URBANA – At his 100-Day address on Wednesday, Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams said he will continue to carry the people’s vision for the city forward with honesty and integrity.
Williams said the first 100 days of his term was focused on listening to the community’s needs, and he pledged to continue to listen to actualize the city’s wants and needs.
“We may not always agree, but we are united in our commitment to working in good faith and always keeping the people of Urbana at the heart of what we do,” said Williams.
The city has already hit the ground running, he said, with initiatives like a new comprehensive plan – Imagine Urbana – and funding a reparations study.
Williams announced he and his staff are working on the new “Philo Road Ahead” initiative, which will ensure the corridor serves everyone who depends on it.
“Philo Road is more than just a street. It’s a lifeline,” Williams said. “For too long, it’s been underfunded, underserved and overlooked, but that ends now.”
After the event, local educator Tracy Dace said he’s excited for the future of Urbana under Mayor Williams’ tutelage.
“A couple words come to mind: hopeful, optimistic, inspired and ready, you know, ready to work with the with the city of Urbana,” said Dace, who leads the non-profit DREAAM, which aims to prevent violence with a proactive approach, supporting young men in the community.
DREAAM collaborates with various Urbana entities, including churches and the police department.