It is budget season again and we are working on our FY 2024 proposed budget. On Monday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m., City Council is holding a Special City Council and Truth and Taxation Hearing at the Morton Civic Center. We will be discussing some of the bigger budget topics in that session.  

Then on Tuesday, I will be co-hosting a budget presentation with my colleagues from the 3rd and 4th ward on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in Room B/C at the Robert Crown Community Center.

The budget process is on-going and staff and City Council are working to align our budget to our community priorities. These sessions are crucial in helping us make decisions and prioritize projects.

Can't make it? Provide your budget input by calling or texting 847-448-4311, emailing budgetinquiries@cityofevanston.org, or sending feedback by mail to the City Manager’s Office at 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.

Participatory Budgeting Election Results

After a month of online voting and 15 in-person voting events held throughout Evanston, the City is proud to announce the following winning projects that will receive funding based on the number of votes received:

#1: Mental Health First Aid Training

• 3,400 votes received
• $50,000

#2: Grants/ Incentives for Activities and Education Support for Marginalized Students in Grades 3-12

• 3,117 votes received
• $700,000

#3: Evanston Urban Farm

• 3,014 votes received
• $350,000

#4: Affordable Housing Subsidy

• 2,918 votes received
•  $810,000

#5: Affordable Refugee Housing

• 2,890 votes received
• $645,000

#6: Youth and Young Adult Drop-In Center

• 2,692 votes received
• $210,000 

#7: Small Business Grants

• 2,095 votes received
• $150,000

In total, the City collected an impressive 6,565 votes from community members, representing 8.5 percent of the Evanston population. This level of participation sets Evanston apart from the historical average of 1 percent voter turnout in participatory budgeting elections in other communities, reflecting our community's commitment to shaping the future of Evanston.

The winning projects will be assigned to City staff across departments for implementation. Decisions about the remaining $85,000 of funding will be made by the Participatory Budgeting Leadership Committee.

For more information on the participatory budgeting process in Evanston, please visit cityofevanston.org/participatorybudgeting.

Be-leaf it or not, winter is around the corner

As leaves continue to fall, residents are reminded about seasonal services and cleanup activities:

Additional Fall Street Cleaning: Dates are planned for residential streets in November and early December to clear debris before winter. Street signage is posted and the schedule can also be viewed online. Need a reminder? Sign up for text message or email parking notifications.

Food and Yard Waste Pickup: The final week for 2023 food and yard waste pickup will be December 4-7. Food and yard waste is collected on residents’ normal refuse pickup day. 

Winter Gap Composting Program: Enroll in Collective Resource Compost's 16-week Winter Gap composting program, beginning the week of December 4 and ending the week of March 25.

Leaf Blower Reminders: The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited in Evanston. Electric-powered leaf blowers are allowed for use year-round, during specified times. As a reminder, please don't blow or rake leaves into the street, it is illegal and can block sewers, causing flooding.