Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about New Year holiday hours, the City's Dr. MLK Jr. Day Celebration, the Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan, and more!
 Happy (almost) New Year, Evanston!
From all of us here at the City, we wish our vibrant community a year ahead filled with prosperity, unity, and countless reasons to smile.
New Year holiday schedule changes: The Morton City Hall and most City facilities will be closed on Thurs., Jan. 1, for the New Year holiday. View holiday service changes and facility schedules. No refuse collections will occur on January 1. If the holiday falls on or before your collection day, services are expected to be postponed by one day.
 There's life after the holidays for trees and lights!
What to do with holiday trees: The City has partnered with LRS to provide holiday tree collection for recycling on January 5 - 16, on residents' regular refuse pickup days. View tree pickup guidelines.
What to do with burned-out bulbs: Holiday string lighting and extension cords can be dropped off for recycling at the Levy Center, Ecology Center, and Robert Crown Community Center through January 30.
 Dr. MLK Jr. Day of Celebration, January 17
Join the City on January 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center for the annual Dr. MLK Jr. Day of Celebration. This year’s program honors the young people whose courage helped advance the Civil Rights Movement, including trailblazers like Ruby Bridges. The celebration will feature a showcase of youth voices and talents from across Evanston, including keynote speaker Brooks Lansana, Evanston’s Children’s Choir, MC4 Singing Group, Ayodele Drum & Dance, and more.
 The City's Comprehensive Plan is now available
The City's Comprehensive Plan, Envision Evanston 2045, is now available on the Envision Evanston 2045 website in both digital and printable formats. Physical copies are available at select City facilities. The plan has been edited and professionally formatted to incorporate feedback and revisions approved by the City Council and will be presented at the January 26 City Council meeting.
What is it? The plan reflects extensive community input and provides a long-term framework to guide the City’s growth, development, and policy decisions over the next 20 years. New zoning will be developed to implement it.
More News and Events
Free battery recycling begins on January 1
Beginning January 1, the Illinois Battery Stewardship Act makes battery recycling free statewide. Manufacturers will cover costs, with Call2Recycle managing the program. Most household and commercial batteries (excluding vehicle/marine lead-acid) can be dropped off at participating sites, including major retailers. Batteries should never be put in trash or recycling carts. View the Call2Recycle locator to find drop-off locations.
Attend the next Mason Park Expansion & Church/Dodge Improvements meeting
Join the City for the next virtual public meeting on the Mason Park Expansion and Church/Dodge Transportation Improvements project. The meeting will take place virtually on Tues., Jan. 13, at 6 p.m., and will include a review of the Mason Park Play Area concept, along with an opportunity for community feedback. More information.
EPL seeks art submissions for Black History Month exhibit
In celebration of Black History Month, the Evanston Public Library invites artists to submit artwork that honors Black history and culture. Submissions may include visual art, digital design, sculpture, photography, textile arts, poetry, and more. The submission deadline is January 26. Learn more.
Community Calendar
Happy Birthday, Evanston! 🎈
 Evanston turned 162 years old on Monday (January 29)!
Did you know that Evanston was formally incorporated as a town on December 29, 1863? After the Civil War, it grew significantly and later annexed North and South Evanston, officially becoming a city in 1892. Since then, we’ve grown to an estimated population of around 76,500 and have made countless strides as a city that takes bold, forward-thinking action. Learn more.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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