The Beat
The City is thrilled to announce the launch of the downtown entertainment district’s official logo “The Beat.” Unveiled at a Council study session on May 7, 2024, the Beat encompasses all of the downtown entertainment district. Boasting a wide variety of entertainers and programs for the community to enjoy, The Beat will allow community members […]
Keeping Construction Workers and City Inspectors Safe during COVID-19
The March 20, 2020, stay-at-home order issued by Governor Pritzker identified activity that was considered “essential.” Included on this list is “Construction” which is interpreted to mean both private and public construction projects. The continuance of construction during the COVID-19 outbreak means City of Champaign employees must continue to serve that industry by reviewing building […]
City Planning Staff Engages with the “Next Generation”
In October 2019, staff members from Champaign’s Planning and Development Department – Rob Kowalski and TJ Blakeman – shared their expertise about Downtown development and city government with students from the Next Generation School after-school STEAM program. The students were highly engaged and asked great questions. Could be some future city planners in the group!
Kowalski Named Visit Champaign County Board Chair
Rob Kowalski, Assistant Director of the City of Champaign Planning and Development Department, assumed responsibility as the new Board Chair for Visit Champaign County. Visit Champaign County is the official destination marketing and management organization for Champaign County. Their mission is to advance the overall destination experience for the greater Champaign County area. Visit Champaign […]
Open House Workshop Meeting Held for Neil Street Corridor Improvement Plan
On March 29, Planning & Development Department Staff and Ratio architects hosted a public engagement opportunity for input on the “Preferred Alternative” of the Neil Street Corridor Improvement Plan. Thirty-three residents attended the workshop and gave input on the proposed concepts which will be used to develop a draft plan moving forward. The Open House […]
Watch Champaign Connection Episode #62 on CGTV and Social Media
There is a new episode of Champaign Connection now playing most nights at 6:30 p.m. on CGTV (Comcast and iTV3 Broadband channel 5, and AT&T U-verse channel 99). This episode will air on CGTV from April 1, through May 31. It is also available on the City’s website and YouTube channel. On episode 62: […]
In-Town Neighborhood Listening Session
On Thursday, December 7, approximately 70 residents from the In-Town Neighborhood Association and the Washington Street Neighborhood Association attended a Listening Session at the Champaign Public Library. The purpose of the Listening Session was to hear interests and concerns as they relate to zoning and development regulations for new buildings in the In-Town Zoning Districts. At […]
Planning and Development Department Completes Website Upgrade
The Planning and Development Department recently launched their redesigned department webpages. The new pages include several updated features, including a new visual interface, quick links to the services most commonly requested of the department, and several new features, like assistance with conducting historical research on a property. The site is organized by the department’s major areas of […]
Planning Staff Helps Kids with Bikes, Bike Skills
Ben LeRoy, Associate Planner in the Planned and Development Department, assisted in the Let’s Get Rolling C-U Earn-A-Bike Program for local middle and high school students. This program was led by a partnership of the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign, and the Champaign Urbana Safe Routes to School Project. […]
Champaign Planners serve in leadership roles in Professional Organizations
Staff of the Planning and Development Department has traditionally been active volunteers with the American Planning Association which is the largest professional membership organization for planners. This involvement showcases the success of Champaign at a state and national level and also provides the opportunity to bring great ideas from other elsewhere home to Champaign. T.J. […]