The Mayor Feinen Podcast

Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow Evan Teplensky Apr 28, 2025

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.

Mayor Feinen Podcast - Prospect Ave. Project Apr 15, 2025

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.

Downtown Plan with Eric VanBuskirk Mar 07, 2025

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!

Champaign Police Department Reaccredidation Dec 02, 2024

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:

What Tier 2 accreditation means for the Champaign community.
How CPD’s policies and procedures meet rigorous standards.
The ways this process helps the department continue improving.

The Mahomet Aquifer with State Senator Paul Faraci and State Representative Carol Ammons Oct 10, 2024

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.

The Beat with Rachel Joy and T.J. Blakeman Jun 12, 2024

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.

(CU)rbanism with Kathy Shannon and Adani Sanchez Jul 17, 2023

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.

Champaign County African American Heritage Trail with Dr. Barbara Suggs-Mason, Angela M. Rivers and Jayne DeLuce Oct 11, 2022

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.

Hedge Pop Park with Lacey Rains Lowe and John Ruffin Jun 28, 2022

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.

Mayors' Monarch Pledge with Andrew Lamoreux and Leslie Heath May 02, 2022

The Mayors' Monarch Pledge is a commitment by cities to create habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Mayor Feinen talks with Andrew Lamoreux and Leslie Heath from the Public Works Department about the City of Champaign's efforts to incorporate more pollinator-friendly plantings and habitats into City projects. They also talk not only about why it is important to save the monarchs, but also why helping all types of pollinators is important for local plants and crops. Listen for ways you can assist in sustaining the pollinator population by planting native plants in your own yards.

The Odyssey Project with Michelle Awad and Alaina Pincus Apr 04, 2022

The Odyssey Project offers free University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign courses in the humanities to income-eligible adults in our East Central Illinois community. Mayor Feinen talks with Michelle Awad and Alaina Pincus about how the program connects key humanities values and practices to the students lived experiences to help develop a rich understanding of how to communicate about--and ultimately transform--their lives. In the podcast they also go over how to apply and the benefits of these classes.

You can find more information about The Odyssey Project at go.illinois.edu/odyssey

Support for Workforce Training (SWFT) with Alicia Beck Jan 03, 2022

Support for Workforce Training (SWFT) is a short-term workforce training program at Parkland College providing wrap-around academic and career services. In the newest episode, Mayor Feinen talks with SWFT Director Alicia Beck. During their discussion Beck describes the program, gives information on the application process and shares how it has helped residents in the area obtain training for in-demand jobs. The program has been providing their service at Parkland for two years and recently got a state grant for a third year.

You can find more information about the SWFT program at parkland.edu/SWFT

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce with Laura Weis Nov 29, 2021

In the latest episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Feinen talks with the Chamber's President & CEO Laura Weis. Find out how the Chamber has been instrumental in helping local businesses throughout the pandemic, and efforts taken to advocate for Champaign County residents, youth, and businesses.

Chambana Welcome Crew with Terri Reifsteck and Carly McCrory-McKay Oct 08, 2021

Mayor Feinen talks with Terri Reifsteck and Carly McCrory-McKay about the Chambana Welcome Crew, a community ambassador program to recruit and welcome new residents to the Champaign-Urbana area. These ambassadors help make moving to the community less intimidating by providing tips and pointing to resources available to our residents.

You can find out more information about the program at yourewelcomecu.com/cwc

Welcoming Week with Jes DeVries Sep 10, 2021

Welcome!

Mayor Feinen talks with Jes DeVries, the Director of Immigrant Family Services at the University YMCA New American Welcome Center to talk about this year's Welcoming Week Events.

Welcoming Week is a series of events that hope to bring together the US born and immigrant community members. This year’s theme is “Belonging Begins with US.” It is hoped that the events this week creates a feeling of belonging in for everyone in our community.

In this episode, Jes talks about the purpose and history of Welcoming Week, some of her favorite events, the Welcoming Awards, and what you can do to help.

American Rescue Plan with Finance Director Kay Nees Jul 21, 2021

Mayor Feinen talks with Finance Director Kay Nees about the American Rescue Plan funding for the City of Champaign. They talk about what type of projects the $25 million can be used for and how the public can provide input on the priorities they think should be funded.

Goal Getters - Sheldon Turner Sr., Corey Barnes, Katrina Jones Apr 02, 2021

Mayor Feinen talks with Sheldon Turner Sr. about Goal Getters, a program that provides academic and behavioral guidance, mentorship, social emotional learning opportunities, family focused activities and positive community experiences to a select group of Unit 4 high school males. They are joined by one of the student participants, Corey Barnes, and his mother, Katrina Jones to discuss how Goal Getters has made a positive impact on their lives.

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen talks with Julie Pryde Jan 25, 2021

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen talks with Julie Pryde (Administrator for the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District) about COVID-19 vaccines and how vaccinations are being administered in Champaign County. For the latest information about the status of COVID vaccinations in Champaign County please visit the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District's website - c-uphd.org.

Social Services - 6-3-20 Jun 04, 2020

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen talks with representatives from community organizations about some of the social services available to Champaign residents who are affected by the COVID 19 pandemic and how these programs are being funded. The discussion included programs to assist neighbors without addresses, providing healthy food to families in need, and how local organizations are working together.

The guests for the show were: Kerri Wiman, Neighborhood Services Director for The City of Champaign; Mary Noel Stefan, United Way, Director of Marketing and Engagement; and Rob Dalhaus III, CU at Home Executive Director.

Reopening of Businesses in Champaign County May 27, 2020

Mayor Feinen talks with local economic development leaders about the plans to safely reopen businesses in Champaign and Champaign County - including outdoor dining! Learn about guidelines and resources for businesses that are opening and online sites to provide detailed information.

A Conversation with Council Member Tom Bruno May 03, 2020

Mayor Feinen speaks one-on-one with Council Member Tom Bruno about his experiences and observations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A Conversation with Council Member Vanna Pianfetti May 02, 2020

Mayor Feinen speaks one-on-one with Council Member Vanna Pianfetti about her experiences and observations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A Conversation with Council Member Matthew Gladney May 02, 2020

Mayor Feinen speaks one-on-one with Council Member Matt Gladney about his experiences and observations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A Conversation with Council Member Angie Brix May 01, 2020

City Council Member Angie Brix (District 3) talks about why her job is busier than ever right now, incremental development, the impact of the pandemic on local tourism, and more on a new episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast.

A Conversation with Council Member Alicia Beck Apr 30, 2020

City Council Member Alicia Beck (District 2) shares her experiences sheltering at home, supporting local businesses, high school seniors, and more on a new episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast. Available here or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Mayor Feinen COVID-19 Address 3/15/20 Mar 16, 2020

City of Champaign Mayor Feinen addresses COVID-19 in Champaign County.

2020 Census Feb 21, 2020

The 2020 Census is just around the corner and Mayor Feinen knows Champaign's residents have lots of questions. City Planner Tina Marie Ansong joins Mayor Feinen to discuss the importance of the government Census, how the information is used, the different collection methods being used this year, data privacy, and how to avoid Census-related scams.

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