During a recent city council meeting, members discussed the ongoing update to the downtown plan and its implications for traffic flow in the area. Council member Bruce highlighted that the current contract focuses on a market study reflecting changes since the pandemic, with plans to incorporate traffic studies as part of the broader downtown plan update.

The council also addressed two significant bills concerning police services and budget amendments. Council bill 2024-143 seeks to renew and amend an intergovernmental agreement for police services between the City of Champaign and the University of Illinois, costing $1,126,678 annually for a two-year term starting October 1, 2024. This agreement includes an option for a third year at a revised rate. Council bill 2024-144 amends the annual budget to accommodate this expenditure.

Public comments were invited, with resident Sanas Abwala raising concerns about the potential impact of the police services agreement on the city's new drone use policy, particularly regarding large gatherings in Campus Town. Abwala also questioned the transparency of the council's discussions surrounding the bills, emphasizing the need for public dialogue on the allocation of funds and the implications of the police services agreement.

Despite these concerns, the council unanimously passed the bills, indicating a commitment to maintaining police services in the Campus Town area while continuing to develop the downtown plan. The meeting underscored the council's focus on addressing community safety and urban planning in the wake of evolving needs post-pandemic.