Neighborhood Services Staff Attend Site Visit at Bristol Senior Residences
On September 22nd, Neighborhood Services staff Rob Kowalski and Sarah Tate attended a site visit with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and their Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen) 2025 Cohort at Bristol Senior Residences. NextGen is a cohort of 15 emerging BIPOC developers across Illinois who want to gain knowledge about developing […]
Several Neighborhood Groups Host Engagement Events
On Saturday, September 20, the Copper Ridge HOA hosted a block party. Neighbors enjoyed food, a bounce house, and yard games borrowed from the NSD engagement trailer. On Sunday, September 21, the South Willis Neighborhood Group held the 41st annual block party. The group held as potluck and enjoyed games and talking with neighbors. On […]
Neighborhood Services staff Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication
Neighborhood Services staff attended the Green Family Home Dedication on September 25. They joined Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County, partners, and neighbors to celebrate the Green family’s new home and the community effort that made it possible. The house was built on the site of a former neighborhood pool. When the homeowners association could […]
Timberline Valley South HOA Completes Common Area Fallen Tree Removal
On July 25, 2025, the Timberline Valley South HOA completed the removal of a fallen tree from their commons area. The tree had fallen onto a neighboring fence on private property. Shoreline erosion along the adjacent detention basin caused the tree to become uprooted. The HOA used the City’s small grant program funds to help […]
Ashland Park HOA Holds Neighborhood Cleanup Event
On June 17, 2025, the Ashland Park HOA held a neighborhood cleanup event to remove litter and debris from their north and south ponds adjacent to North Prospect Avenue. Nine neighborhood volunteers collected 12 bags of trash. Litter sticks, buckets and gloves, as well as snacks for volunteers, were provided by Neighborhood Services in support […]
Neighborhood Services Department Staff Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Homebuild
On June 18, staff from the Neighborhood Services Department volunteered their time to support a Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County homebuild on Cypress Drive. Neighborhood Services staff assisted with siding installation. The Cypress Drive home is one of several new construction projects led by Habitat for Humanity to increase access to safe, affordable housing […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts NRD Resource Exchange
On Monday, June 16, the Neighborhood Services Department-Relations Division hosted a resource exchange focused on the topic of best practices for neighborhood engagement. Neighborhood Relations Manager John Ruffin gave a presentation on neighborhood organizing, including holding effective meetings, planning and implementing neighborhood-based engagement activities, and the resources offered by the City to support registered neighborhood […]
Ridgewood Neighborhood Association Holds Neighborhood Meet and Greet Event
On June 7, 2025, the Ridgewood Neighborhood Association held a neighborhood meet and greet, which served as the newly formed group’s first all-call meeting. More than 30 neighbors had the opportunity to meet Neighborhood Services and Police Department staff, including Police Chief Tyler. Ridgewood neighbors discussed possible social activities and are excited to work with […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts State of IL Chief Homelessness Officer
On May 29, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a day-long site visit by representatives from the Illinois Office to Prevent Homelessness, including Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley and Senior Policy Advisors Euginia Olison and Michael Mallory. The visit provided an opportunity for local elected officials to engage with Ms. Haley and her team regarding State […]
Bristol Place Senior Residences Groundbreaking Ceremony
On December 2, 2024, Neighborhood Services partnered with Bristol Place Residences developer AHDVS, LLC to host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bristol Place Senior Residences. Due to the cold weather, the groundbreaking ceremony was held indoors at the John Lee Johnson Clubhouse. Site prep is already underway for the 60-unit affordable housing complex for seniors […]