News

Champaign Public Works launches Brightly Citizen Portal for infrastructure requests

By eliminating third-party tools, the city aims to enhance the speed and accuracy of service requests. Photo: Metro Services


CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – As of July 1, the City of Champaign Public Works Department is officially switching to the Brightly Citizen Portal, a streamlined platform for residents to request or report infrastructure-related services. The new system replaces SeeClickFix, which will only be monitored through July 8.

This shift supports the city’s broader adoption of Brightly Asset Essentials, a modern work order and asset management system that integrates directly with the new citizen-facing portal. By eliminating third-party tools, the city aims to enhance the speed and accuracy of service requests.

Brightly Citizen Portal QR Code

Residents can now submit non-emergency requests—such as potholes, tree damage, broken streetlights, and sidewalk issues—by visiting the Brightly Citizen Portal, no app required. Users simply log in, locate their issue on a map, select a category, and submit. A work order number will be provided for tracking progress.

“Public reporting helps us maintain over 650 lane miles of roads, 1.5 million feet of sewer lines, and 20,000 street trees,” the department said in a statement. “The Brightly portal simplifies this process for everyone.”

Simple process.  After logging in or creating an account, do the following:

  • Click on the map
  • Use the search box in the upper right-hand corner to locate an address

Brightly Search bar screenshot

  • Select “Create Work Request” (purple button at the bottom)

Brightly Create Work Request Screenshot

  • Choose “Work Category – Select Issue” and choose an option from the drop-down list

Brightly Work Category - select issue screenshot

  • You may add additional information under the “Work Requested” field
  • Optionally, upload or take a photo using the camera icon
  • Select “Create Work Request” (purple button under the camera icon)
  • Once you submit a request, you will receive a pop-up box providing a work order number for you to reference and monitor progress

Residents should use the portal to report any non-emergency issues typically handled by Public Works, including:

  • Sewer problems (storm or sanitary)
  • Forestry-related concerns (fallen limbs or tree issues)
  • Potholes
  • Sidewalk damage or hazards
  • Streetlight outages or malfunctions
  • Missing or damaged traffic signs
  • Abandoned vehicles or bicycles
  • Requests for debris pickup
  • Snow and ice removal requests

Emergency issues (like sewer backups or missing stop signs) should still be reported directly by calling 217-403-4700.

For questions or issues beyond public infrastructure, residents are encouraged to consult Neighborhood Services Code Compliance or call Public Works Customer Service for assistance at 217-403-4700.

Recent Headlines

18 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Olivia and Liam top the list of most popular US baby names for the seventh year running

Olivia and Liam for a seventh year in a row topped the list of names for babies born in the United States in 2025. The Social Security Administration annually tracks the names given to girls and boys in each state, with lists dating back to 1880.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Blake Lively’s lawyers fuel feud with claim of victory after ‘It Ends With Us’ settlement

The bitter public feud between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni may outlive their court fight after all. Three days after announcing a settlement of the lawsuit brought by Lively over the 2024 film "It Ends With Us," her lawyers put out a statement Thursday calling the deal a "resounding victory."

1 day ago in Entertainment, Trending

David Attenborough, the excited but hushed voice of nature programs, turns 100

The BBC is hosting a party for David Attenborough at the Royal Albert Hall. Cinemas are playing his nature films. Friends have spent weeks lavishing praise on the man and his work.

2 days ago in Entertainment, News

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In to hold three-night Mother’s Day weekend event

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In in Gibson City is celebrating Mother's Day weekend with themed movies, a craft market, giveaways, and free future show tickets for all moms on Sunday.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

March Madness tournaments will expand to 76 teams each starting next season

The NCAA announced Thursday that it will expand its two March Madness tournaments by eight teams each next season, a long-expected move that will drop more games into the first week of the highly popular and lucrative showcase without substantially changing its overall form.