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 […]
City Works to Improve Property in Disrepair
A home in the Garden Hills neighborhood fell into extreme disrepair. An exterior housing case and several nuisance complaints were opened on the property. NSD brought in a contractor to remove a large amount of refuse from the yard, mow the lawn, and secure the property. The housing case had been referred to the Legal […]
Neighborhood Services Staff Attend Inaugural NCDA Region V Conference
On April 24th, 2024 Community Development Specialists Shelby Mammano and Betsy Barclay attended the inaugural National Community Development Association (NCDA) Region V Conference in Columbus, Ohio. This conference marked a significant milestone as entitlement cities from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin gathered for the first time. Midwest Community Development Professionals came together to […]
March Community Coalition Meeting
On March 13 , 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held their monthly meeting at the Wyndham Garden Conference Center (1001 W Killarney St., Urbana, IL 61801). The meeting featured updates from local law enforcement regarding recent crime activities and engagement efforts. City of Champaign Neighborhood Services Department was able to promote their upcoming Champaign […]
City Awarded Strong Communities Grant
In June 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department applied for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Program (SCP) grant. The City was recently notified it was awarded $135,000 in grant funds. This money will aid in returning approximately 11 vacant residential properties in Champaign to productive and taxable uses. This is done by demolishing […]