City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club
On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]
Justice Victim Advocates Canvass Neighborhoods in Response to Shooting Incident
Justice Victim Advocates Jarrel Young and Eric Toga (Equity and Engagement Department) canvassed Heritage Rd., Clayton Blvd., and Pomona Dr. in Champaign for a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting scheduled for September 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Parkland College. The meeting is in response to a recent shooting incident in the neighborhood. Door-to-door canvassing helps […]
City Staff Respond to Recent Incidents of Community Gun Violence
On September 7, 2022, staff from the Community Safety and Justice Division (Equity and Engagement) hosted a community meeting at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in response to a series of recent shootings near the Garden Hills neighborhood. Residents were informed of Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint resources to help address issues and find solutions […]
Champaign Police Report 51% Reduction in Shooting Incidents in 2022
The Champaign Police Department is dedicated to promoting public safety, preventing and solving crime, and strengthening community relationships. Through July 11, 2022, Champaign Police reported a 51% reduction in shooting incidents in Champaign compared to the same timeframe last year. During the same period in 2021, there were 145 shooting incidents in Champaign, but so […]
Champaign Coalition’s CVRT Hosts Violence Response Meeting
On October 7, the Champaign County Community Coalition’s Community Violence Response Task Force hosted a Violence Response Meeting to support the residents in the neighborhood where 17-year-old Jonathon McPhearson was killed last week. Community Relations Specialist, Mary Catherine Roberson facilitated the event with CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative (CU TRI). City staff, church, and community […]
Champaign Coalition’s CVRT Hosts “Healing Communities” Open House
On Monday, September 20th, the Champaign County Community Coalition’s Community Violence Response Task Force hosted a “Healing Communities” open house at the American Legion for community members interested in assisting in efforts to address community violence. Community Relations Specialist Mary Catherine Roberson facilitated the event with Karen Simms of CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative (CU […]
Mayor and City Staff Attend Country Brook Cookout
On Wednesday, July 14 the Neighborhood Services Department hosted its first block party of the summer for the residents of Country Brook Apartments. NSD partnered with the Country Brook Cares neighborhood group to organize the block party with neighborhood residents. The goal of the event was to promote community solidarity and unity in response to […]
City Staff Hosts Neighborhood Safety Meeting
On Monday July 19th Mary Catherine Roberson, Community Relations Specialist, facilitated a Champaign County Community Coalition – Community Violence Response Task (CVRT) neighborhood safety meeting at the American Legion. City staff, church and community members came together to discuss solutions for safety and to hear about available resources. WCIA and WILL attended and covered this […]
City Staff Attends “Put The Guns Down” Peace Rally
On Thursday, May 20, HV Neighborhood Transformation hosted a “Put the Guns Down” peace rally in Hessel Park. City Manager Dorothy Ann David, Deputy City Managers Joan Walls and Matt Roeschley, Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons, and Community Relations Specialist Mary Catherine Roberson were in attendance. In addition City of Champaign Council Members Alicia Beck, […]
City Staff Connects with Community to Address Gun Violence
City Staff Connects with Community to Address Gun Violence On April 21st Mary Catherine Roberson, Community Relations Specialist and Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager and Compliance Officer, joined the Coalition’s Community Violence Response Team (CVRT) and Urbana School District #116 for a community conversation about recent incidents of gun violence. Click here if you would […]