Thursday, March 13, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the passing of the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, Early Voting, the Sustain Evanston Grant Program, and more!
 Evanston Passes Healthy Buildings Ordinance!
Evanston has taken a bold step toward a more sustainable future, with the City Council's approval of the Healthy Buildings Ordinance (HBO)! Evanston is now the first city in Illinois and only the second in the Midwest to implement a building performance standard. The ordinance sets ambitious targets for large buildings—boosting energy efficiency, eliminating on-site emissions, and requiring renewable electricity—all critical to achieving the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
Ensuring equitable implementation: Evanston has established two new public bodies: the Healthy Buildings Accountability Board and the Healthy Buildings Technical Committee. Look for additional information in the coming weeks on how to apply to serve.
 Early Voting Begins March 17
Evanston residents can vote early for the April 1 Consolidated General Election from March 17-31 at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Room G-300. The election includes races for Mayor, City Clerk, all nine City Council seats, school districts, and park districts.
Early Voting Hours:
- March 17-21: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
- March 24-28 & March 31: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
- March 22 & 29: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Sat)
- March 23 & 30: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sun)
Register & Vote: Residents can register in person during Early Voting and must vote immediately after registering. Bring two forms of ID, one with your current address.
2025 Ward Boundaries: The new ward boundaries will apply for this election and are reflected on the “Find Your Polling Place” tool. However, for City services, the updated map will not take effect until after the election and the swearing-in of the 82nd City Council on May 12.
 Click image to play video.
Apply for a Sustain Evanston Grant!
Calling all Evanston businesses, non-profits, and owners/operators of public buildings, this is your chance to go green AND save some green! The Sustain Evanston Grant Program helps fund sustainable improvements that align with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan—lowering operating costs while making a positive impact on our environment.
Curious about how it works? Watch our Sustain Evanston Jeopardy video, visit sustainevanston.com, or set up a walk-through meeting.
More News and Events
EPL joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Evanston Public Library has joined forces with the City in its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to support individuals with non-visible disabilities. Free Sunflower items, including pins, wristbands, and lanyards, are available at community centers and the Library. Learn more or contact Lauren at lruiz@cityofevanston.org.
Learn about resources available to tenants in Evanston
Join in for the City's Tenant Resources Webinar on Tues., March 25, at 7 p.m. with speakers from the Law Center for Better Housing and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization as they shed light on updates and resources available for tenants in Evanston.
Help shape the future of District 65
District 65 is inviting community members to play a vital role in shaping the future for their current and future generations of learners! The District is seeking solutions-oriented individuals to serve on one of three committees focused on Facilities, Finance, and Student Programming. Applications are open now through March 24. Learn more and apply.
Announcing...the 4th Annual Blueberry Awards!
Join the Evanston Public Library for the live announcement of the Blueberry Awards, honoring excellence in children’s environmental literature, on March 20, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Main Library. Enjoy author videos, book reveals, crafts, and a visit from the 2024 winner! Register today.
The Robert Crown Ice Rink remains closed, repairs underway
The ice sheets at Robert Crown Community Center remain closed due to an unexpected mechanical failure during routine maintenance, preventing proper freezing. Technicians are actively working on repairs, but full restoration will take time. The reopening timeline remains late March.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Eat, Explore, and Earn all month long!
Take advantage of great deals and opportunities to explore Evanston diverse array of restaurants!
- Celebrate Northshore Restaurant Month throughout March by supporting local eateries taking advantage of special offerings, prix-fixe menus, and more.
- Participate in Downtown Evanston's Let’s Eat Challenge, which invites food lovers to explore over 85 restaurants, earning rewards and exclusive prizes by checking in via the Vibemap App. The challenge runs through May 31, with exciting rewards like gift cards.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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