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Greetings!

There’s no shortage of great bakeries in Evanston. From cakes to croissants, cinnamon rolls to sourdough, our city has it all.

But what's even more impressive than the goods that come out of our bakeries' ovens, is what happens when one of those ovens breaks. Evanston's own Vince Gerasole of CBS 2 recently told the story of a busy Saturday morning at Hewn on Dempster Street, when the bakery's oven unexpectedly quit. With thousands of dollars of dough rising and the clock ticking, Evanston's baking community stepped in to help. Bennison's, just a few blocks away, was one of several local competitors to offer Hewn the use of their oven, saving the day and the dough.

Helping others is something Evanston takes to heart. Last month, American Legion Evanston Post 42 celebrated an incredible 100 years of service to our veterans and the greater community. Even a downpour didn’t stop supporters from packing the event’s outdoor tent at Canal Shores to commemorate the milestone. I was proud to share my family's stories of service and sacrifice, and the honor our city bestows on those who make the ultimate sacrifice, with those in attendance. (Read my remarks here.)

The City’s Youth and Young Adult Division has been around for far less than a century, but they’ve already helped thousands of young residents find pathways to success. This past summer, the division connected 605 students from all nine wards of our city with jobs as part of the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. Their work has led to better outcomes for our youth. Evanston arrests of individuals ages 16-24 dropped from 771 in 2012 to 336 in 2018. Read more about the helping hand they provide in the division’s 2019 Impact Report.

If you’re inspired by our community and want to make an impact of your own, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Volunteer your time with a local organization, apply to serve on a City board, commission or committee, or simply lend a helping hand – or an empty oven – when the opportunity arises.

In Evanston, just as our bakeries can count on rising bread, we can count on our neighbors rising to the occasion, and that's a key ingredient for any successful city.

Sincerely,

Stephen Hagerty
Mayor, City of Evanston
shagerty@cityofevanston.org

In the Community

City Releases Proposed 2020-21 Budget

Last week, the City released its proposed budget for the 2020 fiscal year. The budget will be formally presented to the City Council on October 14 for discussion throughout the months of October and November. You can view the proposed budget and provide your feedback on the City's budget web page.

City Manager Search Update

Evanston bid farewell to Wally on September 27.

At the end of September, City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz departed Evanston to become the City Administrator of Issaquah, Washington. Over the last decade, Wally worked tirelessly to transmit this City better, greater and more beautiful than when he arrived. I wish him and his family the very best in Issaquah.

Interim City Manager Erika Storlie has been appointed to fill the position as the City Council undertakes the process of recruiting and hiring a new City Manager. Please stay tuned for more information about this process as well as opportunities to provide your input over the next several months.

Skokie Water Case Update

On September 27, a federal court granted the City's motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by the Village of Skokie. The City can now move forward with state court litigation to set a water rate that is fair to residents of both of our communities.  

Apply to Serve on a City Board, Commission or Committee

Members of Evanston's Latinx community discussed opportunities to get involved at our meeting on October 3.

City boards, commissions and committees participate in important policy discussions that help shape the future of our city, and it's important that they reflect Evanston's diversity. As we work towards this goal, I was proud to host the Evanston Latinos group at the Morton Civic Center earlier this month to help connect more residents with opportunities to get involved. Click below to learn more about serving on a City board, commission or committee.

Evanston Gets a Shoutout for its 'Hipsturbia' Vibe 

The Chicago area real estate market has its challenges, but Evanston was recently highlighted as a bright spot for its "hipsturbia" vibe, defined as "suburbs that have a vibrancy and cool factor, along with an abundance of retail, restaurants and recreation." Whatever term you use to describe our fine city, it's nice to be recognized for all of the work we all do each and every day to make Evanston an attractive place to live, work and visit.

WBEZ's Worldview Highlights Evanston's Climate Action and Resiliency Efforts

Photo by The Daily Northwestern

Evanston continues to be recognized as a national leader on climate issues. Last month, WBEZ's Worldview hosted Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer Kumar Jensen and Evanston Community Foundation President and CEO Monique Jones for a conversation about the City's climate action goals and vision for achieving them.

Evanston's Notable Entrepreneurs Featured

I was proud to see four Evanston business owners – Amy Morton, Stelios Valavanis, Ellen King, and Charlie Stone – featured in Crain's Chicago Business's list of 44 notable entrepreneurs. Starting a business is challenging in so many ways, and I'm proud to see our city well represented on this list. Go, Evanston!

Upcoming Events

Town Hall Meeting November 14

February 2019 Town Hall Meeting at the Ecology Center

Please join me for my next town hall meeting on Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m., at Temperance Brewery, 2000 Dempster St. I look forward to seeing you.

Stay Engaged

Connect with me on Facebook to see my thoughts on the latest issues affecting our community, and share your ideas, concerns and questions.