Good evening,

Read below for information about a new headquarters moving to Evanston, holiday events happening this weekend, preliminary site concepts for the Fifth Ward Campus, and more!

Plus, the Evanston Police Department successfully collected nearly 100 weapons at its annual gun buyback event.

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An economic win for Evanston!

This week, UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) announced plans to move their headquarters and staff to 1603 Orrington Ave. in downtown Evanston! The move, planned for late 2023, will ultimately bring up to 200 daytime office workers to Evanston, supporting our local economy.

Survey: Share your priorities for the Fifth Ward

Earlier this week, four preliminary site concepts for District 65’s new Fifth Ward School as well as options for the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center were presented for public input at a community meeting.

Share your thoughts! Complete a community questionnaire open through December 15 to share your perspective and priorities for the site.

The holiday fun continues...

Check out all the holiday events happening throughout Evanston this weekend!

Ride the holiday train: Wave to Santa and his elves as they ride through Evanston on the CTA Purple Line this Fri., Dec. 9 and Sat., Dec. 10! View the CTA Holiday Train schedule.

Enjoy the sounds of the season: Join the Evanston Symphony Orchestra for its annual Holiday Concert on Sun., Dec. 11 at ETHS.

Stroll along the 'Mile:' Head to the Main-Dempster Mile tonight, Dec. 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to enjoy hot chocolate, community caroling, tree decorating contest voting, small business open houses and more!

Light up the night: Join the Central Evanston Business Association for a holiday festival and tree lighting ceremony on Fri., Dec. 9, outside the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center.

Participate in the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive!

Friday, Dec. 9 is the final day to donate to the Mayor's Holiday, Food, Book & Toy Drive. Help make the season bright for others!

Register to receive food and toys: Families who wish to receive food and toys as part of the event must register by calling 847-448-4311 by Monday, Dec. 12.

Making our community safer

Last week, the Evanston Police Department partnered with Mount Zion Baptist Church and Carolyn Murray to collect 98 weapons – including 54 firearms – as part of their annual gun buyback event! The weapons will be destroyed in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Share your ideas for City spending

Want to help spend the City's budget? Now you can! The City has allocated $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to participatory budgeting, a process in which residents generate ideas, develop proposals, and ultimately vote on projects to fund and implement.

Attend an Idea Collection Assembly: Share your ideas on Sat., Dec. 10 at the Evanston Ecology Center and Mon., Dec. 12 at ETHS. Please RSVP to secure your spot!

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