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2nd Ward Meeting - February 11

(Si desea recibir este boletín en español, por favor envíeme un correo electrónico a kharris@cityofevanston.org)

Hi 2nd Ward Residents,

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone virtually on the 11th. We have had some spirited council meetings so I hope you are regularly tuning in to understand the things we are working on.  I always welcome your input and take your suggestions seriously, when provided. At this meeting, we will hear more information on the Love Your Block Grant, which we received through the hard work of Tashiek Kerr and myself as co-authors. This will allow community members to not only revive the community and their homes but also for residents to offer help, get to know each other and build stronger relationships. That's what makes Evanston the place we love, each of us, the residents! So, I hope you will seize the opportunity when the call for volunteers appears and join in revitalizing some areas that may have been overlooked.

This virtual 2nd Ward meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. We will discuss vital issues affecting our community. Your participation is crucial, as your input and concerns are essential in shaping the policies that impact our neighborhood. For virtual access register here.

This month's meeting will include the following guests:

• Director of Health & Human Services Ike Ogbo will discuss current events and programs.

• Assistant City Manager Tasheik Kerr and Bridget Johnson will discuss the Love Your Block program; an initiative focused on resident-led revitalisation projects.

• Lisa Degliantoni of Evanston Made will share information about programs that facilitate engagement with the creative community across Evanston.

• Ombudsman Candice Mitchell will discuss long term care for seniors.

• The Evanston Police Department will go over community safety measures, and answer any questions or public safety concerns.

I want to try something new for the next few newsletters. I would like readers to submit stories about themselves or others doing Good things in the community so we can spotlight them in our newsletter. There are a lot of people doing some amazing things in the community that I think we should all know about. So please submit a few paragraphs about the person and the work that they are doing along with a photo so they can be featured.  I will start with an amazing group of students from the community who are being recognized on Thursday.

Pictured above are the 40 students who were nominated by their teachers, principles and peers for having excelled in one or more of the following categories: character, leadership, civility, scholarship, community service, sportsmanship

CHEERS to our amazing students!

Evanston is one of just 16 cities across the U.S. selected to receive a $100,000 Love Your Block grant from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. This funding will support resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects.

Our proposed plan is to use these funds to create a mini-grant program focused on small home improvements in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th Wards. This program would prioritize seniors, renters, and families earning less than 50% of the area’s median income (AMI), allowing them to apply for funding to improve their homes.

First Installment Property Tax Bills Due March 4

The first of two installments of 2024 property tax bills were mailed in late January and will be due on March 4, 2025. The first installment of 2024 taxes is an estimate calculated at 55% of the total taxes paid last year.

Taxpayers should note that first installment tax bills will not reflect homeowner, senior citizen, or other exemptions, nor will they reflect the impact of successful assessment appeals filed for tax year 2024. Instead, exemptions and successful appeals will appear on second installment bills, along with the effect of changes in local government tax levies.

Payment Details

Property owners who do not have mortgage companies paying their taxes can make property tax payments online at cookcountytreasurer.com, at any Chase Bank in the Chicago area, by mail, or in person at the Cook County Treasurer's office at 118 N. Clark St.

Learn more about Senior Property Tax Relief programs and find additional details in the Cook County Treasurer’s Office announcement or by calling the Cook County Treasurer’s Office at 312-443-5100. 

Evanston is a Welcoming City for all

The City remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for all residents, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. View the City's "Welcoming City Ordinance", which was updated on Monday, January 13. 

"Know Your Rights" Workshop: In case you missed it, the City held a workshop on Mon., Jan. 20 to share resources. View the "Know Your Rights" presentation presented by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights and watch a video of the workshop. 

View additional "Know Your Rights" information on our webpage or view our postcards in English, Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, and Haitian Creole. 

Valentine's Day events around Evanston

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Evanston is brimming with events to make your celebration special. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a fun outing with friends, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Here's a curated list of events happening in and around Evanston to help you celebrate love in all its forms.

Spread the love, shop local for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show love not just to your significant other but also to your community by supporting local small businesses. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a fun outing with friends, or a self-love day, there are plenty of ways to make this Valentine’s Day special while keeping it local to Evanston. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your plans and places we love.

Please mark the date on your calendar, and let your neighbors know about the meeting. Working together, we can continue to make the 2nd Ward a great place to live and thrive. Take care of yourself and each other!

Krissie Harris
Councilmember, 2nd Ward
847-448-0986
kharris@cityofevanston.org
cityofevanston.org