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 […]
City Staff Attend ILCMA Winter Conference
City Manager Dorothy Ann David and Deputy City Manager Joan Walls attended the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) Winter Conference in Normal, IL February 7-9, 2024. During the conference, Joan Walls was honored with the Life Saver Award, which honors ILCMA members who have provided support and mentoring to members in career transition. In addition, […]
Day of Forgiveness
On December 13, 2023 community members were invited to participate in the first ever ‘Day of Forgiveness’ in Champaign County. This Day of Forgiveness began the night before when families impacted by gun violence were able to have a meal with Dr. Tony Davis, a gun violence survivor himself, to discuss grief and the journey of forgiveness. The following […]