The Champaign City Council on July 8 approved a series of municipal measures by unanimous votes and handled routine financial items before turning to study‑session business.

Votes at a glance
- Council Bill 2025‑123 (Resolution): Appointment of Michael Hogue and reappointment of Carol Meinhardt to the Historic Preservation Commission — passed by roll call 8–0.
- Council Bill 2025‑124 (Ordinance): Three‑year collective bargaining agreement with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1960 — passed by roll call 8–0.
- Council Bill 2025‑126 (Ordinance): Zoning map amendment to rezone portion of 111 East Clark Street from MF University Multifamily to CB‑1 Central Business Urban Fringe — passed by roll call 8–0.
- Council Bill 2025‑127 (Resolution/Policy): Extension and amendment of the live entertainment grant program allowing year‑round reimbursement and incentives for inclusion — passed by roll call 8–0.
- Financial approvals: vendor payment warrant of $10,183,114.24, payroll of $2,447,008.81 and investments totaling $19,995,361 (all approved by voice vote).

Honorary street study session
During a study session the council reviewed an honorary street name request from Erin Hardway to name Chestnut Street (between University Avenue and Main Street) "Brandon Hardway Drive" in memory of her late husband, who managed Poor Brothers Taproom and was fatally shot in February 2024. Erin Hardway and multiple members of the community spoke in support; council directed staff to prepare a resolution for formal action at a later regular agenda (council members indicated unanimous support during the study session for preparing the resolution).

Live entertainment grant
The council also amended the 2024 live entertainment grant program to operate through fiscal year 2026, allow year‑round reimbursement and add a flexible bonus structure to encourage partnerships that serve diverse populations. Local event producers backed the change, saying the program helped compensate artists and crew and expanded downtown cultural activity.

What this means
Most agenda items were routine approvals that require staff follow‑through. The zoning change and union contract enact statutory effects on land use and municipal labor relations. The honorary street designation will return to council as an actionable resolution. The live entertainment policy change will be implemented administratively through the city's grant processes.