Friday, October 20, 2023 | View in browser
 Halloween in Evanston!
It's time to celebrate Halloween! Make your plans to support locally and have some family friendly fun over the next two weekends. Put on your costume, watch your favorite scary movie, and get your favorite candy.
Trick-or-Treat on Central Street: Family fun awaits on Central Street. Enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, trick-or-treat at local businesses, and participate in a Halloween party in Independence Park on Oct. 21.
See City vehicles decked out: Check out City vehicles in Halloween costumes at this year's Trunk or Treat event on Fri., Oct. 27, at the Robert Crown Center parking lot. Enjoy face painting, music, and treats for all!
Enjoy spooktacular fun on the Main-Dempster Mile: Trick-or-treat at southeast Evanston businesses, enjoy SCarolers, participate in a Pumpkin Carving Contest Expo, and more on Sat., Oct. 28.
Stroll around downtown collecting goodies: Bring your kids trick-or-treating at participating businesses in downtown Evanston on Sat., Oct. 28. Stop by Fountain Square to enjoy fall crafts and photo ops.
Official trick-or-treat hours: Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 Participatory Budgeting Results
A week ago, the City announced the results of its participatory budgeting election, which saw record community participation. One of the seven winning projects was Small Business Grants totalling $150,00. Stay tuned for more information!
 The MashUp 2023
Join the Evanston Chamber of Commerce for Evanston’s one-of-a-kind civic connectivity extravaganza, the MashUp! Head to the Autobarn on November 8 for an evening of fun, networking, and top-notch food and libations from Evanston’s finest establishments. More information.
CTA panel discussion for businesses
The Chicago Transit Authority presents, "Doing Business with Government Agencies" on Thursday, Nov 16. The event will provide an overview for attendees about how to do business with various agencies including CTA, Pace, City of Chicago, Cook County, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and more. Register here!
Businesses in the News
 Piron upgrades building with city grant
Belgian Chocolatier Piron, located at 509 Main St, were the first applicants to apply for the reimagined Sustain Evanston Grant Program. “We wanted to do something with central air with heat pumps instead of running the window units 24/7. “The city was great to work with, every time we had a question, they were right on it.” Read more!
Upcoming Local Events
 Come out to Mack's Bike and Goods on Sat., Oct 21 for the Bike Swap and Fall Fest! Bring the family out as early as 9 a.m. to enjoy the kids games, music by Nois, and bikes!
 The Heartwood Center for body, mind and spirt invite you all to Open Mindfulness Practice for BIPOC with Char Lee starting Sat., Oct 25 at 6:00 p.m. The event provides an opportunity to gather, practice mindfulness and build community!
 Join the Women of Wisdom Meditation Class on Sat., Oct 28 starting at 12 p.m. This class will be facilitated by Nancy Floy and will share from the family wisdom passed to her from grandmother Floy.
City Initiatives
 Liquor Control Review Board to Meet on December 8
The Evanston Liquor Control Review Board will meet on Friday, December 8, at 1 p.m. An agenda and staff report will be posted closer to the meeting date on the Liquor Control Review Board website.
Please plan to attend the meeting live at the Morton Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Ave, or via Zoom:
 City Grants Grace Period for Fair Workweek Ordinance
Evanston has extended a grace period for employers to adjust to the requirements of the newly enacted Fair Workweek Ordinance (24-O-23). This ordinance, designed to enhance employee well-being and work-life balance, will be enforced beginning January 1, 2024. Read the press release.
 Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance Update
In an effort to reduce plastic waste and encourage behavioral change throughout the city, the Evanston City Council voted on May 22 to approve a complete ban on plastic bags in all city businesses and impose a $0.10 tax on remaining bag types at large retail stores. The “Retail Single Use Bag Tax”, also known as Ordinance 1-O-23, went into effect on August 1, 2023 and enforcement will begin January 1, 2024. For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/plasticbagban.
 Submit your Events for our Economic Development Newsletter!
Are you a registered Evanston-based business with an upcoming event? We'd like to help you promote it! We can add your event to our weekly newsletter. See the eligibility requirements for events below:
- Your business must be located in Evanston and registered. If you're not registered, complete your business registration application
- Submissions must be events. We don't promote sales or individual business advertisement
- Submissions must include a flyer and website where interested residents can get more information
Send your submissions to economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org with "For Newsletter" in the subject and we will reach out if we have any questions.
Do Business with the City of Evanston
Interested in doing business with the City of Evanston? Visit our bids and proposals page to see current Bids, Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
Contact the project Purchasing Specialist via email with questions for the project of interest. Specialist email contact information can be found in the Bid "Questions" or RFP/Q "Questions Regarding RFP/Q" section of the related document; or contact purchasing@cityofevanston.org.
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