Thursday, January 29, 2026 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about Black History Month events, residential and condo waste service updates, the Love Your Block program, and more!
 Comprehensive Plan ✅ Now let’s tackle Zoning!
After two years of public engagement and planning, the City Council adopted the new Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan on Monday night in a 5-4 vote.
What is the comprehensive plan? The plan sets a long-term roadmap for growth, development, and community priorities over the next two decades and can be viewed online.
What's next? City Council unanimously approved moving forward with a new request for proposals to hire a zoning consultant to help with the next step: updating the City’s zoning code.
 Love Your Block turns ideas into action 💙
Love Your Block wrapped up a strong first year in Evanston, turning resident ideas into real neighborhood improvements across the city. Funded by Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, the program received 118 applications and funded 32 projects in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th Wards. View the Year One Impact Report.
What’s Next? The final round of funding is on the way, and residents are encouraged to get involved: apply for a grant, sign up to volunteer, or help shape the program by serving on the Grant Steering Committee. More info.
 2026 residential and condo waste service updates
Earlier this week, the City announced a series of updates to residential and condominium refuse, food and yard waste, and special pickup services beginning in early 2026. These changes are designed to expand service options, increase convenience, and support the City’s long-term goals for waste reduction and sustainability. Keep an eye on your mailbox for a brochure with detailed information.
 Celebrate Black History Month in Evanston
Experience the vibrant history of Black culture and accomplishments by participating in local events and programming throughout February.
Experience a conversation with Black artists: Hosted by the City and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, “That Art Thing We Do” Part III celebrates local Black artists on Sat., Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Join in as artists Dejah Gomez, Melissa Blount, and Ben Blount share their work and stories in a lively discussion with moderator Laurice Bell. Stick around for the Afterglow Party with wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Engage with the Evanston Public Library: Each February, the Evanston Public Library celebrates Black History Month by honoring the stories, voices, and achievements of Black communities through engaging exhibits, curated booklists, meaningful events, and hands-on activities for kids.
 Convenient self-service kiosk moves to City Hall
The City’s self-service kiosk, which helps residents pay water bills and parking tickets quickly and easily, is moving from the Robert Crown Community Center to its new home in the Morton City Hall lobby (909 Davis St.) outside the Customer Service Center, on Friday, Jan. 30. The kiosk accepts cash, check, or credit card and offers real-time account updates.
The kiosk will be available during building hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday.
Evanston Health & Human Services is offering another free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic in an effort to expand access to community members who may face barriers to vaccination. This event is hosted in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health and in partnership with Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR). Since 2021, CIMPAR has operated full-service, field-based vaccination clinics through a coordinated mobile infrastructure designed to meet the needs of schools, community partners, shelters, and public health agencies.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center, Room B/C.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for eligible Evanston community members at this event; however, advanced registration is required.
Please note: You may register to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, or choose to receive just one. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email for the event. Please bring a copy of your confirmation email with you on the day of the event.
For more information, please call/text 847-448-8289 or email health@cityofevanston.org.
More News and Events
SNAP rules are changing on February 1
Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP. The IDPH has sent notices and a copy of an exemption form to all current and new customers directly impacted. SNAP recipients can use this screener to see if they are subject to, meet, or may be eligible for an exemption from SNAP Work Requirements.
Sip and Skate this weekend at the Arrington Lagoon ⛸️
With cold temps sticking around, the Arrington Lagoon Outdoor Ice Rink at Dawes Park is open when conditions allow. This weekend, we’re also opening Café au Lake and the warming room Saturday & Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and cozy breaks between laps.
Check out a vibrant new exhibit at the Noyes Center 🎨
"Las Caras Lindas", a new exhibition by Afro-Cuban artist Juana Fernandes-Hamer, is on view January 15-March 24, in the 2nd-floor gallery of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The exhibition features 18 vibrant works inspired by heritage, memory, and the song “Las Caras Lindas”.
Submit Your Special Event Permits by January 31
Planning a special event in Evanston? Submit your Special Event Permit Application by Saturday, Jan. 31. This includes all outdoor events on City property or those significantly impacting the City. Approval is required from the Special Events Committee and, in some cases, the City Council.
Enjoy coffee, connection, and C.A.R.E. ☕
Join in for Coffee with C.A.R.E. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brothers K Coffeehouse. Stop by for a free cup of coffee, friendly conversation, and a chance to connect with C.A.R.E. team members.
Connect with your community at the City Beat Meeting
Join Evanston’s Community Policing Unit every 3rd Wednesday to meet your ward officers, ask questions, learn about crime trends, discuss local priorities, hear updates, and more! Help shape a safer, stronger Evanston! The next meeting is February 18, at 6 p.m. at the Robert Crown Center.
Share your ideas for the Bike Plan Update 🚲
The City is updating its Bike Plan and wants your input on routes, safety improvements, and future network priorities. Share your feedback online via our Community Remarks Online Engagement Portal. Your ideas will help shape safer, more connected biking in Evanston. Learn More.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
 Meet D.O.G. (pronounced dee-oh-gee), a perfect example of how patience and compassion can change a life. D.O.G. came to the Evanston Animal Shelter from an overcrowded home and was understandably very scared at first. With time, gentle care, and consistency from their staff, he has completely transformed into a sweet, affectionate cat who just needs a calm home and a patient adopter.
Interested in meeting D.O.G.? Visit the Evanston Animal Shelter or fill out an online adoption questionnaire and see if he’s the right match for you.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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