Neighborhood Services Department Submits CAPER to HUD
On September 28, 2023, Neighborhood Services staff submitted the FY 2022-23 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CAPER summarizes the progress the City made in carrying out its strategic plan outlined in its 5-year Consolidated Plan, including accomplishments, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources […]
HOA Improves Curb Appeal Along Section of Bradley Avenue
On July 8 and 9, 2023, the neighbors of the Sawgrass HOA completed clean up and mulching of trees in their commons area along Bradley Avenue. This project was completed utilizing small grant funds as part of Neighborhood Services’ 43:43:43 neighborhood engagement campaign. The campaign encourages the City’s registered neighborhood groups to complete neighborhood engagement […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts Quarterly CommUnity Matters Meeting
Neighborhood Programs staff met with representatives from Champaign Park District, Unit 4, and Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club on July 11, 2023, for the first Quarterly Meeting of FY 2023-24. These agencies shared information on their active summer youth programming, such as success and areas for opportunity, upcoming events, and emerging issues amongst the […]
City Staff Attends Damage Assessment Training
Staff from the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) and the Building Safety Division (BSD) participated in Damage Assessment Training presented by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Staff from other area government agencies including the University of Illinois and Champaign County attended the training as well. Due to recent staff turnover in both NSD and BSD, […]
Code Compliance Division Tours Idea Garden
The Code Compliance Division of the Neighborhood Services Department recently toured the Idea Garden at the University of Illinois Arboretum. The inspectors attended to become more familiar with some common alternative vegetation. There is an area in front of the main garden that has some examples of alternative vegetation that is appropriate for planting in […]
Neighborhood Services Department Celebrates 30 Years
The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) was created in 1992 to address neighborhood needs by utilizing the City’s Neighborhood Wellness Action Plan, coordinating neighborhood-based City services, and taking the lead on public information and citizen participation activities. The Department provides services and programs that directly contribute to healthy, thriving neighborhoods. NSD is comprised of three unique […]
City Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Host Home Maintenance Workshop
On October 17, 2022, Rehabilitation Technician Dan Gaskin (Neighborhood Services Department) presented Home Ownership 101, a home maintenance workshop, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Nineteen people attended the free, online workshop. The presentation consisted of maintenance tips for homeowners, including visual checks inside and outside the home, replacing furnace filters, smoke and carbon monoxide […]
Mayor and City Staff Attend Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication
City staff recently attended the dedication of the Habitat for Humanity home for the Hull family. At the event, Mayor Feinen spoke about the City’s longstanding relationship with Habitat for Humanity. The City has provided buildable lots through donation and most recently through the City’s lot disposition program. City staff have also been fortunate to participate […]
CommYOUnity: It Takes You To Make It Work! Block Party
On July 28, 2022, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a neighborhood based CommYOUnity block party at Town Center Apartments. More than 100 neighbors enjoyed an evening of food and games, as well music provided by DJ Silkee. Resource and information vendors included representatives from the Community Violence Response Team, the Trauma and Resilience Initiative, and […]
New Mayor Feinen Podcast Discusses the Hedge Pop! Park
Mayor Feinen talks with Senior Planner Lacey Rains Lowe and Neighborhood Relations Manager John Ruffin about what went into getting the Hedge Pop! Park up and running. The temporary park is the pilot project for the Safe Places, Active Spaces initiative, providing an exciting new neighborhood amenity to our Garden Hills neighbors. At the intersection […]