Neighborhoods
Read more about the article Champaign’s revamped SLEEP program added hundreds of lights, cameras after Garden Hills pilot programMike Rock
Yard lights in the Garden Hills neighborhood illuminate the street. The City of Champaign's SLEEP program added hundreds of lights to the Garden Hills neighborhood between 2022 and 2023. Photo by Mike Rock.

Champaign’s revamped SLEEP program added hundreds of lights, cameras after Garden Hills pilot program

The Safety Lighting Energy Efficiency Program (SLEEP), originally designed to improve outdoor lighting and security in the Garden Hills neighborhood in 2019, got new…

Continue ReadingChampaign’s revamped SLEEP program added hundreds of lights, cameras after Garden Hills pilot program
Read more about the article Hope Village construction still faces opposition from Carver Park residentsAnna Eckburg
A detention pond and frames for potential tiny homes at the site of Hope Village, right next to the Carver Park neighborhood in Champaign on Oct. 13, 2025. Photo by Anna Eckburg.

Hope Village construction still faces opposition from Carver Park residents

In July 2023, construction broke ground on what was promised to be a first-of-its-kind community for some of Champaign County's most vulnerable residents: a…

Continue ReadingHope Village construction still faces opposition from Carver Park residents
Read more about the article Urbana pushes to revitalize Philo Road area amid ongoing crime concerns Andrew Burkey
The intersection of Philo Road and East Amber Lane. Photo taken Oct. 30, 2025 by Andrew Burkey.

Urbana pushes to revitalize Philo Road area amid ongoing crime concerns 

After years of economic downturn, vacant storefronts and aging infrastructure, the City of Urbana is once again setting its sights on reviving the once-thriving…

Continue ReadingUrbana pushes to revitalize Philo Road area amid ongoing crime concerns 
Read more about the article Gun violence in Holiday Park neighborhood steadily drops in past five yearsSam Rink
A school speed limit sign stands on Maplewood Drive across the street from Kenwood Elementary School in the Holiday Park neighborhood in Champaign, IL on Nov. 5, 2025. Photo by Sam Rink.

Gun violence in Holiday Park neighborhood steadily drops in past five years

Gun violence in the Holiday Park neighborhood in Champaign has decreased significantly in the last five years, according to data from the Champaign Police…

Continue ReadingGun violence in Holiday Park neighborhood steadily drops in past five years
Read more about the article Construction at Bristol Place senior apartments nearly complete, residents getting on wait listKatie Ratke
Bristol Place Senior Residences exterior construction progress on Sept. 15, 2025.

Construction at Bristol Place senior apartments nearly complete, residents getting on wait list

Over 10 years after Champaign began redeveloping the Bristol Park neighborhood, a 60-unit affordable senior apartment building at Bristol Place is nearly complete. Construction…

Continue ReadingConstruction at Bristol Place senior apartments nearly complete, residents getting on wait list
Read more about the article Some Champaign mobile home parks lack annual inspections despite thousands of state code violations found in past five years
Candlewood Estates in Mahomet from Google Street View, captured September 2024.

Some Champaign mobile home parks lack annual inspections despite thousands of state code violations found in past five years

Over the past five years, the Illinois Department of Public Health conducted about 130 inspections of 29 mobile and manufactured home parks in Champaign…

Continue ReadingSome Champaign mobile home parks lack annual inspections despite thousands of state code violations found in past five years
Read more about the article Following Philo Road’s major business closures, Urbana launches revitalization planMadyson Magnus
A “For Sale” sign with a reduced asking price stands amid a vacant property along Philo Road in Urbana, highlighting the corridor’s ongoing struggles with business closures and redevelopment challenges. Photo by Madyson Magnus.

Following Philo Road’s major business closures, Urbana launches revitalization plan

First it was County Market in 2016.  Next it was Family Video in 2021 and Burger King in 2024. Soon after, Walgreens, CVS and…

Continue ReadingFollowing Philo Road’s major business closures, Urbana launches revitalization plan
Read more about the article Summer electricity bills to rise 20% in C-U area; Champaign plans to reinstate utility assistance program after one year suspension
The Ameren Illinois service zone and the grid operator's zone covers much of the same territory. Source: Ambit Energy Pros (Left), MISO Planning Resource Auction for Planning Year 2025/26 Results (Right) 

Summer electricity bills to rise 20% in C-U area; Champaign plans to reinstate utility assistance program after one year suspension

Residential energy bills this summer are expected to increase about 20% beginning in June.  On April 28, the grid operator in central and southern…

Continue ReadingSummer electricity bills to rise 20% in C-U area; Champaign plans to reinstate utility assistance program after one year suspension
Read more about the article Protesters say ‘Hands Off’ federal support, services in response to looming funding cutsJordan Butler
Protestors gathered at West Side Park in Champaign on April 5, 2025. Photo by Jordan Butler.

Protesters say ‘Hands Off’ federal support, services in response to looming funding cuts

“Hands off” was the message shared by hundreds in Champaign calling on the federal government to halt funding cuts to essential services across the…

Continue ReadingProtesters say ‘Hands Off’ federal support, services in response to looming funding cuts
Read more about the article Thousands wait for housing assistance in Champaign County while federal cuts loomGoogle Street View
The Housing Authority of Champaign County, located at 2008 N. Market St. in Champaign. Photo from Google Street View, captured August 2023.

Thousands wait for housing assistance in Champaign County while federal cuts loom

Nearly 4,000 applications for tenant-based housing vouchers have been filed in Champaign County over the last seven months, but none have been processed and…

Continue ReadingThousands wait for housing assistance in Champaign County while federal cuts loom