Equity and Engagement Staff Attends First Followers Film Screening
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, staff from the Community Safety and Justice and Mental Health and Emergency Response Divisions of the Equity and Engagement Department attended a Black History Month film screening hosted by Blueprint partner First Followers. The event was held at the space provided by fellow Blueprint partner Y on the Fly, creating […]
Staff & Council Members Attend Hire360 Pre-Apprenticeship Program Graduation Ceremony
On Saturday, February 21, Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, joined by City Councilmembers Kathy Shannon, Bob Pollett, and Vanna Pianfetti, City Manager Joan Walls, Public Works Director Terry Lusby, Jr., and Community Relations Managers Tracy Parsons and Jorge Elvir of the Equity and Engagement Department, attended HIRE360’s Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduation ceremony. City leadership and […]
A Community Working Together for Student Success
At the City of Champaign, we believe that every day a student is in school matters – not just for academic achievement, but for building confidence, opportunity, and a brighter future for our youth and our community. Student attendance isn’t just an education issue: it’s a community priority. When students show up every day, they’re […]
City Elected Officials and Staff Attend NAACP Gala
On Saturday, October 25th, Deputy Mayor Will Kyles along with Council Members Kathy Shannon and Shauna Clayborn, joined Equity and Engagement Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons, Justice Victim Advocate Angela Worthey, and members of the Champaign Police Department Command Staff for an inspiring event hosted by the NAACP, centered on “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” Keynote […]
E&E Staff Attend Bloomington’s Inclusion & Access Compliance Symposium
Equity & Engagement Community Relations Manager & Compliance Officer Janel Gomez and Community Relations Specialist Julio Velasco represented our department at the City of Bloomington’s Inclusion & Access Compliance Symposium. The event focused on the theme “Navigating Inclusion & Access Compliance” and brought together professionals from across Illinois to explore how workplaces can become more […]
City Staff Supports Y on the Fly Back to School Event
On Friday, August 8, the Equity & Engagement Department – Community Safety and Justice Division joined the Champaign Fire Department and Y on the Fly for a Back-to-School Giveaway & End-of-Summer Bash. The HOYCE Center also supported local families by providing free hygiene products, home essentials, clothing, and other daily necessities including backpacks and sunscreen. […]
City Hosts Community Events Against Gun Violence
Over the past week, members of the Equity and Engagement team participated in three impactful community-led meetings focused on creating change and finding solutions to end gun violence in our community. Notable attendees included Council Member Shauna Clayborn and Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler. The first event, titled “Stand Together Against Injustice,” took place on […]
Empowering Equity & Inclusion in Business: A Conversation with Janel Gomez
In a new episode of Champaign Spotlight, Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton chats with Community Relations Manager and Compliance Officer Janel Gomez. Learn about Janel’s vital work helping others in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division of the Equity and Engagement Department. She also explains the importance of the City’s Equal Opportunity in Purchasing Ordinance then […]
City Hosts Enforcement Education and Resource Fair at Providence at Thornberry
On August 17, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement, Neighborhood Services, Police, and Fire Departments partnered to host an Enforcement Education and Resource Fair for neighbors of Providence at Thornberry. The resource fair was held as part of a coordinated response to neighborhood concerns and issues reported to the City. Approximately 150 Providence neighbors […]
City staff, Officials attend Annual Crime Stoppers Meeting
Staff from Champaign Police and the Equity and Engagement Department attended the Crime Stoppers annual meeting and luncheon on Thursday, July 28th. Mayor Feinen and Deputy Mayor Kyles were also in attendance. At the meeting, Crime Stoppers shared updates on their program, which is partially funded by the City of Champaign through the Community Gun […]