City committee explores ways to activate downtown Evanston
By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Economic Development Committee are drawing up both longterm and some “quick wins” suggestions…
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A contract approved with waste hauler LRS in July of this year is having an impact on the restructuring of city refuse and yard waste fees
Waste collection fees could see increase in 2026 budget
By Bob Seidenberg The city’s Finance and Budget Committee Tuesday recommended that the City Council increase waste hauling fees, a…
An ‘unpalatable’ decision, but council overrides mayor’s veto to adopt grocery tax
By Bob Seidenberg rseiden914@gmail.com With little discussion Monday, Evanston City Council members voted to override Mayor Daniel Biss’s earlier veto…
Connor Brennan, shift supervisor at Starbucks on Main Street.
Main Street Starbucks brews last cup
By Bob Seidenberg Of all the local Starbucks stores in the area, the Starbucks located just east of Chicago Avenue…
With mayoral veto, local grocery tax hinges on council override
By Bob Seidenberg A local grocery tax, replacing the state’s soon-to-be expired one, isn’t in the bag — yet. Evanston…
Community activist Meleika Gardner (pictured) with Councilmember Clare Kelly (1st Ward) has been working on a Circuit Breaker program since last year. “It’s powerful and it’s just a lifeline for working families and seniors who are being priced out of our beautiful Evanston,” she told members of the city’s Finance & Budget Committee at their Sept. 9 meeting.
Circuit Breaker bid heads to council with aim of relief from property tax spikes
By Bob Seidenberg A proposal that seeks to address spikes in property taxes that longtime homeowners may receive is moving…
Facing a tough budget ahead, Finance & Budget committee members grappled Sept. 9 whether to establish an escrow fund assuring contributions go toward pensions.
Officials grapple with whether library should get a cut of tax fund
By Bob Seidenberg City officials are still researching the questions, but found some basis to support Evanston Public Library officials’…
Sarah Flax, Evanston’s Community Development Director, stands with Brandon Kim (far right) as Kim explains to members of the city’s Planning & Development Committee Sept. 8 his plans for a vacation rental at 1717 Ridge Ave.
Evanston City Council members have called a temporary halt to what one member dubbed “As the Vacation Rental Turns” (referring…
Local grocery tax moves to city’s checkout counter
Council sets final vote for Sept. 15, preparing to override presumed mayoral veto By Bob Seidenberg Evanston City Council members…
Evanston Public Library’s main branch at 1703 Orrington Ave.
City staff team joins Library officials in a walk-through of main library building to view concerns
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston Public Library officials are in talks with the city about an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) agreement, outlining…