City of Evanston

🎥 Lauren Ruiz, the City’s Inclusion & Accessibility Division Manager/ADA Coordinator, was featured on Chicago's ABC Channel 7 with Terrell Brown to highlight the City’s Emergency Communication Bracelet Program for residents with disabilities and hidden disabilities. View the video: https://lnkd.in/gjEMpMDE This collaborative initiative between the City’s Police, Fire, CARE Team, and Parks & Recreation Inclusion & Accessibility Division helps strengthen safety, communication, and connection between residents and first responders. Find more information on the City's website: https://lnkd.in/gSady2wu

Big news for student safety and mobility! The City, in partnership with District 65, has been awarded a $100,000 Illinois Safe Routes to School grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. This investment will launch a pilot program teaching 200 District 65 5th graders safe, sustainable travel skills through bike and pedestrian safety education, while also expanding access to bikes and safety equipment for eligible students. Beyond safer streets, this initiative supports healthier students, reduced traffic congestion, and a more connected, environmentally sustainable community. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3D8BNK7

Join the City of Evanston's leadership team! The City is still accepting applications for Deputy City Manager. As one of two key leadership roles on the City Manager's executive team, this position is responsible for overseeing assigned City departments and providing strategic support to the City Manager. The listing is open through May 10. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/gD9WTUwN

💧Happy Drinking Water Week, Evanston (May 3–9) Turn on your tap and think about this: Evanston's Water Production Bureau pulls from Lake Michigan to deliver 17 billion gallons a year to nearly 500,000 people across 10 communities! And, it's award-winning! Evanston took home "Best Tasting Tap Water in Illinois" in 2023. We're also replacing lead service lines across the city (1,113 and counting), and we're meeting every Safe Drinking Water standard. Shoutout to the hardworking pros who make clean water flow. (Learn more: bit.ly/3RpH7d4). Curious how it goes from Lake Michigan to your glass? Watch our Drinking Water Treatment Process video: https://lnkd.in/gmfutDUV

The City announces the retirement of Fire Chief Paul Polep after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the Evanston Fire Department. His final day will be May 21, 2026. Chief Polep began his career in 1996 and rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2021. His leadership strengthened emergency response, improved operations, and helped maintain Evanston’s top-tier ISO Class 1 rating. “I extend my deepest appreciation to my fellow members and the community for its support throughout the years,” said Chief Polep. Thank you, Chief Polep, for your decades of service to the Evanston community. You and your outgoing personality and can-do spirit will be greatly missed! Read more: lnks.gd/3/3V6MZNn

Today kicks off Public Recognition Week (May 3-9), a time to honor the dedicated staff at the City of Evanston. From our Public Works crews who keep our streets safe, to our Parks & Recreation staff who provide fun and enriching programming year round, to our librarians, planners, finance team, and everyone in between, we are proud of the team that serves our community every day! Thank you, Evanston staff, for your commitment and passion towards making our city even better. ❤️

Evanston’s Water Production Bureau earned the Gold-level Water Ambassador Award from ISAWWA, the program’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in public outreach, education, and transparent communication with the community. Congratulations! 💧🏆

✨ Evanston is moving on up! The City just climbed to #13 on Livability.com's 2026 list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live, jumping four spots from #17 in 2025 and earning its place among the most vibrant, livable small- to mid-sized cities in the country. According to Livability.com, this year’s rankings were developed in partnership with Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). They analyzed nearly 100 data points across eight key categories, including economy and housing, amenities and environment, safety, health, education, and transportation. Evanston stood out for its strong performance in health, amenities, and education, factors that contribute to a high quality of life and make the city an attractive place for residents of all ages. View our profile at https://lnkd.in/gxAS9Nu7

Every emergency call begins with a calm, steady voice. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18), the City recognizes our 911 dispatchers and telecommunications professionals who are the unseen first responders who guide critical moments and connect our community to life-saving services. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to keeping Evanston safe! #NPSTW #911Dispatch

We've released our 2025 Annual Report! The report highlights everything the City accomplished throughout the year, including making meaningful progress across housing, infrastructure, sustainability, economic development, and public safety, despite national uncertainty. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gGtGNfVV