URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — In partnership with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), will formally launch the Alternative Response Task Force (ARTF) initiative on October 6, 2025. The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at the Urbana City Council meeting. The event marks the first of many opportunities to learn and provide feedback on alternative models for public safety.
The ARTF is a city-wide initiative to explore new approaches to public safety. It includes a group of community stakeholders whose experiences and perspectives will help inform Urbana’s approach to an Alternative Response Model to traditional public safety. The City has engaged with LEAP to serve as the project consultant. LEAP is a non-profit made up of social scientists, community advocates, and current and former judges and law enforcement officials. Those behind LEAP are committed to criminal justice reforms that make communities safer and more just.
“The October 6 meeting marks the official beginning of a crucial journey for our city,” Mayor DeShawn B. Williams said. “We are committed to a community-wide exploration of alternative models for public safety, and this is truly the first step. The community’s input is vital to shaping this process, and we want you to be a part of it from the very start.”
This initial session will introduce the topic and share foundational information. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found at https://www.urbanail.gov/executive-department/page/alternative-response-task-force. No final recommendations will be presented at this session, as community participation now will help shape the entire process.
The public is encouraged to participate in several ways, both in person and online. Urbana City Hall and City Council Chambers are wheelchair accessible. For those who wish to provide input, there are multiple avenues, including speaking during the public comment period or submitting written feedback via email or letter. The session will also be livestreamed, and a recording will be posted online for those who cannot attend in person.
Following this kick-off event, additional community engagement touchpoints will include eight public stakeholder roundtables and public presentations of a preliminary and final report
