Thursday, March 26, 2026 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about spring cleaning reminders, the We're Out Walking (WOW) program, property tax exemptions, and more!
 Spring cleaning has begun!
Check out a few helpful reminders below.
Food and yard waste: Weekly food and yard waste collection begins April 1. Collections will take place weekly through November, then switch to every other week from December through March. Learn more about this year’s program.
Bulk trash: There will be no spring bulk trash pickup this year. Instead, the City’s new special pickup pilot program allows residents to schedule additional bulk waste collections through the 311 Center.
Street cleaning: Operations began in March and continue through December 15. View the schedule and sign up for courtesy reminders.
Alley grading: The 2026 alley maintenance schedule is now available. Starting in the spring every year, the City will grade more than 300 unpaved alleys to help smooth potholes and ruts.
Leaf blowers: Only electric-powered leaf blowers are allowed for use in Evanston, limited to the following hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
 "We're Out Walking" program kicks off April 25
The Evanston Health & Human Services Department invites community members to join this year's We're Out Walking (WOW) program, a free, family-friendly wellness initiative for all ages and fitness levels.
Program registration: Register for the WOW program online or at the kickoff event, with participation fees ranging from $5 to $10.
Kickoff event: The program kicks off with a launch event on Sat., April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ETHS’s Willie May Fieldhouse, featuring a live DJ, food trucks, fitness demonstrations, bounce houses, giveaways, and more!
 Property tax exemption filing season
The annual property tax exemption filing season is now open! Many exemptions renew automatically, but some homeowners need to apply this year: seniors (65+) with incomes up to $65,000, new homeowners, veterans, and residents who missed past exemptions.
Senior exemption outreach: The Assessor’s Office will host a Senior Exemption Outreach event on Thurs., April 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center, to help residents with applications.
Don’t forget: The 2025 First Installment Property Tax bill is due April 1, and exemptions will appear on Second Installment bills later this year. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at 118 N. Clark St.
 Housing4All Heads to City Council April 13
Evanston’s Strategic Housing Plan, Housing4All, will go before the City Council on April 13 to be accepted and placed on file. On February 17, the Housing and Community Development Committee voted 7-0 to recommend the plan to the City Council.
What is the Housing4All plan? The plan focuses on residents facing the greatest housing affordability challenges and aligns City resources to combat displacement, preserve affordable housing, and create new housing opportunities.
 Fountain Square South Plaza improvements are coming soon...
Starting in early April, construction will begin on the Fountain Square South Plaza, providing the area with a fresh new look! Improvements include new landscaping, upgraded lighting, permeable pavers, benches, and more.
What you should know: The plaza will be fenced off, and pedestrians should follow posted detours. The eastbound left turn lane on Sherman Avenue (east of Grove Street) will be closed, with detour signage posted.
Support nearby businesses: While work is underway, please support the many local shops, restaurants, and cafés in the area. City parking garages, including 1800 Maple Self Park, Church Street Self Park, and Sherman Plaza Self Park, are available nearby.
More News and Events
Summer Camp & Spring Program registration is open!
Registration for Evanston Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Spring Programs is open. Visit cityofevanston.org/register to select your activities. Discounted resident pricing is automatically applied at checkout.
Enjoy Coffee with CARE, April 7
Join Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (C.A.R.E.) team members for coffee and conversation on Tues., April 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hoosier Mama Pie Company. Discuss issues and build relationships, one cup at a time.
Sign up for Coffee & Practice
Evanston artists have a new way to connect and collaborate through Coffee & Practice, an initiative led by the City's Arts and Culture Engagement Specialist. The program pairs local artists for one-on-one conversations in a casual coffee shop setting. Read more in the Evanston RoundTable.
Donate to the Community Cares Food & Essentials Drive
Evanston Community Cares will host a Food, Essentials & Gift Card Drive this Sat., March 28, with distribution on Sun., March 29. Community members are encouraged to view needed items and sign up to volunteer.
Take our Burnham Shores Playground Renovation survey
The City is planning improvements to Burnham Shores’ playground, and we need your help making final play equipment selections! Beginning today through April 10, community members are encouraged to take a survey to review and select their preferred playground design.
Evanston Folk Festival tickets are now on sale!
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Evanston Folk Festival, returning to Dawes Park on September 12-13 for two days of great live music, family‑friendly fun, and community vibes on the lakefront. Grab your passes online and plan your weekend of folk music.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
 We're proud to announce that our Public Works Agency has recently received two awards recognizing its leadership in public works and environmental stewardship.
The City’s new Evanston Animal Shelter was awarded the Public Works Project of the Year in the Structures: $5 Million to $25 Million category by the American Public Works Association Chicago Metro Chapter, while the City was also named the 2026 Salt Smart Community Award winner by The Conservation Foundation.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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