Thursday, December 14, 2023 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the adopted FY 2024 Budget, holiday celebrations in Evanston, ways to shop locally this holiday season, and more.
![Budget](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/ILEVANSTON/2023/12/8691019/5150230/copy-of-drone-1_crop.png) City Council adopts 2024 Budget
Following two months of community input and discussion, the Evanston City Council on Monday adopted the City’s 2024 Budget, with expenses totaling $438 million.
Staff is in the process of making all revisions to the budget that were adopted at the December 11 City Council meeting and will provide a final adopted budget document in January 2024.
![Kwanzaa](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/ILEVANSTON/2023/12/8691376/5150231/copy-of-drone-2_crop.png) Build community connection for the holidays
Take advantage of opportunities to come together this holiday season!
Share in culture and community: Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Robert Crown Center on Tues., Dec. 26, at 6 p.m. Hosted by the City and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, enjoy an artisan market, a drum circle, 'A Poetic Kwanzaa' performance, a traditional Kwanzaa Ceremony, and more.
Gather for holiday cheer: Ring in the season with the Central Evanston Business Association at their annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting event on Fri., Dec. 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center. Enjoy food, holiday crafts, vendors, and music by the ETHS choir.
Check out additional holiday events and activities.
![Holiday](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/ILEVANSTON/2023/12/8690075/5150232/shop-evanston-for-the-holiday-web-image-2_crop.png)
Grab your last-minute holiday gifts in Evanston
Whether you're looking for cozy clothing items, a new favorite book, or the perfect bottle of wine, Evanston's unique local businesses have you covered! Shop local this holiday season.
Shop the Annual Winter Art & Crafts Expo: Running until December 20, this expo offers the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, including handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, painting, and more.
Shop Evanston Made Holiday Market: The pop-up holiday market at 1631 Chicago Avenue is open through December 17. Discover handmade goods and local art.
![NU Fire Truck](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/ILEVANSTON/2023/12/8690152/copy-of-drone_original.gif) New truck, new look!
The Evanston Fire Department unveiled their new Pierce Enforcer Pumper Truck on Tuesday, made possible by an $800,000 donation from Northwestern in 2021. As an expression of gratitude, the fire department incorporated NU’s distinctive purple color into the new design concept.
State of the art: This eye-catching engine is a game-changer, replacing a 2003 truck. Capable of holding 500 gallons of water and pumping 1,500 gallons per minute, it enhances the fire department's ability to respond to emergencies and keep our community safe.
More News and Events
Planning a special event in 2024?
Be sure to secure your special event permit. Applications must be submitted by January 31. All outdoor events planned on City property, such as a street or park, or those that significantly impact the City, are classified as special events.
Provide your input on the Ryan Field demolition process
As part of the Ryan Field demolition process, the City is seeking public input on a draft Memorandum of Agreement to be established between Northwestern, the Illinois EPA, and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office. Share your feedback through an online form or by participating in a Virtual Listening Session on Tues., Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stay informed of what's going on in your ward
Looking to stay informed on news, events, and meetings happening throughout the City and your ward? Hoping to get more engaged in the new year? Sign up for your ward eNewsletter and other topics!
There's still time to get your flu shot
With holiday gatherings in full swing, it's important to get your flu shot to reduce the risk of getting yourself or others sick. Find vaccine locations.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Temperance: Celebrating 10 years in business!
![Temperance](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/ILEVANSTON/2023/12/8692174/5150233/copy-of-drone-7_crop.png) Click image to play video.
Get to know Josh Gilbert, founder and owner of Temperance Beer Co. As Evanston's first and oldest brewery, this staple business is excited to be celebrating its 10th anniversary. Stop by 2000 Dempster St. tomorrow night, Fri., Dec. 15, to enjoy a live band, try new products, and join in the celebration.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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