Champaign Council Member Dodds Stepping Down, Moving To Chicago

Champaign City Council member Marci Dodds is stepping down from her District 4 seat in late March, saying she and husband Cody Sokolski are moving to Chicago.  Dodds says relocating there makes sense for his career, since Sokolski is nearly a full-time musician now.  She's served on the council since June 2005.

Dodds says despite the move, she says Sokolski will still have work in Champaign, with One Main Development.

"Cody and I are not moving away from Champaign; we are moving towards an exciting new chapter in our lives," she said.  "We have, and will always maintain, deep ties to this vibrant and wonderfully diverse city."

Dodds says some of her favorite projects approved during her nearly 11 years with the council include the John and Washington Street watersheds, the summer youth employment program - as well as and smaller projects – like eco-friendly cars for city employees. 

She regrets not being part of a final upcoming vote on Champaign’s $95-million development at Washington and Walnut Streets.

“I’ve been a downtown booster forever, so that’s great," she said.  "I’m going to miss the whole downtown plaza, and really getting that whole next phase.   But it’s going to go without us.   And that’s the great part – that’s the thrilling part.  But that’s the part we love about Champaign too.  That’s what’s cool.”

Dodds and Sokolski have lived in Champaign for 25 years.

The Champaign City Council will discuss naming Dodds’ replacement in a March 1st study session.  The council has 60 days to name a replacement.  Dodds has no suggestion as to her successor, saying that’s for the other eight members to decide.

Her last meeting will be Tuesday, March 22nd, with the resignation effective the next day.