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 […]
NSD Hosts Game Night at Hedge POP! Park
On Thursday June 9th, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a Game Night event at Hedge POP! Park from 5-7pm. City staff from NSD, Champaign Police, and Equity and Engagement Departments were on hand to engage with Garden Hills youth at the park. These events are held each Thursday at a different park throughout the city. […]
“Race Talks” at Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center
On March 24, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department joined “Race Talks” that were being held at the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center. As part of their afterschool program, these middle school students engaged in important conversation about race in American society today. This open and honest space allowed them to share their personal […]
Citizen Review Subcommittee Training
In February 2023, the City Council approved the appointment of two new members to the Citizen Review Subcommittee (CRS). On March 11, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement, Legal, and Police Departments held an all-day training session for new and existing members of the CRS. CRS members learned about limits of authority, use of […]
Neighborhood Services and Equity and Engagement Departments Relocating to New Offices
On February 27, 2023, the City of Champaign’s Neighborhood Services and Equity and Engagement Departments will begin serving the public from a new location in Downtown Champaign. The new offices are located at 205 W. Park Avenue, just west of the Virginia Theatre and a short walk from their current home in the City Building. […]
City Staff Member Presents to Central Illinois Human Resources Group
On Tuesday, February 14th, Jorge Elvir, Community Relations Manager for E&E, spoke at the Central Illinois Human Resources Group presenting on: You are welcome here! – Fostering an environment of inclusion. The presentation focused on the importance of welcoming environments when defining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This included an overview of what […]
Y on the Fly Launch
Wednesday, February 8th, community members and partners gathered to celebrate the launch of the Y on the Fly after-school site (2422 W. Springfield Ave. Champaign.) Y on the Fly seeks to deliver a “Y without walls” programming experience directly to underserved communities who lack transportation and critical resources for youth development and success. After-school participants […]
Equity and Engagement Staff Attends Healing Circles at Centennial High School
On February 9th, Justice Victim Advocate Jarrel Young (Equity and Engagement) attended Healing Circles at Centennial High School. These weekly sessions provide young men an opportunity to connect with community leaders and receive empowering messages of hope and resilience.