CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign could be adding a new ordinance so the city can get a hold of residents more easily in case of a crisis.

The goal is to improve communication and provide first responders and officials with up to date contact information. One example of why they want it is the Champaign Neighborhood Services Department Code Compliance Manager said they’re having trouble getting in touch with property owners. That’s a problem when they’re responding to emergencies and dealing with code compliance violations.

“We rely on taxpayer record information for ownership data, and that provides us a name of the registered owner and their mailing address,” said Tim Spear of the Neighborhood Services Department. “And that could be a PO box, it could be somewhere in New York City or California. And it’s not something that’s going to get, if we have an emergency issue, we’re not going to be able to reach them quickly by mail.”

Spear said the new process would let them have a direct phone number and email address to get in touch with people quicker.

Nothing is set in stone yet though, as the Neighborhood Services Department is getting the ball rolling by seeing if the City Council is interested. If this passes, the plan is to start the contact list by 2026. And if Champaign residents don’t register by 2027, they could be fined.