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Good evening!
Read below for information about early voting, the 2021 Proposed Budget, and more. Plus, see why President Obama gave Evanston a shoutout on Twitter.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 President Obama highlights Evanston's police reform efforts
Today on Twitter, President Barack Obama highlighted the Evanston Police Department's partnership with Northwestern University to review and improve its Police Use of Force policy. The review was conducted as part of Mayor Hagerty's 90-day pledge to the Obama Foundation.
Learn more about Evanston Police policies and find answers to frequently asked questions on the City's Police FAQ page.
 Early voting starts next week
Planning to vote early for the Presidential Election? Early voting will begin Mon., Oct. 19 and continue through Mon., Nov. 2 at the Morton Civic Center, Room G300. Voters should enter at the ground floor center entrance on the west side of the building adjacent to the parking lot. Face coverings must be worn by voters at all times.
Mail-in voting drop box: Those who have filled out a mail-in ballot can also stop by during early voting hours to use the secure "drop box" located inside the building near Room G300.
 Today is the last day to fill out the 2020 Census
Today, October 15, is the last day to fill out the 2020 Census! Make sure every person in Evanston counts. Visit 2020Census.gov to respond online or call 844-330-2020 to respond by phone; it only takes a few minutes.
Council announces intent to appoint Erika Storlie as city manager
Mayor Steve Hagerty and the Evanston City Council have announced their intention to appoint Erika Storlie as Evanston’s next city manager. The Council will vote on the proposed contract at the October 19 City Council meeting.
 View the City's 2021 Proposed Budget
Interim City Manager Erika Storlie has released the City’s 2021 Proposed Budget, which prioritizes essential services and fiscal responsibility amid continued economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and view the Proposed Budget.
Coronavirus update
Situation Report
Below, you’ll find the latest COVID-19 data from the City’s Health and Human Services Department. Visit the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile) for information and metrics updated daily. You can also view IDPH Restore Illinois indicators for Region 10, which includes Evanston.
Confirmed daily cases increase
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 6.86 new cases per day, compared to 5.43 new cases per day for the week prior. Eighteen (18) new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. To date, Evanston has had 1,250 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Seventy-three Evanston residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Evanston’s seven-day moving average of new cases per 100,000 residents is 81.66, and remains lower than the State (165.09), Cook County (98), and our neighbors, Chicago (116.56) and Skokie (119.62). However, although Evanston is doing well relative to our neighbors, the seven-day average of cases per 100,000 residents are on the rise statewide.
Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported its highest number of confirmed daily cases (4,015) to date. All across the state, the positivity rate and number of cases are increasing and will likely continue to increase with winter and cold weather approaching, as people are more likely to be indoors in close quarters.
 Slow the spread. With cases rising, please remain vigilant about following public health guidance, including keeping a distance of at least six feet from those outside of your household (including relatives) and wearing a face covering in public settings when distancing is not practical.
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average test positivity rate increased to 1.49 percent, compared to 1.31 percent for the previous seven days (Note: IDPH testing data was not available for October 11). The statewide seven-day test positivity rate is 4.9 percent. COVID-19 hospital admissions have been trending upward.
Upcoming testing event
The City will partner with IDPH to offer a second COVID-19 community testing event at ETHS on October 26 and 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to all residents regardless of symptoms; no registration is required.
Residents can also access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
Next ‘Coronavirus Q&A,’ October 22
Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo and representatives from AMITA Health and NorthShore University HealthSystem will host a “Coronavirus Q&A” on Thurs., Oct. 22 at noon. The session will cover the latest medical guidance related to COVID-19 as well as information about how to stay healthy during the pandemic, including preventive care, health screenings, vaccinations and more. Submit your questions in advance or live during the event using the City's online question form or by commenting on the Facebook Live broadcast.
Fight flu, Evanston!
 This year, getting your flu shot is more important than ever! Stay healthy and help preserve scarce medical resources by getting your flu shot. (View video in English and Spanish.)
Emergency Food Pantry, October 21
The City's Emergency Food Pantry at James Park offers Evanston residents free, prepackaged boxes of food, including non-perishable items, produce, and protein. Boxes will be distributed on Wed., Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register for the pantry by Mon., Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.
Want to help? Donate to support the pantry.
Support the 'Masks for Moms' program
Since April, the City's Facilities and Fleet Management Division, 2020 Asbury Ave., has been a local drop spot for mask donations for UIC's Masks for Moms program. Thanks to the community's efforts, more than 1,300 masks have been collected by the City, and 17,000 masks collected overall. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of October on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More news and events
Resources available at Evanston Public Library
Find out how to get a library card and explore the Digital library. Place items on hold from home. Stream free movies and TV. Need to check out a laptop or Wi-Fi Hotspot? Want to connect with a social worker? The Evanston Public Library can help! Learn more on their FAQ page.
Making Lemonade in downtown Evanston
Downtown Evanston is getting ready to "Make Lemonade" with colorful, positive and playful installations in public spaces and at local businesses throughout downtown. Join in for the outdoor launch event on Sun., Oct. 18, 1 p.m., at Five & Dime, 1026 Davis St.
Temporary sandbags along the lakefront
In order to repair the damage to the rock wall along the lakefront caused by high Lake Michigan water levels and waves during recent weather events, the City has contracted shoreline work at Elliot Park, Garden Park, Greenwood Beach, and Dempster Street Beach.
Apply for COVID-19 Recovery Mortgage Assistance
The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Mortgage Assistance application period closes tomorrow, Oct. 16. Through this program, income-eligible homeowners impacted by COVID-19 can receive an amount of up to three times their monthly mortgage. Check requirements and apply today!
Spotlight: Evanston Property Standards Division
The City's Property Standards Division works with residents to identify and address property maintenance issues, such as accumulations of garbage, tall weeds and grass, and dilapidated structures. Learn about common property violations and what happens when you report an issue.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Featured Evanstonian
 Ariadna Garbuno
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're featuring Ariadna Garbuno. Ariadna has been an Evanston resident for over 18 years, helping to share her Mexican culture and experiences with the community.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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