Community Canvasing
On July 28, 2024 a tragic gun violence incident that took the lives of two 18-year-olds in the community. The Equity and Engagement Department staff, aided by the Neighborhood Ambassadors, and Summer YES intern, Iris Kim, canvassed the area surrounding the Mattis North Apartment complex throughout the week of July 29. Flyers were passed around […]
Champaign Neighborhood Networking Conference Gives Chance to Learn, Connect
On May 17, the Neighborhood Services Department, supported by the Equity and Engagement Department, hosted the Champaign Neighborhood Networking Conference (CNNC). This conference was designed to bring neighborhood stakeholders, community members, and professional experts together to discuss a wide variety of topics. Presentations included information on how to apply for grant funding and develop programming […]
Communiversity Action to Renew Engagement (C.A.R.E) Talks
On March 23, 2024, Community Relations Manager, Tracy Parsons attended the Communiversity Action to Renew Engagement (C.A.R.E) Talks at Virginia Theater. The event’s focus was to bring together campus and community through engagement in support of students in east-central Illinois. Members of the public and students were provided with an opportunity to connect, learn about […]
Citizenship Fast Track Program
On December 9, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department assisted the New American Welcome Center (NAWC) in the final steps of their first Citizenship Fast-Track program. This intensive 10-day program was designed for community member seeking citizenship who were confident in their English skills. Through this program they learned about American history and […]
Welcoming New American Citizens
On November 30, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the Naturalization Ceremony at Parkland College Theatre. The event was hosted by the Honorable Eric I. Long, United States Magistrate Judge, Central District of Illinois, Urbana. There were 113 community members, from 36 countries, that Naturalized to become United States citizens. The process […]
News, Brews, and Beatz
On October 26, 2023, Tracy Parsons of the Equity and Engagement Department co-hosted News, Brews, and Beatz hosted by the Illinois Public Media. This installment discussed the health, wealth, and challenges of black owned businesses in Central Illinois. Special guests Matthew J. Simpson, of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Tricia D. […]
City Celebrates 2023 CU Pride Fest and Parade!
On September 30, 2023, the City of Champaign joined the CU Pride Fest and Parade to celebrate everything that makes us fabulous! Council members, Alicia Beck, Matthew Gladney, Kathy Shannon, Michael Foellmer and City Staff from the Equity & Engagement Department, Public Works, Neighborhood Services Department, and Planning Department all came out to walk in […]
Designated Procurement Initiative Event
On August 7, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department introduced the Designated Procurement Initiative to interested small business owners. The Designated Procurement Initiative is a program in which the City of Champaign will set aside contracts for small, local, and low-income business owners. DPI was designed to increase the capacity of local economically disadvantaged contractors […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts Game Night
On August 3, 2023, Neighborhood Services hosted a game night at Providence at Thornberry. Typically held in neighborhood parks, this game night was held at the Providence club house. Families enjoyed games, music and a bounce house. Staff also invited the Providence neighbors back to the clubhouse for an education and resource fair planned for […]
‘Thank You’ Celebration!
Through the University of Illinois and Champaign Community Unit 4 School District, the City welcomed 19 interns and Youth Employment Services (YES) students to join our staff this summer. These students were able to see the ins and outs of how the City works while getting hands on experience in eight different departments. On July […]