City Staff Join Community for Love & Peace Barbecue
Staff from multiple City departments were on-hand on Sunday, July 27, to join in the fun at a Love & Peace BBQ event in Douglass Park. The event was intended to build community and lift up young residents, including a meal, dance contest, structured activities, and school supply giveaways. City Manager Walls, Mayor Feinen, and […]
Co-Responder Models | Lunch and Learn
On May 1, 2025 the Justice Victim Advocates from E&E participated in a Lunch and Learn event at the Cunningham Township Supervisor’s Office. The session aimed to educate community members and service providers on various Co-Responder Models implemented nationwide. The presentation highlighted the existing benefits for local agencies, organizations, and residents as our region progresses […]
11th Annual Power of the Purse
On May 1, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy participated in the 11th Annual Power of the Purse held at Pear Tree Estates. This significant yearly fundraiser, organized by the United Way through its Women United group, harnesses the generosity of attendees via engaging silent and live auctions specifically […]
Language Access | What You Need to Know
On May 1, 2025, Social Work Intern Terra Salgado from Equity and Engagement delivered a Language Access Training to department staff. This evidence-based and interactive session focused on practical strategies for creating a more equitably accessible community. Key objectives included defining language access, highlighting the consequences of inadequate access, explaining different types of interpretation, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Staff Attend Unit 4 Career Fairs
On February 12 and 13, 2025, City staff attended the Career and Technical Education Week career fairs hosted by Unit 4, visiting Central High School on February 12 and Centennial High School on February 13. Approximately 50 employers attended each event to talk with Freshmen through Senior students about local career opportunities, incorporating an interactive […]
2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards
On Sunday, Sept 22, 2024, City staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Equity & Engagement Department, were excited to participate in the 2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards hosted by CU Immigration Forum. The 11th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards Ceremony and Celebration was a resounding success, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant […]
2024 Pride Fest & Parade
On Saturday, September 21, 2024 City Council Members Matthew Gladney and Michael Foellmer, in addition to City staff from CMO, E&E, and PW attended the 2024 Pride Fest and Parade hosted by Uniting Pride of Champaign County. The City Pride Float was one of 70 floats in the parade and the City hosted a resource […]