Champaign's longest-serving elected official, Michael La Due, is stepping down after 32 years on the Champaign City Council. He looks back on the changes Champaign has seen since he first took office in 1985.
A newcomer to the Champaign City Council hopes to see the city offer the same protections for those living in the country illegally that Urbana officials have provided. Alicia Beck topped 32-year incumbent Michael LaDue Tuesday to win the District 2 council seat, 63 to 37 percent. Beck says some of her backers want Champaign to explore the idea of becoming a sanctuary city, which Urbana reaffirmed in late 2016.
Champaign’s City Council has unanimously signed off on new procedures for citizen review of police complaints, though some members admit the plan isn’t perfect. Tuesday’s vote comes after prior attempts to create a citizen review board in Champaign with greater powers had fallen short.
The Champaign City Council has taken the initial step towards providing police body cameras for all city officers. Members unanimously endorsed providing the cameras for 125 officers in Tuesday’s study session, with a final contract expected in 4 to 6 weeks. Police Chief Anthony Cobb says the cameras increase accountability, and make things safer for both the officer and the public.
Champaign city leaders have removed a requirement that apartments in the Campustown neighborhood provide parking. While developers are still expected to provide some space for cars, goals of the ordinance include less cars on campus, a more urban design, and giving developers the freedom to build the structures they want.
