Thursday, May 7, 2026 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about Drinking Water Week, Starlight Concerts & Movies in the Park, the Guaranteed Income Program, construction updates, and more!
 💧Happy Drinking Water Week!
Turn on your tap and think about this: Evanston's Water Production Bureau pulls from Lake Michigan to deliver 17 billion gallons a year to nearly 500,000 people across 10 communities. More information.
But wait, there's more! We're also replacing lead service lines across the city (1,113 and counting), and we're meeting every Safe Drinking Water standard. Shoutout to the hardworking pros who make clean water flow.
Curious how it goes from Lake Michigan to your glass? Watch our Drinking Water Treatment Process video.
 Get ready for some free summer entertainment!
Evanston’s 2026 Starlight Concert & Movie Series is back for a summer packed with music, movies, and neighborhood fun under the stars!
The details: From June through August, enjoy free outdoor concerts across Evanston parks featuring live bands like Butter Chicken Brass Band and Soft Opening, plus movie nights ranging from Shrek and Hamilton to Jurassic World Rebirth and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
The highlights: Enjoy a Food Truck Fest on June 26 and two family-friendly double-feature movie nights in July and August.
 Guaranteed Income Program now open
The City has launched the final round of its Guaranteed Income Program, providing six months of direct financial assistance to 102 local families to help cover essential needs like food and everyday expenses.
Eligibility requirements: Eligible residents must have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines and either be age 55 or older or have a child in second grade or younger in the household.
Information & application sessions:
- Thursday, May 7, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Robert Crown Center, Room A
- Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Robert Crown Center, Room A
Learn more and view additional session dates as they are added.
 Construction Roundup
Crack Sealing Project: The City will conduct asphalt crack sealing at about 45 sites over three weeks beginning May 11. Crews will repair and seal pavement cracks to help prevent water damage and extend road life.
Chicago Avenue Sidewalk Improvements: The project will begin on May 11 and continue for approximately four to six weeks on Chicago Avenue between Davis and Church Streets. Parking will be restricted during construction, with free nearby parking available.
Central Street Water Main Improvements: This project along Central Street from Broadway to Bryant Avenues will continue through July 17. Construction will occur in phases and require temporary parking restrictions and traffic shifts along Central Street. Temporary free parking is available.
Howard Street Sidewalk Improvements: Over the next few weeks, sidewalk improvements will take place on Howard Street between Callan and Chicago Avenues. This work will include the removal and replacement of concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and driveways.
Downtown Sidewalk Improvements Project: This project will take place over the next three months, and work includes replacing sidewalks on portions of Chicago Ave., adding new ADA-compliant sidewalks on Kirk St., and improving transit stops at Church, Davis, Dodge, and Oak.
More News and Events
Join the City of Evanston's leadership team
The City is still accepting applications for Deputy City Manager. As one of two key leadership roles on the City Manager's executive team, this position is responsible for overseeing assigned City departments and providing strategic support. The listing is open through May 10. Apply now.
"Rethink Your Drink" campaign kicks off May 9
Join the kickoff of the City’s relaunched “Rethink Your Drink” campaign on Sat., May 9, at 11 a.m. at Robert Crown Center. Hosted by the City’s Health Department in partnership with Endeavor Health, the free event will feature an interactive “Sugar Show,” water tastings, giveaways, and more!
Celebrate AAPI Month in May
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities. Celebrate with community events and programming throughout the month.
Sip and shop at the Evanston Arts & Craft Beverage Crawl
Enjoy one-night-only pop-up art exhibits inside local shops along the Main-Dempster Mile while sampling local craft beverages. Tickets include artist meet-and-greets, beverage tastings, food pairings, entertainment, and more, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Evanston Made. More info.
Donate to the Community Baby Pantry
Community members are encouraged to donate baby and toddler essentials to support the new Evanston Community Fridges' CNE Baby Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the Common Good Plant Sale on May 9 at Evanston Lands, YEA Fest on May 16 at Raymond Park, and at Art Makers Outpost on May 19 at 609 South Blvd.
Community Choice Aggregation Program renewed
We've renewed our Community Choice Aggregation with MC2 Energy, which helps advance its renewable energy goals. You may have received a mailer informing you of your participation or discontinuation in the program, which you can learn more about at the City’s website. Customers participating in the program will pay no more or less than the ComEd default rate, and billing and payment methods will not change. Opt out by calling 855-697-0285 or emailing Evanston@mc2energyservices.com.
Apply for a Sustainable Communities Grant
UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement, and NU's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations are accepting applications for their Sustainable Communities Grant Program, which will award two $5,000 grants to nonprofits in Evanston and Skokie supporting local sustainability projects. Applications are due June 26.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
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Aging Well Expo, May 8
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FAN In-Person Event at ETHS - Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw with Beth E. Richie, Ph.D. - Backtalker: An American Memoir, May 8
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Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, May 9
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International Compost Information Session, May 9
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SeniorPLAYooza Brain Health Fair at North Suburban YMCA, May 12
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FAN Zoom Event - America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries, May 14
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Cop on a Rooftop, May 15
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Haydn’s Mass in Time of Distress Concert, May 15
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FAN In-Person Event at ETHS - featuring alums: David Epstein with Megan Twohey - Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, May 15
 Click image to play video on Facebook.
This week is Public Service Recognition Week, a time to honor the dedicated staff at the City of Evanston.
From our Public Works crews who keep our streets safe, to our Parks & Recreation staff who provide fun and enriching programming year-round, to our librarians, planners, finance team, and everyone in between, we are proud of the team that serves our community every day!
Thank you, Evanston staff, for your commitment and passion towards making our city even better.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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