Thursday, February 12, 2026 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the opening of the Evanston Dog Beach, a dog park naming contest, Love Your Block grant applications, and more!
 Paw-some news! Dog Beach reopens March 2 🐾
Located just south of Clark Street Beach, the Evanston Dog Beach will open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., beginning March 2.
Pick up your pass: Remember, a valid dog beach pass is required for entry to the Evanston Dog Beach. Passes will be available in person at City community centers on weekdays starting February 16. Learn more.
 It's time to get creative! Naming contest kicks off
The Evanston Parks and Recreation Department and Fourth Ward Councilmember Nieuwsma invite community members to help name the new off-leash dog area coming to Grey Park this spring.
How it works: Community members are encouraged to submit creative, Evanston-inspired names (35 characters or fewer) through our online form, now through February 22 at 10 p.m. The top ten names will be selected by Councilmember Nieuwsma and Parks and Recreation staff, and the community will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites. More info.
 It’s benchmarking season!
Evanston’s Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance requires that certain commercial and multifamily buildings report their annual energy and water consumption. The goal is to encourage energy efficiency, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve Evanston’s environment.
The ordinance applies to commercial, institutional, and residential buildings over 20,000 sq. ft., and condominium buildings over 50,000 sq. ft. Check out the City’s benchmarking page and helpdesk for more information.
Please note: The deadline to submit your annual benchmarking report is June 30, 2026.
 Love Your Block Grant Applications Open Feb. 14
Applications open Saturday, Feb. 14, for the second round of Love Your Block mini-grants, which provide $500–$2,500 to residents and community groups in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th Wards. Grants support hands-on projects, including home repairs, cleanups, or beautification efforts, that strengthen neighborhood connections and encourage civic engagement.
Application information: Applications are due by March 7, and winners will be notified in April. Learn more and apply beginning February 14.
More News and Events
Envision Evanston 2045: Share your input on zoning scope
The City is beginning the next phase of Envision Evanston 2045 and seeking your input on a draft Scope of Services for the Zoning Update to align zoning with the new Comprehensive Plan. Share your input by February 18 or speak at the February 23 City Council meeting. Your feedback will help finalize the draft before Council review. More info.
Composting site returns to the Robert Crown Center
With the solar project at Robert Crown Center nearly complete, the City has returned its food scrap drop-off site to its permanent location behind the Center, near the tennis courts.
Alert: Beware of scammers requesting permit fee payments
Community members should be aware that we have received reports of scammers impersonating City staff, requesting payment of permit fees via wire transfer. If you suspect fraud, do not engage and report it to EPD at 847-866-5000. More info.
Know your rights as a Housing Choice Voucher holder
Join Housing Action Illinois and Open Communities for a virtual and in-person (909 Davis St., Council Chambers) presentation on Tues., Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. Learn about your rights as a Housing Choice Voucher holder or a person who pays rent with non-wage income. This presentation will cover what you need to know if you feel you're being discriminated against.
Summer camp & spring program registration is open!
Evanston residents can now log in and register for Evanston Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Spring Programs. Visit our webpage to select your activities. Discounted resident pricing is automatically applied at checkout. Non-resident registration opens February 16.
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.
Attend the Putting Assets to Work community meeting
Putting Assets to Work is Evanston’s community-driven effort to reimagine how City-owned properties are used. Join us in person at a communitywide meeting at 6 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 25, at the Robert Crown Center to share your ideas. Can't make it? Share thoughts online.
The Community Garden Lottery is open through March 3
Registration is open for Evanston’s Community Garden Lottery. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is your chance to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy Evanston’s community gardens. Register through March 3.
City services are operating as usual on Presidents' Day
City services, including refuse and recycling collection, will operate as normal on Presidents' Day, Mon., Feb. 16.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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