the City’s Equity and Engagement and Planning and Development Departments, along with the Champaign Police and Fire Departments. City representatives distributed school supplies to children, engaged with neighbors […]
City of Champaign Launches New Website to Highlight Downtown Plaza Entertainment
The City of Champaign has launched a new website to showcase entertainment programming on the new Downtown Plaza stage. VisitDowntownChampaign.com is now the public’s go-to source for up-to-date information about events and activities happening at this vibrant public venue throughout the summer. As part of the City’s new summer programming, two weekly series have officially […]
New Residential Permits Across the City
The City has seen 13 new single-family home permits issued in 2025, and permits for 299 new multi-family dwelling units since January. This is slightly ahead of pace for the number of single-family homes and multi-family units from 2024, which ended the year with 23 new single-family home permits and permits for 347 multi-family units […]
City’s Developers Forum Well Attended
On June 17, 2025, the Planning and Development Department held a Developer’s Forum with 57 attendees. The forum was held at Papa Del’s Pizza Factory, and updates were given on several City initiatives. Eric Van Buskirk, Senior Planner, provided an overview of the Downtown Plan update process and market analysis. Fire Chief Andy Quarnstrom explained […]
Downtown Plan Outreach at Juneteenth Celebration
The Planning & Development Department attended the Douglass Park Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, to gather input on the strategies and goals of the Downtown Plan. Over the last year, the Downtown Plan update team has gathered broad feedback and ideas on Downtown Champaign’s strengths, opportunities and needs. At the event, participants talked […]
ILCMA Recognizes Champaign’s City Managers
Two prestigious awards were presented to Champaign’s current and former City Managers staff during the Summer ILCMA Conference on June 4. City Manager Joan Walls was honored with ILCMA’s Special Service Award. This award is presented to those in the profession who have notable association or affiliate activity and significant professional accomplishments, including charitable acts, […]
ILCMA Summer Conference Visits Champaign
Champaign hosted the 2025 ILCMA (Illinois City/County Management Association) Summer Conference from June 3-5. Nearly 300 representatives from communities across the state attended the conference, which featured presentations and discussions regarding leadership strategies, innovation, and issues facing communities. Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen attended the awards luncheon on June 4, where she presented the event’s opening […]