The Mayor Feinen Podcast
By Mayor Feinen
The Mayor Feinen PodcastJun 28, 2022
(CU)rbanism with Kathy Shannon and Adani Sanchez
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
City of Champaign Mayor Feinen addresses COVID-19 in Champaign County.
2020 Census
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.