CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign City Manager Dorothy Ann David has announced her plans to retire from the City of Champaign on December 20, 2024.

This retirement comes after almost 30 years of service and eleven years as City Manager. She began her career as Neighborhood Services Director in 1994 and then became Assistant City Manager in 2007. Finally, in April of  2013, she was promoted to City Manager.

“I am extremely grateful to have served this community for the past 30 years, working with the many City employees who selflessly care for our City. It has been an honor to serve with them and make a positive impact on the lives of others” said David.

“I am also appreciative of the support and leadership of the City Council members with whom I have worked during my time with the City. Champaign is a special place because of their commitment and stewardship.”

She has been integral to multiple city projects, policies, and initiatives. With her leadership, Champaign adopted balanced budgets, maintained its AAA bond rating, and was guided through the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some key accomplishments include:

  • Neighborhood Wellness and Affordable Housing: Construction of Taylor Thomas Subdivision, Oakwood Trace Townhomes, Douglass Square, and Bristol Place Subdivision.
  • Infrastructure Investment: Implementation of the MCORE project, Green Street Streetscape improvements, sanitary sewer expansions, various stormwater control projects, the Downtown Plaza, and significant improvements in the Garden Hills Neighborhood.
  • Economic Development: Expansion of the University of Illinois Research Park, Carle at the Fields development, Costco development, and the launch of the City’s Small Business Incentive Programs.
  • Community Reinvestment: Establishment of TIF Districts supporting redevelopment in Downtown and Campustown, development projects like the Kraft Warehouse and ongoing improvements in the Bristol Place and Garden Hills neighborhoods, along with preparations for a new Springfield and Mattis TIF District.
  • Public Safety: Formation of the Citizen Review Subcommittee, implementation of Police Body-worn Cameras, Automated License Plate Readers, Public Safety Cameras, and a new countywide Police Records Management System.
  • Expanded Transparency: Increased public access to information via the Financial Transparency Portal, Just FOIA Portal, and Engage Champaign public engagement platform.
  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Establishment of the City’s Equity and Engagement Department, adoption of the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program, and Champaign’s designation as a Welcoming Community.
  • Community Partnerships: Support for initiatives such as The Launch Business Center, The Studio teen space at the Champaign Public Library, the LIFT Program with Unit 4 Schools, ongoing support for Experience CU, 40North, and the Economic Development Corporation, and leadership of the Champaign County Community Coalition.

“Dorothy has dedicated the last 30 years to making a difference in the lives of Champaign’s residents. Thanks to her professionalism, Champaign is recognized nationally as a leader in government efficiency, ingenuity, and responsibility,” said Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen.

“Dorothy leaves big shoes to fill in the City organization, but her hard work, dedication, and forethought has positioned the City for continued future success even as we move to this next chapter. On behalf of the City Council, I congratulate and thank City Manager Dorothy David for her long and impactful career of public service and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.”