Thursday, August 13, 2026 | View in browser
Read below for information about paying your 2027 Wheel Tax, a fall construction roundup, the end-of-season swimming beach schedule, and more!
 Pay your 2027 wheel tax today 🚗
Evanston residents can now pay their wheel tax and residential parking permits for the 2027 period: October 1-September 30, 2027. Payments can be made online at cityofevanston.org/wheeltax, by mail to 909 Davis Street, or in person at Morton City Hall or Evanston community centers. The deadline for payment is September 30.
Please note: Failure to pay may result in tickets. Senior discounts and Access Evanston applications must be completed before payment.
 Fall construction roundup 🚧
The City has several construction and capital projects underway this fall, spanning both infrastructure and parks/facilities. Infrastructure work includes water main construction on Ridge Avenue, sidewalk improvements and gap infills across several streets, new ADA-compliant transit stop pads, and pedestrian crossing safety upgrades at multiple intersections.
 End-of-season schedule for Evanston beaches 🏖️
With the return of seasonal lifeguards to school, the City has adjusted end-of-season beach operations to ensure proper staffing for public safety.
Schedule: Clark and Greenwood Street Beaches will be the only beaches open to swimming during weekdays at the following times: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Aug. 17-28) and 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Aug. 29-Sept. 7). Clark, Greenwood, and Lee Street Beaches will be open on the following weekends: Aug. 22-23, 29-30, and Sept. 5-7.
Please note: Additional locations may open during the evenings and weekends. The sand area will remain open at all beaches. Stay informed about the status of the beaches at cityofevanston.org/beaches. For your safety, please remember to only swim while lifeguards are on duty.
 Property Tax Appeal deadline: September 1 🏠
Evanston property owners can file 2026 property tax appeals with the Cook County Board of Review through September 1, either online or with help from the City's Property Tax Assessment Review Office. Learn more.
In-person property tax appeal event: Seeking in-person assistance filing an appeal? Attend the Cook County Board of Review appeal event at the Levy Center on Mon., Aug. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sign up to attend.
Reminder about exemptions: The Cook County Assessor’s Office is still accepting applications for 2021-2025 Homeowner, Senior, Senior Freeze, and other exemptions. Submit an exemption application online.
Please note: Appeal savings won't show up until 2027 tax bills, and 2025 second-installment bills are delayed until early September.
 Pay your bills fee-free at our Self-Service Kiosk
Skip the line and pay your bills in person at the self-service kiosk in the lobby of Morton City Hall, 909 Davis St., near the Customer Service Center.
Use the kiosk to pay water, sewer, sanitation, and parking ticket bills, with no convenience fees! It accepts cash, check, and credit/debit card, and updates your account balance in real time. Hours of operations include:
- Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
More News and Events
Benchmarking Warnings Stickers
Starting the week of August 17, you will see Benchmarking Warning Stickers on buildings around the City. This means that the building is not in compliance with the City’s Healthy Buildings Ordinance and needs to report its annual energy and water consumption. It does not mean that the building is unsafe to occupy, that its certificate of occupancy may be revoked, or that a health hazard has been identified. It does not mean tenants are at risk of being ticketed. For more information and for help achieving compliance, go to the City’s benchmarking helpdesk or call 3-1-1.
Community centers closed on August 18
All City community centers will be closed on August 18 due to a scheduled department-wide training event aimed at enhancing staff skills and service quality. All community centers will resume regular operating hours on August 19, welcoming visitors back to their programs and services.
New 25 mpg speed limit now in effect on Emerson Street
The City has lowered the speed limit on Emerson Street between McCormick and Greenbay from 30 mph to 25 mph. This is an execution of Ordinance 50-O-26, adopted by the City Council on July 13, to improve roadway safety. New permanent signage has been installed.
City Beat Meeting scheduled for August 19
Downtown residents, business owners, and employees are invited to join the Evanston Police Department and the Downtown Evanston Special Service Area for a special City Beat Meeting on Wed., Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at Creative Coworking, 922 Davis St. Please register in advance.
Tenant Rights Webinar & walk-in help
The City is hosting a Tenant Resources Webinar on Thurs., Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO), covering the Residential Landlord/Tenant Ordinance, tenant rights and responsibilities, and best practices (Zoom link, passcode 60201). MTO also offers in-person walk-in assistance every third Wednesday at the Evanston Public Library. Register at evanston@tenants-rights.org.
Embrace the back-to-school spirit!
Kick off the school year with an evening of community spirit at the annual 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party. Join in on Tues., Sept. 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at ETHS’ Lazier Field for an evening of games, music, food trucks, a performance from the ETHS and Northwestern bands, and more.
Soul & Smoke opens a new flagship restaurant
Soul & Smoke, run by D'Andre Carter and Heather Bublick, will open its new flagship restaurant on September 1 at 1601 Payne St. The expanded space adds table service, a full bar, and signature dishes, all surrounded by commissioned art honoring the history of Evanston's Fifth Ward. More info.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
-
Northwestern Football Meet the Team Night, Aug. 15
-
Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, Aug. 15
-
Family Day Back to School Event, Aug. 15
-
Love Your Block Volunteer: Safe Steps and Seasonal Pride, Aug. 15
-
Howard Street Callan Plaza Ribbon Cutting & Block Party, Aug.15
-
North Shore Triathlon, Aug. 16
-
SCORE presents "Improving Restaurant Operations and Financial Performance Through Management & AI," Aug. 17
-
Wild and Scenic Film Fest, Aug.21
-
Evanston Vet Center “Walk in the Garden", Aug. 21
-
Evanston Art and Big Fork Festival, Aug. 22-23
-
Synapse Arts’ Latin Social Dances and _copycats_, Aug. 29
 Meet Finch, a sweet, spunky girl! This former street dog has gone through a lot: living on the run for who knows how long, being a young mom, and learning how to trust people. Her confidence has grown, and her silly, goofy personality shines through. She wants a family who will earn her trust on her terms and help her learn how to be a dog! It will take time, but it is so worth it, because once you're in with Finch, you're in for life.
Learn more about how to adopt of foster Finch.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
|