Friday, January 5, 2024 | View in browser
 Happy New Year, Evanston!
The Economic Development Division wishes you all a Happy New Year! We are looking forward to continuing to serve our business community in 2024 and beyond.
 Enjoy an art-filled Saturday
Explore Evanston's thriving arts scene this Saturday, as part of First Saturday Evanston, hosted by Evanston Made. Check out studio tours, pop-up exhibits, artist talks, and more.
 Vote for Evanston Businesses
Several Evanston businesses need your support! The Chicago Reader Best of 2023 features several local businesses nominated in different categories. Support Family Action Network, Northwestern University, Soul & Smoke, Fat Shallot, Nichols Concert Hall and Space. Vote today!
 Martin Luther King Celebration!
Join the City and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 13, at noon, at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. Enjoy community performances and Keynote Speaker, Gracie Puricelli. Read more!
 State Grant now Open!
Governor Pritzker announced a new grant to support businesses that persevered through the Covid-19 Pandemic. “These grants will support those who faced unprecedented circumstances and met them with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and who may have been left behind in previous aid efforts.” The grant application is open now!!
 Income Restricted Housing for Rent
The City's Inclusionary Housing program offers access to affordable
apartments in new developments at a wide income range, from $37,891
to $88,300. One and two-bedroom units are currently available for
households earning between $49,550 and $88,250.
To apply, submit a pre-application at cpahousing.org/inclusionary-app or call CPAH at 847-263-7478, ext. 28.
Businesses in the News
 Practical Theatre Company’s “Ho-Ho-Holiday Revue”
Studio 5, located at 1934 Dempster St, hosts The Practical Theatre Company's fun-filled holiday variety show. “Ho-Ho-Holiday Revue” is a smart comedy cocktail, mixing music, variety, and vaudeville running from Thursday, Jan. 4 through Saturday, Jan. 6. Visit their website for more information.
Upcoming Local Events
 McGaw YMCA is hosting its next Community Day on Saturday, January 6 from 1 pm-5 pm. This free event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the school year. Get your feet wet in the pool with family swim time.
 Fonda Cantina invites all Evanston wedding vendors to host a table for this great event. They welcome all local Florists, Photographers, Videographers, Bakeries, Planners, Decorators, Dress Shops, Entertainers, and more! Register as vendor or to attend!
City Initiatives
 Fair Workweek Ordinance Officially Begins
Last year, Evanston 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, began January 1, 2024. Read the press release.
 Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance in Effect
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 began January 1, 2024. For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/plasticbagban. If you have any questions, contact 311.
 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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