City Staff Engage with Students at Booker T. Washington
On December 6, 2024, staff members from various City departments— including Neighborhood Services, Finance, Equity and Engagement, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Internet Technologies—furthered their engagement efforts by visiting Booker T. Washington Elementary School to read to students. This initiative focuses on promoting a positive outlook on reading and continued education while fostering meaningful relationships […]
Smoke Alarm Blitz – North Champaign
Firefighters and staff from the Champaign Fire Department and Neighborhood Services Department along with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance will be going door-to-door in a north Champaign neighborhood Friday, October 25, 2024, offering to check smoke alarms and installing free smoke alarms in homes that need them. This Smoke Alarm Blitz, beginning at 1:00 p.m., […]
Annual CU Days!
On August 10, 2024, the City was thrilled to be a part of the annual CU Days event. This event is steep in history and a crowd favorite for its resources, community focus and fun! The Equity & Engagement and Neighborhood Services Departments teamed up to make a meaningful impact by distributing back-to-school supplies and […]
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
On June 15, 2024 the Champaign Park District hosted their Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Douglass Park. Juneteenth commemorates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half […]
New Episode of Champaign Spotlight features Rob Kowalski
Dive into the latest episode of Champaign Spotlight, where we sit down with Neighborhood Services Director Rob Kowalski. Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton first talks with Rob about his background and what kept him in Champaign after attending the University of Illinois. Then we dig in to learn more about the pivotal role the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) […]
Trails at Brittany & Annual HOA Family Night
On January 16, 2024, the Trails at Brittany HOA combined a family night social event with their annual HOA meeting. This event was located at Jupiter’s at the crossing. This encouraged entire families to attend the meeting while enjoying pizza and games. Attendees received updates on HOA business, a safety presentation from Police, and engagement […]
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, […]