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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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