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Elm Street Roastery
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Community Development Services Department

Welcome to the Community Development Services Department, where our primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for Urbana's residents. We accomplish this by offering a range of essential services that cover economic development, housing, planning, zoning enforcement, and building safety code enforcement. At the heart of our department's efforts is a commitment to making Urbana a better place to live, work, and thrive.

In collaboration with local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies, we help plan and implement strategies that boost economic vitality, create affordable housing options, ensure proper land use, and maintain the highest building safety standards. By addressing various aspects of community well-being and development, we aim to foster a vibrant and sustainable environment that benefits all those who call Urbana home. 

Our Signature Community Programs

Urbana Arts & Culture Program

This program encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic forms, including music, theatre, visual arts, dance, creative writing, film/video, crafts, and more. As a recognized Illinois Arts Friendly Community, designated by the Illinois Arts Alliance and Illinois Municipal League in 2008, Urbana prioritizes public support for the arts to foster art creation, thus enriching the quality of life, stimulating economic development, encouraging citizen participation, raising cultural awareness, and invigorating the community. Since 2018, the explicit mission of the Urbana Arts & Culture Program has been to celebrate the rich artistic and cultural diversity within Urbana.

Visit the Urbana Arts & Culture Program page for more information.

Urbana’s Market at the Square

Discover the heart of Urbana every Saturday from May through October, 7 a.m. to noon, as thousands of residents and visitors unite to celebrate local treasures at Urbana's Market at the Square, a cherished institution since 1979. Here, you'll find an exceptional array of Illinois-made and grown products, from fresh produce, meats, and dairy to honey, handmade art, and more. This market serves as a vibrant nexus, connecting the community with local food growers and artisans, fortifying our regional food economy, and providing a welcoming gathering spot for all. 

Visit Urbana’s Market at the Square website for more information.

For a detailed overview of our Department's accomplishments and initiatives, we invite you to explore our 2019/2020 Annual Report. This report provides a snapshot of the valuable work we've undertaken to support and enhance the Urbana community.