e-News: Grant awards, weekend events, and more!

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/14/2026 07:49 PM CDT

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | View in browser

Good evening,

Read below for information about grants received by the City, weekend events, Cultural Heritage Awards, and more!

Head's up! It’s going to be a busy and exciting weekend in Evanston with two major community events taking place: Dillo Day and Evanston Township High School graduation.

Residents should plan for increased traffic and heavier activity around event areas. Please allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes where possible, and be mindful of pedestrians and families.

Top Stories

Big wins for Evanston youth & sustainability ✨

Youth climate grants: Evanston has joined the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, offering residents ages 15-24 grants of $1,000-$5,000 for local climate projects. The City received $50,000 in funding to support projects focused on green spaces, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and community-building. While applications don't open until July, youth are encouraged to fill out an Interest Form today.

Safe Routes to School Pilot: The City, in partnership with District 65, has been awarded a $100,000 Illinois Safe Routes to School grant from IDOT. This investment will launch a pilot program to teach 5th graders safe, sustainable travel skills through bike and pedestrian safety education, while also expanding access to bikes and safety equipment.

Summer events are here!

Shop fresh at the award-winning farmers' market: Visit the Downtown
Evanston Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, specialty foods, and so much more from local vendors every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University & Oak Avenues.

Celebrate youth visual and performance arts: YEA! Fest returns to Raymond Park on Saturday, celebrating more than 30 years of youth visual and performance arts. The festival features student performances and artwork, hands-on activities, a Toddler Town, and food trucks.

Jazz it up downtown: Join Downtown Evanston for a relaxing lunchtime at Sunday Jazz at the Square, a weekly live music series showcasing the next generation of local jazz talent from noon to 2 p.m. at Fountain Square.

Submit a Cultural Heritage Award nomination

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, the Evanston Preservation Commission invites nominations for the third annual Cultural Heritage Awards, celebrating a broad view of preservation.

Award Categories: Cultural Ambassador Award (for outstanding, lasting impact), Outstanding Individual Achievement (for personal contributions), Outstanding Group Achievement (for collective efforts).

Nominations are open: Fill out this nomination form by 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 28, and submit it in PDF format with additional videos or other supporting media to csterling@cityofevanston.org.

Take our Pop-Up + Incubator Pilot survey

Are you a shop owner, maker, or designer selling online, at markets, or out of your home? The City is launching a Pop-Up + Incubator Pilot Program built with you in mind, offering subsidized short-term storefronts, business training, mentorship, and a pathway toward permanent Evanston tenancy.

We want to hear from you! Take our short survey in English and Spanish, open through May 29. Your responses will directly help shape how the program is built.

More News and Events

Appeal your Property Tax Assessments

Property owners are encouraged to use available appeal and exemption options through the Cook County Assessor’s Office. Appeals can be filed online through June 4. Those who need assistance can submit an Appeal Authorization form by May 26 to have an appeal filed on their behalf.

Evanston continues Tree City USA recognition

We're proud to continue our long-standing recognition as a Tree City USA community, a designation held since 1984. We have also earned the Tree City USA Growth Award for more than 20 consecutive years in recognition of our commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship.

Evanston beaches open for the season on May 23!

As a reminder, residents in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202 can pick up free season beach passes with proof of residency at local community centers or the Dempster St. Beach Office. All visitors must show a valid beach pass or ticket for entry. Non-residents may purchase passes or daily tickets at beach entrances or community centers. More info about beach passes.

Register to be a part of this year's July 4th Parade

Registration is now open for this year's Fourth of July parade, with the theme “Home of the Brave Since 1776.” Community groups, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to sign up to participate in this beloved tradition. Register by June 12 to join in.

Tour the previous Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Avenue

As a part of the City’s Putting Assets to Work initiative, community members are encouraged to join in for guided walkthroughs of the Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Ave., with preset stops. Multiple tour times will take place on Wed., May 27. Register to participate!

Submit your benchmarking data today

Evanston’s Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance requires that commercial, institutional, and residential buildings over 20,000 sq. ft., and condo buildings over 50,000 sq. ft., report their annual energy and water consumption. Check the City’s benchmarking page and helpdesk for more info. The deadline to submit your annual benchmarking report is June 30.

Apply for the 35th cohort of Leadership Evanston

Applications are now open for the 35th cohort of Leadership Evanston, hosted by the Evanston Community Foundation. This community leadership program is open to anyone who lives or works in Evanston. Participants learn local history, build connections, and collaborate on solutions to community challenges. The program runs from September to June.

Get Engaged

First Ward Office Hours, May 16

Community Calendar

Thank you, Evanston police!

This week is National Police Week. Join us in honoring members of our Evanston Police Department. We are grateful every day for their commitment to keeping our community safe, building trust, and showing up with integrity. To police officers and staff in Evanston and around the country, thank you for your service.

That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,

The City of Evanston Communications Team

Morton City Hall

909 Davis St., Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-4311

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