Friday, January 26, 2024   |   View in browser

Celebrate Black History Month with Evanston Businesses

The City invites you all out for another engaging and educational Black History Month in Evanston. Make your plans to support all of the great community programs. Check out some of these events with Evanston businesses and view the full list.

• Feb. 2: Sip & Paint Black History Month Kickoff at Temperance Beer Co. We’ll bring the paint and supplies. You buy the beer. Ages 21+. Register.
• Feb 7: The AUX with Tiffini Holmes: A Lunch & Learn Event. Discover The AUX and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs at the Evanston Public Library. Register.
• Feb. 14: Open Mic & Karaoke Night at Double Clutch. Showcase your talents with open mic performances followed by karaoke. Ages. 21+. Register.
• Feb. 17: "Black History 24/7/365: That Art Thing We Do." An engaging conversation with Black Evanston artists. Register.

S'mores on the Square

Downtown Evanston and the City of Evanston Park and Recreation invite all families downtown for S'mores on the Square! The first event will take place Sat., February 9! Register for this free event today.

Cook County Nonprofit Relief Grant

This Cook County Initiative will provide $1.5 million in grants to nonprofit arts organizations to mitigate the lingering effects of the pandemic on the cultural sector. The nonprofit relief grant is open. Learn more! 

Grant for Grocers Announced!

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $3.5 million in available grant funding for local grocers through the Equipment Upgrades Program as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative. Read more!

Businesses in the News

Credit: Brad Nadborne

Lefty's Righteous Bagels Coming Soon

Lefty's Righteous Bagels, located at 827 Chicago Ave, hopes to open in spring and provide the best wood-fired bagels for Evanston. “Our claim to fame is that we’re going to be [one of] the first in the Chicagoland area that will have wood-fired bagels,” Nadborne said. Read more!

The Aux eyes December Opening

The Aux continues the construction of their unique business hub. “Our hope for the business is that it becomes a staple for the community, a place where people can gather and take care of a needed, necessary chore, but in a place and a space where you feel welcome and safe,” White said. Read more.

Upcoming Local Events

Calling all new musical theatre fans! Come out to Theo Ubique for "Things We Don't Say" this weekend! This show is written by EllaRose Chary & Brandon James Gwinn alongside Theo’s Producing Director Christopher Pazdernik. Get your tickets today!

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

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.

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.