Thursday, October 23, 2025 | View in browser
Read below for information about community trick-or-treating events, additional fall street cleaning, Recycling Truck Design Competition voting, and more!
 Trick-or-treating fun is around the corner 🎃
It's time to get those costumes ready and head out on the town for a weekend of trick-or-treating through local business districts.
Official Trick-or-Treat: Evanston's official trick-or-treat hours are Friday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Downtown Evanston Trick-or-Treat Stroll: Head downtown on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses! Kids can enjoy candy, mini-pumpkin painting, and more!.
Central Street Trick-or-Treat: Celebrate Halloween on Central Street this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trick-or-treat at participating Central Street businesses, enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, and more.
Main-Dempster Mile Spooky Saturday: Join the Main-Dempster Mile for a full day of Halloween festivities. Trick-or-treat at local businesses starting at 11 a.m., then head to the VW Halloween Block Party from noon to 2 p.m. to enjoy a kids’/pets’ costume parade, and family-friendly fun all afternoon.
 2024 Recycling Wrap Competition winners.
Pick your favorite student recycling design ♻️
In honor of America Recycles Day on November 15, the City, in partnership with District 65, hosted a Recycling Truck Design Competition. Middle schoolers were invited to submit their original artwork, depicting the dangers of putting batteries in recycling bins.
Vote for your favorite! Check out 10 unique artwork submissions and help choose the design that will decorate a City recycling truck. Vote by Friday, October 31. View artwork and vote here.
 Don't forget about extra fall street cleaning 🍂
Additional fall street cleaning is scheduled for November and early December to ensure that debris is cleared before the winter months. Make sure to check the posted parking signs at the beginning and end of each block for dates, sign up to receive street cleaning text/email alerts, and view the schedule at cityofevanston.org/streetcleaning.
Please note: In response to community concerns due to the increased presence of federal agents in Evanston and the Chicagoland area, the City has enacted a temporary moratorium on the enforcement of the leaf blower ordinance, effective through December 31, 2025. The purpose of this moratorium on enforcement is to ensure the safety of landscapers and to mitigate confusion regarding ordinance violation reporting by community members. Thank you for your understanding.
 Click image to play video.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
This month, join communities nationwide in taking a stand against domestic violence. On October 27, wear purple to help raise awareness and show support for survivors. You can also grab a lapel pin at the 2nd-floor security desk, 909 Davis St., and share a photo online using #EvanstonSpeaksUp.
Watch our video to learn more about domestic violence awareness month and available resources.
Resources:
- City of Evanston Victim Services Team: 847-866-5015
- Between Friends Crisis Line: 800-603-4357
- YWCA Evanston/North Shore: ywca-ens.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text “START” to 88788
More News and Events
Enjoy a Meet & Greet with the Health & Human Services team
Celebrate Evanston Public Health Day on October 24 with coffee and conversation. Join Health & Human Services Director Ikenga Ogbo and staff on the 2nd floor Council Chambers at Morton City Hall (909 Davis St.) between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to meet staff, learn about local resources, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments.
Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund application deadline
The eligibility requirements have expanded for the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund. Households that experienced a 30% increase in property taxes in the 2021, 2022, or 2023 tax years are now eligible, as long as other program requirements are met. Apply now through Oct. 31.
The Ecology Center is back and better than ever!
Join us for the grand reopening of the Evanston Ecology Center on Wed., Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. at 2024 McCormick Blvd. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the renovated facility, and previews of upcoming programs, including the Indoor Farmers Market, a Wild Weekends animal presentation, Thanksgiving Break Camp, and more! More info.
Do you have a tow truck?
Tow truck operators interested in participating should call 847-866-2935 or email purchasing@cityofevanston.org. Applications must be submitted electronically or by mail by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. No walk-ins accepted. More information.
Make a plan for your post-holiday pumpkins
Rescue your Halloween pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns from withering on the front porch by dropping them off to be composted at the 10th annual “It's the Great Pumpkin Compost” Collection event on Sat., Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to noon, at the old Morton Civic Center parking lot, 2100 Ridge Ave.
$500 scholarships available to qualifying Evanston youth
eLEAP helps Evanston youth access high-quality after-school and summer programs by providing $500 scholarships through the Digital Backpack 65. Families choose programs that match their child’s interests, removing financial and informational barriers. By connecting schools, families, and local organizations, eLEAP ensures every student can explore, learn, and thrive. Learn more and see if you qualify.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
City staff came together for a Howard Street cleanup!
 On Monday morning, roughly 25 City staff came together to clean Howard Street from North Paulina Street to Ridge Avenue. With cleanup materials and support provided by Public Works, the team successfully refreshed the entire stretch. Many thanks to all staff who participated!
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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