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City Of Evanston

2100 Ridge Avenue
847-328-2100

Northwestern University, a major landmark of Evanston, was actually founded before the City itself. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University opened its doors for the first time to 10 students. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was namedDuring the Civil War, the town of Evanston fought on the side of the abolitionists. After the war, Evanston saw a huge economic and population boom. Between 1860 and 1870, the population quadrupled.

Also during this time, an amendment was passed that prohibited the sale of alcohol within four miles of the Northwestern campus. Evanston became a town that supported the prohibition movement and the Women's Christian Temperance Union was founded in Evanston in 1874. Evanston continued to grow and remain independent of Chicago. The city became known for its architecture and beautiful homes on the lake. Between 1920 and 1930, there was a 70 percent population increase. Today, Evanston is sill thriving as an independent city. There are many cultural outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston continues to prosper and refuses to be overshadowed by Chicago

Recent News

City Of Evanston News - January 8, 2024

Statement on Ongoing Migrant Humanitarian Crisis Evanston, IL - Over the past several months, the influx of migrants into the Chicago area has created a growing humanitarian crisis. Evanston is committed to doing all we can to facilitate humane…

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Evanston Health Department Investigates Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Big Wig Tacos and Burritos

Evanston Health Department Investigates Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Big Wig Tacos & Burritos EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Health and Human Services Department (EHHS) is currently investigating a confirmed norovirus outbreak with the…

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Holiday Light Recycling Program Begins December 1, 2023

Evanston, IL - The City of Evanston's annual holiday light recycling program will run from Friday, December 1, 2023, through Sunday, January 31, 2023, in conjunction with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Elgin Recycling. …

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City of Evanston Youth Flag Design Contest

Evanston, IL - It’s time to design a new flag for the City of Evanston! Mayor Biss is launching a design contest open to all Evanston artists and designers in grades K-12. The flag should reflect the unique history, geography, and…

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The City of Evanston Reaches Milestone

The City of Evanston Reaches Milestone: Distributes Over $1 Million in Reparations Funding EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston's Reparations Committee has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to address historical injustices…

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City Launches Initiative to Combat Opioid Overdoses, Installs Emergency Naloxone Boxes

City Launches Initiative to Combat Opioid Overdoses, Installs Emergency Naloxone Boxes EVANSTON, IL - Through an important collaboration, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department has partnered with the Evanston Public Library and…

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City Of Evanston News - July 25, 2023

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City Of Evanston News - July 19, 2023

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City Of Evanston News - ETHS to Move 'Geometry in Construction' House

ETHS to Move 'Geometry in Construction' House on July 31 EVANSTON, IL - Evanston Township High School (ETHS) will move a single-family home on Monday, July 31 beginning at 9 a.m. The home will move from 1600 Dodge Ave. to 1739 Brown Ave. The…

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Celebrate 100 Years of Evanston Fourth of July Association Celebrations!

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Press Release: Evanston Police provide update on 900 block of Michigan investigation

Evanston Police provide update on 900 block of Michigan investigation Squad cars Evanston, IL - The Evanston Police Department responded to reports of a potentially emotionally disturbed individual involved in a battery in the 900 block of Michigan…

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City Of Evanston : Early Voting For The 2023 Consolidated General Election Begins March 20

EVANSTON, IL - Early voting for the April 4 Consolidated General Election will take place March 20 through April 3 at the Morton Civic Center, Room G-300 (Ground Floor), 2100 Ridge Ave., in Evanston. The 2023 Consolidated Election includes races…

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City Of Evanston - Updated Leaf Blower Ordinance Goes Into Effect After April 1, 2023

With spring weather on the way, the City of Evanston is reminding residents of updated restrictions regarding the use of leaf blowers. After April 1, 2023, only electric-powered leaf blowers will be allowed for use in Evanston and will be limited…

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City Of Evanston E-News - March 9, 2023

Good afternoon, Read below for information about expected winter weather, updates to leaf blower restrictions, job opportunities with the City, and more! Plus, learn how you can support the Evanston Animal Shelter. Updated leaf blower…

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City of Evanston Provides Update on Status of Streetplus Clean Team

Following a February 13 altercation in downtown Evanston involving Streetplus, a City of Evanston maintenance vendor, the City is providing an update on the status of this program. Streetplus has acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable,…

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City Of Evanston E-News - March 2, 2023

Top Stories Winter's not over yet! Forecasts call for a messy day on Friday, with rain, slush, snow, and high winds expected. How you can help: Voluntarily avoid parking on main thoroughfares posted as Snow Routes (.PDF) during the day on…

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City Of Evanston News City To Begin Water Intake Replacement Project In March

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston will soon begin a $47.2 million construction project to replace the oldest water intake at the Evanston Water Utility, helping to provide high-quality, safe and reliable drinking water to nearly 500,000 people in…

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City Of Evanston News 2023 Street Cleaning Operations Begin March 1

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston’s Public Works Agency will begin 2023 street cleaning operations on Wednesday, March 1, weather permitting. Street cleaning will run through December 15. Parking signage posted at the beginning and end of…

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City Of Evanston E-News - February 23, 2023

Top Stories Paws-itively good news for pet owners The Evanston Dog Beach will officially open for the 2023 season on Wednesday, March 1! Fetch your dog beach pass: Dog beach passes will be available for purchase beginning Monday, Feb. 27 at…

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City Of Evanston E-News - February 21, 2023

Evanston Dog Beach Passes On Sale February 27 Dog Beach to Open March 1 The Evanston Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the Evanston Dog Beach will officially open for the 2023 season on Wednesday, March 1. The dog…

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City Of Evanston E-News - February 17, 2023

Celebrate Older Americans Month at the Aging Well Conference, Film Night and More this May Plus, nominate an older adult for the Aging Well Award Evanston community members are invited to celebrate Older Americans Month at the City’s 22nd…

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City Of Evanston E-News - February 16, 2023

Top Stories Provide your input on shoreline repairs We're seeking community input as we continue long-term planning for potential improvements to lakefront parks and shoreline. Take a survey: Review design options and amenities and provide…

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City Of Evanston News Evanston Water Production Bureau Chief Darrell King Named ISAWWA ‘Water Professional Of The Year’

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston is proud to announce that Water Production Bureau Chief Darrell King has been named the Illinois Sector American Water Works Association (ISAWWA) Water Professional of the Year. The award recognizes an Illinois…

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City Of Evanston News : Your input on Evanston’s Local Reparations Program

Greetings, In Evanston we’re proud of our trailblazing reparations initiative, but we also know that the first steps in a long complex journey require careful analysis, reflection, and, potentially, adjustment. That’s why I’m so…

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City of Evanston : Statement on Altercation Involving Streetplus Evanston Clean Team

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston is aware of a physical altercation that took place in the area of Fountain Square on Monday afternoon, February 13 involving staff of Streetplus, a City of Evanston maintenance vendor. The City has reviewed and…

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City Of Evanston E-News - February 9, 2023

Top Stories Summer camps are calling! The snow has melted (at least for now), and you know what that means: Summer is around the corner! Online summer camp registration for Evanston residents begins this Saturday., Feb. 11 at 8 a.m. Need an…

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City Of Evanston, Moms Demand Action Evanston Launch ‘Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives’ Campaign

EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Police Department, Evanston Parks & Recreation Department, and Moms Demand Action Evanston are connecting residents with life-saving information and gun locks as part of the "Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives" campaign.…

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City Of Evanston E-News - February 2, 2023

Good afternoon, This week's E-News features: Ways to fight the winter blues this February Black History Month featured Evanstonians An important winter safety reminder, and more! Plus, an Evanston student's original art adorns our new…

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City Of Evanston News Mayor Biss Attends White House Summit On Accelerating Lead Pipe Replacement

EVANSTON, IL - On Friday, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss joined Vice President Kamala Harris, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, and state and local leaders from across the country for a White House Summit on Accelerating Lead Pipe Replacement. At…

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City Of Evanston - Statement From Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart

Highly publicized police-citizen encounters over the past few years have garnered the attention of the nation. The recent arrest of five Memphis Police officers for the beating and murder of Tyre Nichols and the subsequent release of video of this…

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City Of Evanston E-News - January 26, 2023

Read below for information about Black History Month events, the planned reopening of Evanston's Dog Beach, special offers for North Shore Restaurant Month, and more! Plus, the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program connects nearly 1,000 Evanston…

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City Of Evanston News : Mayor Biss Joins Local Leaders from Across the Country In Releasing Analysis on Crime Gun Manufacturers

EVANSTON, IL - Mayor Daniel Biss and 30 other members of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a nonpartisan coalition of current and former mayors that is a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, have released new data about the manufacturers of guns recovered…

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City Of Evanston News Pet Owners Encouraged To Secure 2023 Pet Licenses, Vaccine Verification Ahead Of Planned Evanston Dog Beach Reopening This Spring

EVANSTON, IL - Pet owners eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Evanston Dog Beach are encouraged to prepare now to ensure they’re able to enjoy the beach with their pet this spring. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Public…

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City Of Evanston E-News - January 19, 2023

Top Stories Who's ready for summer? Whether you're enrolling your child in camp or looking for a seasonal job, Evanston Parks & Rec has you covered! Search for summer fun: Browse the 2023 Summer Camp Guide. Register for camp: Evanston…

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City Of Evanston News - Evanston Parks And Recreation Announces Summer Job Opportunities

Even though it’s only January, the City of Evanston’s Parks & Recreation Department is already planning for summer and is encouraging all interested individuals to apply now for a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities. …

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City Of Evanston E-News - January 12, 2023

Good afternoon, Read below for information about MLK Day in Evanston, summer job opportunities, how to share your ideas for City spending, and more. Plus, learn about 10 major capital improvement projects slated for 2023! Top Stories…

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City Of Evanston Fire Department Hiring Lifeguards For 2023 Summer Season

The Evanston Fire Department is now recruiting lifeguards for the 2023 summer season and is inviting all individuals interested in joining their dynamic, dedicated team to apply. Evanston lifeguards play a critical role in ensuring the safety and…

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City Of Evanston E-News - January 5, 2023

Good afternoon, Read below for information about events to enjoy this January, an MLK Jr. Day celebration, Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection events, and more! Plus, see where you can find three new bike repair stations in Evanston. Top…

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City Of Evanston E-News - January 4, 2023

Honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with activities at EPL Children's programming, volunteer opportunities and more on Jan. 16 and beyond School may be out, but January 16 is a “day on, not a day off” in honoring the legacy of Dr.…

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City Of Evanston E-News - December 29, 2022

Top Stories Are you eligible for a reduced water/sewer bill? Evanston residents who are income-qualified ($35,000 for household of one and $60,000 for household of two) for the Evanston Benefit Card can now receive a reduced rate for water and…

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City Of Evanston E-News - December 15, 2022

Good afternoon, Read below for winter storm reminders, facility closures and service changes, upcoming holiday celebrations, and more! Plus, an Evanston community member shares her gift wrapping skills with youth. Winter storm update and…

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City Of Evanston to Host Free Financial Preparedness Training, January 12

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston invites community members to start the New Year more financially secure by attending a free Financial Preparedness Training hosted by the Office of Emergency Management. The free event will be held Thursday,…

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City Of Evanston E-News - December 15, 2022

Read below for information about upcoming holiday celebrations, where to find last-minute holiday gifts (hint: locally!), the City's 2023 Budget, and more. Plus, see how the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive spread holiday cheer to 400+…

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City Of Evanston News - Celebrate Kwanzaa and Hanukkah in Evanston, December 26

Celebrate Kwanzaa and Hanukkah in Evanston, December 26 Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and the Evanston Public Library invite community members to join together to celebrate Kwanzaa and Hanukkah at two free public events in Evanston on Monday,…

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City Of Evanston E-News: December 8, 2022

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…

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City Of Evanston E-News: December 1, 2022

Good evening, Read below for information about the CTA holiday train, Downtown Evanston holiday tree lighting, an opportunity to share input on site concepts for the proposed Fifth Ward Campus, and more. Plus, discover the 12 best restaurants in…

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City Of Evanston E-News - November 23, 2022

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! Read below for information about holiday kickoff events and celebrations, ways to recycle your string lighting, end-of-year reminders, and more! Plus, don't forget to support small businesses by shopping local on…

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