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 youth with summer job opportunities.

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Celebrate Black History Month in Evanston

Celebrate and recognize Black History Month this February by participating in community events and activities.

Walk and learn: Join Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and Shorefront Legacy Center for a nature walk detailing local Black history and its ties to the natural landscape. The walk begins at the Evanston Ecology Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.

Search and explore: Stop by the Main or Crown Branch Libraries in February to take part in this indoor mini scavenger hunt dedicated to Black history in Evanston.

Coming soon...the return of the Dog Beach

That's some doggone good news! After several years of high lake water levels, the City plans to reopen the dog beach for public use this March, weather and conditions permitting. Check out some ways you can prepare: 

Get a Pet License. In order to purchase a dog beach pass, owners must provide proof of a pet license from their city, or provide proof that their city doesn't require one. 2023 Evanston pet license applications were due on December 31, but can still be submitted without penalty. 

Update your pup's vaccines. All pets must have current vaccinations as mandated by the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control and a negative fecal test for internal parasites within the past 12 months.

Sign up for Dog Beach updates. Find out when and where dog beach passes will be available for purchase and get updates on the Dog Beach opening by signing up to receive notifications.

Support local Evanston restaurants this February

North Shore Restaurant Month kicks off on February 1! Do you have a place you've been dying to try? Support our local eateries and enjoy tasty dine-in and takeout offers from dozens of Evanston establishments.

Snow is here, so it's time to clear!

With a few inches of snow expected throughout this week, now is a good time to refamiliarize yourself with what you should know when it snows.

Clear sidewalks and crosswalks: Property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing a path at least 36 inches wide within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice.

Shoveling help available: The City's Snow Shoveling Program connects senior and disabled residents with volunteers who are willing to provide snow shoveling services. 

Stay in the know: Sign up for text or email Snow Alert parking notifications online at cityofevanston.org/snow, by calling/texting 847-448-4311, or texting COE SNOW to 468311.

COVID-19 Update

Cases: Evanston reported 97 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 81 for the week prior. The current seven-day moving average of daily confirmed cases is 13.86.

COVID-19 Community Risk Level: MEDIUM. 

Hospitalizations: View local COVID-19 hospitalizations.

To date, Evanston has had 18,520 total confirmed cases, and 159 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19. View the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile).

More News and Events

Clark Street closure between Orrington and Sherman

Power Construction will be conducting crane lift activities that will cause a temporary closure of Clark Street between Orrington and Sherman Avenues from January 30 through February 2.

Shedding light on gun manufacturers

Mayor Biss and 30 other members of Mayors Against Illegal Guns released new data about the manufacturers of guns recovered in local crimes, calling on the gun industry to take steps to prevent diversion of their products to the criminal market.

Congratulations, Rep. Robyn Gabel

Celebrate Rep. Robyn Gabel's appointment as Illinois House Majority Leader on Saturday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Levy Center. All are welcome. Refreshments provided.

Evanston expands pathways to healthcare careers

NorthShore University HealthSystem has committed $400,000 from its Community Investment Fund to the ASPIRE program, a City of Evanston partnership that connects youth with resources to explore healthcare careers. In its first year, the program provided 45 Evanston students and young adults with internships, career fairs, job shadowing, certification programs, and more.

Who is that person inspecting my parkway tree?

The City's Forestry Division has contracted with Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management, who will be updating Evanston’s parkway tree inventory through February in portions of the 2nd, 5th, 6th and 8th wards.

Update on SNAP emergency allotments

SNAP benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels on March 1, making February the last month for SNAP households to receive the emergency SNAP allotment. Those experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to visit the City’s Community Resources page for additional resources.

Get Engaged

- Virtual 8th Ward Meeting, Jan. 26

- Joint Meeting: 5th Ward & Redistricting Committee, Jan. 26

- 7th Ward Meeting, Jan. 31

Community Events

- Downtown Evanston: InSidewalk Sale, Jan. 27-29

- Indoor Farmers' Market, Jan. 28

- Participatory Budgeting Spanish Idea Collection Assembly, Jan. 28

- FAN Zoom Event - A Place Called Home: A Memoir of Deprivation and Hope, Jan. 31

- "Raising the Floor" Film Screening, Jan. 31

- Block Museum: Opening Talk - Dario Robleto on Science, Art, & the Search for Meaning, Feb. 4

Summer jobs program a success

Nearly 1,000 Evanston youth attended this year's Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) job fairs, held over two days in November and January!

The program connects youth with up to nine weeks of entry-level work experience in a variety of jobs and industries through community-based organizations, City government departments, and private sector businesses.

Thank you to the many organizations, staff and students who made the 2023 program a success. We look forward to a great summer!