Thursday, April 23, 2026 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about Love Your Block grant recipients, a construction roundup, the Aging Well Expo, and more!
 Love Your Block mini-grant recipients announced
The City has announced the recipients of its second round of Love Your Block mini-grants, awarding funding to 21 projects selected from 60 applications submitted by residents and community groups. These proposals offered creative, community-driven ideas to improve neighborhoods in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th Wards.
Looking to get involved? The Love Your Block team is seeking volunteers interested in being contacted about opportunities to support awardees with project implementation. Express your interest through this form.
 Construction roundup
Boat Launch Dredging: The City will begin dredging at the Church Street Boat Launch in late April to remove sand buildup and maintain safe harbor access. The work is expected to be completed by early May.
Pavement Patching: The City’s annual Pavement Patching Program will begin the week of April 27 with crews repairing asphalt streets at more than 500 locations across Evanston.
Howard Street Sidewalk Improvements: Over the next six to eight weeks, sidewalk improvements will take place on Howard Street between Callan Avenue and Chicago Avenue.
The Aging Well Expo & Film Night returns
Join the City for its 26th Aging Well series during Older Americans Month in May, featuring two free events:
Aging Well Film Night: Enjoy a screening of I’m Only Blind at the Levy Senior Center on May 6, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Kamelya Alexan and featured subject Tim Paul.
Aging Well Expo: Participate in a free half-day event on May 8 for older adults and caregivers featuring resources on health, safety, nutrition, finance, technology, and more, plus informational sessions from partners.
Register for the expo today.
 New Emergency Bracelet Program
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, the City has launched a voluntary Emergency Communication Bracelet Program to support residents with disabilities, including Autistic individuals, people with dementia, and those with hidden disabilities. The program provides a light blue bracelet linked to confidential information accessible to first responders to improve communication and emergency response.
Apply for a bracelet: Residents or guardians can apply via the Emergency Communication Bracelet Program Request Form.
Information on Bats and Rabies
If you find a bat in your home, avoid all physical contact and do not attempt to release it outdoors. Safely capture the bat in a closed box or bin and keep it contained until you have spoken with the City’s Animal Control Warden or the Health and Human Services Department. Do not release the bat unless instructed to do so.
Once contained, call the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000 to coordinate testing for rabies through Animal Control. If you are not comfortable capturing the bat, confine it to a room and call the same number for assistance.
After testing is arranged, the Health and Human Services Department will assess any potential rabies exposure and advise next steps. Most bats do not carry rabies, and finding one in your home does not automatically require treatment. Residents who have had contact with a bat or other wild animal may also request a rabies risk assessment through Evanston 311.
More information is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
More News and Events
Attend the new Putting Assets to Work community meeting
Putting Assets to Work is Evanston’s community-led effort to reimagine how City-owned properties can better serve residents. Join in for the next community meeting at 6 p.m. on Tues., April 28, at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center to share your ideas.
Don't miss the We're Out Walking Kickoff event
Join this year's We're Out Walking (WOW) program, a free, family-friendly wellness initiative for all ages and fitness levels. Register for the WOW program online or at the kickoff event this Sat., April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ETHS’s Willie May Fieldhouse. Enjoy a live DJ, food trucks, fitness demonstrations, bounce houses, giveaways, and more!
Public Comment is open for the City's Draft 2026 Action Plan
The City’s Draft 2026 Action Plan is available for public comment through May 19. Comments can be submitted in person at the May 19 HCDC meeting, by email (housing@cityofevanston.org), or by mail to 909 Davis St. The plan outlines how HUD funding will be used to support housing and community development for low- and moderate-income residents.
Got cracked or uneven sidewalk squares?
Residents can once again participate in the 50/50 Sidewalk Program, where the City covers half the cost of eligible sidewalk replacement. To participate, simply mark your deteriorated sidewalk squares with paint or other durable marking material and then contact 311 by May 8. City staff will inspect the damaged sidewalk for eligibility.
Café Au Lake is open for the season
Stop by Café Au Lake at Arrington Lagoon (1647 Sheridan Rd.) during your next walk or bike ride and enjoy a coffee, tea, or snack by the water. The facility is currently open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Come celebrate spring on Central Street!
Central Street Evanston’s Spring’s ALIVE! returns May 2 during regular business hours, featuring spring shopping and dining specials, in-store experiences, and community fun. Enjoy promotions, food and drink deals, a photo booth, and The Great Central Street Scavenger Hunt, and more.
It's National Library Week!
Visit the Evanston Public Library website and Facebook page to explore events, stories, videos, and resources celebrating this year’s theme, “Find Your Joy.” From discovering new books and programs to exploring the Innovation Station, the library is a welcoming space for everyone.
Cook County Amnesty Week: April 27-May 1
The Cook County Clerk is offering an annual Amnesty Week from April 27 to May 1. During this time, eligible residents can pay off certain outstanding moving traffic violations without additional collection fees. For more information and promotional materials, visit the Clerk's website.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
It's official, we've cut the grand opening ribbon for the James Park pickleball courts! Now get out there and dink around.
Speaking of Pickleball: Join the Evanston Police Department for Paddle & Connect: Evanston Community Pickleball on Sat., May 30, from noon to 4 p.m. at the James Park outdoor pickleball courts. This free community event brings together residents, local organizations, and first responders for an afternoon of open play, connection, and fun. All skill levels are welcome, with equipment provided on-site. Enjoy music from a live DJ, local vendors, light refreshments, and opportunities to engage with community partners.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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