Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams delivered his State of the City Address, highlighting progress on public safety, infrastructure, housing, and economic development. Through July 29, property crime decreased 28% and violent crime declined 8% compared with the same period last year. The Urbana Fire Department also responded to nearly 6,700 calls for service, while the city continued investing in fire prevention, emergency response, and violence prevention efforts.
Mayor Williams highlighted investments in neighborhoods and infrastructure, including more than 1,300 resident requests addressed by Public Works since August 2025 and plans to install new streetlights in areas identified by residents. The city also saw 53 new homes built over the past year, launched the Urbana Housing Needs Study, and allocated $50,000 to launch the Philo Road Ahead Initiative Program, which will provide matching grants to help property owners and businesses invest in improvements.
Urbana’s community engagement team participated in 59 events and more than 600 hours of outreach with residents, youth, and community partners, and the city is expanding that work through a new Community Engagement and Violence Prevention Office. Looking ahead, Mayor Williams said Urbana will remain focused on five priorities: safer neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure, economic growth, housing and stronger relationships between City Hall and residents.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
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