11th Annual Smoke Alarm Blitz
On May 3, 2025, the 11th annual ‘Smoke Alarm Blitz’ mobilized over 60 dedicated volunteers. This significant community initiative honors lives lost in residential fires and proactively works to prevent future tragedies. Volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods surrounding Spalding Park, distributing 125 informational bags containing fire safety literature and guidance on scheduling smoke alarm installations. Critically, […]
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 […]
Voices through Vision
On April 25, 2025, Justice Victim Advocate Angela Worthy (E&E) joined members of the Urbana City Council, the Regional Planning Commission (RPC), and representatives from both Champaign and Urbana, to support “Voices through Vision” at Rape, Advocacy, Counseling, and Education Services (RACES). This event showcased artwork by survivors and provided a supportive open mic forum […]
Country Brook Apartments Easter Fair
On April 18, 2025, staff from the Champaign Police Department and the Equity & Engagement Department hopped over to participate in a vibrant Easter Egg Hunt and Resource Fair held at Country Brook Apartments. This inclusive event, organized by Country Brook Apartments, fostered connection by inviting various community partners and city departments to host informative […]
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 […]
Champaign County Community Coalition
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting. The Coalition was excited to host a special panel discussion focused on the critical issues of Civility, Compassion, Climate Change, and Violent Crime. The panel, comprised of Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone, Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler, TRI Director Karen Simms, […]
Speaking at City of Peoria’s Fair Employment Commission
At the beginning of April, Community Relations Manager, Janel Gomez (Equity and Engagement) spoke at a meeting with the City of Peoria’s Fair Employment Commission. During this meeting, Janel provided the commissioners with a comprehensive overview of the Equity and Engagement department’s responsibilities and ongoing activities. She also addressed their questions regarding the City’s Human […]
Youth of the Year Competition
On March 14, 2025, Equity and Engagement Department Director, Rachel Joy, had the honor of attending the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club (DMBGC) Youth of the Year Event. Ms. Joy was a Youth of the Year judge for the event. Ms. Joy had the responsibility of evaluating and selecting the most outstanding club member who […]
City Staff Engage with Students at Booker T. Washington
On December 6, 2024, staff members from various City departments— including Neighborhood Services, Finance, Equity and Engagement, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Internet Technologies—furthered their engagement efforts by visiting Booker T. Washington Elementary School to read to students. This initiative focuses on promoting a positive outlook on reading and continued education while fostering meaningful relationships […]