In this episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Deb Feinen sits down with Jeremy Schultz from the Public Works Department to introduce Champaign’s new Brightly Citizen Portal. This new system replaces the former SeeClickFix platform and gives residents an easier, faster way to report issues like potholes, downed trees, parking concerns, and more.

Jeremy walks listeners through how the system works, what kinds of issues you can report, and how Brightly helps City staff respond more efficiently. They also discuss the benefits of asset tracking, data-driven decision making, and how residents can stay connected and informed about the services they rely on every day.

Whether you’ve used SeeClickFix in the past or are new to reporting city maintenance issues, this episode will get you up to speed on how Brightly is improving service delivery in Champaign.

In the latest episode of the Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Feinen talks with Evan Teplensky, a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow working with the City of Champaign. Hear how Evan is applying data and research to help address challenges in local government—and what he’s learned from his time in Champaign. He also shares how he’s contributed to the City’s Downtown Plan through data analysis and community engagement.

In the latest episode of the Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Deb Feinen is joined by Public Works Director Terry Lusby Jr. and Planning & Economic Development Director Bruce Knight for a discussion about the future of Prospect Avenue. They explain how the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and recent bike implementation study align with IDOT’s proposed safety improvements to one of Champaign’s busiest roads. With over 270 crashes in just a few blocks in five years, the conversation highlights how converting the road from four lanes to three could reduce accidents, improve bike and pedestrian safety, and make the corridor more accessible for all users.

In the latest Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen sat down with Senior Planner Eric VanBuskirk to discuss the ongoing update to Champaign’s Downtown Plan. With the last plan dating back to 2006, this revision aims to address the evolving needs of our city center, especially in the post-COVID landscape. Eric shared insights into the extensive community engagement efforts, including surveys and public events, and emphasized the importance of gathering input from residents, business owners, and visitors alike. The City has launched an online survey to collect feedback, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Visit EngageChampaign.org/downtown-plan to take the survey and help shape the future of downtown!

Mayor Feinen sits down with Chief Jeff Hamer, ILEAP Director, and Lt. Greg Manzana to discuss the Champaign Police Department’s recent reaccreditation as a Tier 2 department, the highest standard of excellence.In this episode, they talk about:

Join Mayor Feinen on the latest episode of the Mayor Feinen Podcast as she sits down with State Senator Paul Faraci and State Representative Carol Ammons to discuss the vital importance of protecting the Mahomet Aquifer, the region’s primary source of clean drinking water. In this episode, Faraci and Ammons share insights into their recent legislation aimed at ensuring carbon sequestration activities do not threaten the aquifer’s safety. They also discuss actionable steps the local community can take to support these efforts. Tune in to learn more about how we can work together to safeguard our water resources for future generations.

In this episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Deborah Feinen sits down with Rachel Joy and T.J. Blakeman to discuss a vibrant new initiative that's set to transform Downtown Champaign—The Beat.

Mayor Feinen sits down with Council Member Kathy Shannon and (CU)rbanism Co-Chair Adani Sanchez and they explore the fascinating world of urban planning. Learn how they promote incremental development and affordable housing; advocate for walkable and bikeable cities; and master the art of policy advocacy before City Council. 

Mayor Feinen sits down with Jayne DeLuce, President and CEO of Visit Champaign County, and Trail Co-Chairs Angela M. Rivers, and Dr. Barbara Suggs-Mason to talk about the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail. Using Education and Art, the project celebrates the lives and contributions of African Americans in the Champaign County area.Their mission is to educate today’s residents and visitors about the rich cultural history of a people whose stories have been largely unrecognized, but who directly shaped the place we call home.

Mayor Feinen talks with Senior Planner Lacey Rains Lowe and Neighborhood Relations Manager John Ruffin about what went into getting the Hedge Pop! Park up and running. The temporary park is the pilot project for the Safe Places, Active Spaces initiative, providing an exciting new neighborhood amenity to our Garden Hills neighbors.

At the intersection of Garden Hills Dr. and Hedge Rd. the Hedge Pop! Park will feature a half-court basketball court, remote control (RC) racetrack, soccer area, and an extensive field of blooming flowers for the neighborhood and community to enjoy all summer long.