Thursday, May 15, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Check out this week’s highlights: a recap of the Mayor’s State of the City Address, Cultural Heritage Awards news, tickets for Honeypot by FJTheatre, and more!
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Watch Mayor Biss' State of the City Address
Mayor Daniel Biss delivered his 2025 State of the City Address on May 14 at Evanston SPACE, introduced by Pastor Monté Dillard. The recorded speech is available for viewing on the City's YouTube and Channel 16.
In his address, Mayor Biss highlighted accomplishments, including the launch of the C.A.R.E. team and the passage of the Healthy Buildings Ordinance. He also reaffirmed the City's commitment to diversity and affordable housing through efforts like the Envision Evanston 2045 plan and updates to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
2024 Recap: Check out the City's 2024 Annual Report for last year's highlights and successes.
 Submit a Cultural Heritage Award nomination
In honor of Historic Preservation Month, the Evanston Preservation Commission invites nominations for the second annual Cultural Heritage Awards, celebrating a broad view of preservation. Learn more.
Award Categories: Cultural Ambassador Award (for outstanding, lasting impact), Outstanding Individual Achievement (for personal contributions), Outstanding Group Achievement (for collective efforts).
Nominations are open: Nominations can be submitted by filling out the nomination form on the City’s historic preservation webpage. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1.
 Thank you, Evanston police!
Join us in honoring members of our Evanston Police Department. We are grateful every day for their commitment to keeping our community safe, building trust, and showing up with integrity. To police officers and staff in Evanston and around the country, thank you for your service.
#ICYMI: Chief Stewart was recently named ILACP Police Chief of the Year. Her visionary leadership, commitment to transparency, and community focus have transformed the department. Congratulations, Chief Stewart!

Honeypot takes the stage at FJTheatre
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and Northwestern's Wirtz Center present Honeypot, a stage adaptation of E. Patrick Johnson’s award-winning book. Celebrating the voices of queer Black women in the American South through poetry, music, and dance, this show will run from May 17 through June 1 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Get your ticket today!
More News and Events
Stop by Dunkin’ tomorrow for "Cop on a Rooftop"
Join our police officers tomorrow, May 16, from 6 a.m. to noon at Dunkin’ (1900 Dempster St.) for “Cop on a Rooftop”! As part of this fun annual fundraiser, officers will be on the roof collecting donations to support Special Olympics athletes. Stop by, say hello, and show your support!
Free trees are still available from Public Works
The City’s Public Works team still has free trees and supplies available, including swamp white oak, chestnut oak, and shingle oak trees (in 3-gallon pots). Fill out this form to request your tree and supplies.
Celebrate the Love Your Block grant winners
Join us on Fri., May 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center for the free Love Your Block Evanston Launch Party. Celebrate the 30 mini-grant winners, connect with community members, and enjoy food and activities.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
✨ Evanston tops the list!

We’re proud to share that Evanston has climbed to #17 on Livability’s 2025 list of the 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. From our vibrant, walkable neighborhoods and rich cultural scene to our diverse community, lakefront beauty, and world-class educational opportunities, Evanston continues to shine as a place where people love to live, work, and visit.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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