Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | View in browser
8th Ward Meeting, April 24
Dear 8th Ward Neighbors,
As I prepare for my final 8th Ward meeting as your Councilmember on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at the Levy Senior Center (Bobby's Room) and virtually via Google Meet (see details below), I reflect with gratitude on our remarkable journey together.
When I first took office in 2021, my commitment was clear: work tirelessly to make Evanston fairer, safer, and more inclusive. With your support and active participation, we accomplished much together, transforming community-driven ideas into meaningful policies and programs.
Together, we took bold steps in worker protections through the Fair Workweek Ordinance, bringing stability and fairness to thousands of hourly workers. We prioritized housing justice, strengthening Inclusionary Housing rules and advocating for Just-Cause Eviction protections to prevent displacement and expand affordability across Evanston.
Our shared belief in participatory democracy empowered residents through the historic launch of Participatory Budgeting, putting millions of dollars into community-selected projects. Thousands of Evanstonians stepped forward, proving the strength of inclusive decision-making.
We also deepened our commitment to reparative justice. I successfully championed an amendment to Evanston's reparations initiative to include direct cash payments, providing tangible and immediate support to Black residents impacted by historic inequities.
Environmental justice and sustainability remained at the forefront of our efforts. We implemented Evanston’s plastic bag ban to reduce waste and pollution, secured funding to establish the city's first climate action team, and co-sponsored the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, setting Evanston on a path toward climate resilience and a cleaner, healthier future.
In public safety, we worked diligently to support community-based solutions, including my strong advocacy for establishing Evanston’s new CARE Team—a crisis alternative response model that addresses mental health and social service needs through compassionate, trained professionals.
All of this was complemented by dedicated constituent services—hosting over three dozen monthly meetings, responding to thousands of resident requests, and maintaining transparent communication to ensure your voice was always heard at City Hall.
Though my official term is ending, my commitment to our community will remain strong. I look forward to continuing to support our community's progress and staying actively involved in the neighborhood.
Please join me at this final meeting to welcome our new Councilmember-elect Matt Rodgers, hear updates from City Manager Luke Stowe, and discuss public safety with Officer William Arzuaga. It will also be a time to celebrate our shared achievements and the vibrant community we've nurtured together.
I am deeply honored to have served you and proud of what we've accomplished. Let’s keep this momentum going—our work for a more just and equitable Evanston is never finished.
With deepest gratitude,
Devon Reid
Councilmember, 8th Ward (2021–2025)
Virtual Meeting Information
Join via Google Meet
Join via Phone: 402-726-1049
PIN: 748469432
At the meeting:
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City Manager Luke Stowe will discuss topics affecting our community and the leadership transition.
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Newly elected 8th Ward Councilmember Matt Rodgers will introduce himself and his future plans for the 8th Ward.
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Officer William Arzuaga will address any public safety concerns and answer your questions.
Check out the City's 2024 Annual Report
In 2024, Evanston focused on planning for a more sustainable and equitable future, including launching the Envision Evanston 2045 planning process and preparing to relocate City operations to 909 Davis St. These initiatives laid the groundwork for long-term progress.
View the 2024 Annual Report to explore highlights, accomplishments, and departmental successes that shaped our progress over the past year.
 The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market Returns on May 3
The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market returns for its 50th season on Saturday, May 3, welcoming the community to shop local, eat fresh, and celebrate half a century of Evanston tradition.
The Market will take place every Saturday, May 3 through November 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue, behind the Hilton Garden Inn. Seniors and shoppers with disabilities are invited to shop early, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
This season promises to be the biggest yet, with around 70 vendors offering a vibrant selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, prepared foods, and more. Visitors are encouraged to come hungry, as there will be plenty to eat on-site.
What’s New This Year
- Daily live musical performances and special vendor spotlights
- Exciting collaborations with Evanston Made, Likhaya, and Spud Club Takeover Days hosted by the Evanston Art Center
- A Northwestern Spirit Day on October 18. Stop by before the Wildcats take on the Purdue Boilermakers for games and giveaways
- A gently used cookbook collection for a “New to You” Cookbook Giveaway. Drop off donations at the City of Evanston tent.
- Help design the 50th Anniversary Tote Bag! Submit your designs online by May 31. Or, designs may be submitted by emailing them to khorwitzmartinez@cityofevanston.org.
 Draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan: Ready for Your Feedback
This Strategic Plan is designed to shape a long-term approach to maintaining, enhancing and investing in Evanston’s parks, green spaces and recreational facilities. All community members are encouraged to review the Draft Strategic Plan and share their input via an online comment form by May 9.
 Upgraded Citizen Portal for Permits and Registrations
The City has successfully launched its upgraded Citizen Portal, providing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for residents and businesses seeking permits or contractor registration. With all updated permitting modules now live, the new system enhances processing efficiency for City staff while delivering a fully electronic, convenient application process for the community. Learn more.
The 8th Ward Meetings are an excellent opportunity to engage with your local and state representatives, ask questions, and learn more about the issues that matter to you. Your participation and input are vital to our community's success, and I look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you for your continued engagement in our community. Together, we can make the 8th Ward a better place for all.
Devon Reid
Councilmember, 8th Ward
dreid@cityofevanston.org
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