ILCMA Recognizes Champaign’s City Managers
Two prestigious awards were presented to Champaign’s current and former City Managers staff during the Summer ILCMA Conference on June 4. City Manager Joan Walls was honored with ILCMA’s Special Service Award. This award is presented to those in the profession who have notable association or affiliate activity and significant professional accomplishments, including charitable acts, […]
ILCMA Summer Conference Visits Champaign
Champaign hosted the 2025 ILCMA (Illinois City/County Management Association) Summer Conference from June 3-5. Nearly 300 representatives from communities across the state attended the conference, which featured presentations and discussions regarding leadership strategies, innovation, and issues facing communities. Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen attended the awards luncheon on June 4, where she presented the event’s opening […]
11th Annual Power of the Purse
On May 1, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy participated in the 11th Annual Power of the Purse held at Pear Tree Estates. This significant yearly fundraiser, organized by the United Way through its Women United group, harnesses the generosity of attendees via engaging silent and live auctions specifically […]
LIFT Black History Month
On Monday, February 19, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls, accompanied by Community Relations Manager, Tracy Parsons and Community Relations Specialist, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department, attended the LIFT Black History Month event at Neil St. Blues Champaign County Clerk, Aaron Ammons, delivered an informative presentation on the complex process of expungement. This […]
Champaign City Council to Vote on Appointment of Joan Walls as Next City Manager
At its meeting on December 3, 2024, the Champaign City Council will consider a resolution to appoint Joan Walls to serve as the next City Manager for the City of Champaign. For the past eleven years Walls has served as Deputy City Manager, a position that functions as the Chief Operating Officer of the City […]
39th Annual University of Illinois Celebration of Diversity.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Deputy City Manager, Joan Walls, and staff from Equity and Engagement Department participated in the 39th Annual University of Illinois Celebration of Diversity. This event, a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, brings together both university and community members to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures […]
Community Gun Violence Response Meeting
On August 5, a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting was held at Garden Hills Elementary School from 4 to 5:30p.m. The meeting was hosted by the Equity and Engagement Department in collaboration with the CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative. The meeting was attended by City Council members Vanna Pianfetti, Will Kyles, Kathy Shannon, and Jamar […]
Summer Youth Employment Services (YES) Program Farewell
On August 2, 2024, staff from the City Manager’s Office, the Equity and Engagement Department, the Police Department, and Public Works Department came together with their interns to celebrate the conclusion of the Summer Youth Employment Services (YES) Program. From 11 am to 1 pm, the team enjoyed a delightful lunch and engaged in fun […]
EDDIT Site Visit and Symposium
On June 5 and 6, 2024, staff from Equity and Engagement, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments participated in the Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT) site visit. EDDIT, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, offers specialized data analysis and storytelling training for nonprofit, community, and government organizations dedicated to promoting urban equity in […]
LIFT Black History Month Annual Program
On February 26, 2024, Deputy City Manager, Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Department staff, Rachel Joy and Tracy Parsons, attended the LIFT annual Black history month event held at Neil St. Blues. The event was an opportunity for families and students to review historical facts with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance, engage with […]