In the first half of 2026, Evanston's Economic Development Committee directed city staff to explore parking changes aimed at keeping shoppers from fleeing to Wilmette, Skokie, and Old Orchard, and backed a $100,000 pop-up shop pilot to fill vacant downtown storefronts.

The 10-member advisory panel meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in Lorraine H. Morton City Hall, 909 Davis Street. Its charter: advise City Council on business district redevelopment, review proposals, and gather data on the city's economic health.

What it's been working on

At its Wednesday, June 24 meeting, the committee directed Deputy City Manager Carina Sánchez to report back on whether the ParkEvanston app can be adjusted to build in a five-minute grace period before a parking ticket is issued. Economic Development Manager Paul Zalmezak presented a survey of 155 local business owners that found Evanston's parking enforcement is pushing customers to neighboring suburbs.

"The overarching consensus is that the current parking system acts as a competitive disadvantage for local businesses," Zalmezak wrote in his memo to the committee.

Zalmezak also recommended creating 15-minute "Quick-Stop Zones" on commercial blocks for retail pickups and food deliveries.

In January 2026, the committee recommended City Council approve up to $100,000 for a pilot incubator pop-up program targeting vacant downtown storefronts. Zalmezak told members at the time that staff had been developing the concept for several years.

Bigger picture

The committee's 2026 agenda ties back to the Evanston Thrives Retail District Action Plan, adopted by City Council on Monday, May 8, 2023. That plan covers eight business districts and drew on more than 2,100 survey responses. Under the plan, the committee approved priorities for $3 million in economic development funding, all of which must be implemented by Thursday, December 31, 2026.

Who sits on it

Six councilmembers, one minority/women/disadvantaged business enterprise representative, one economic development professional or economist, and two Evanston business owners make up the voting membership. Non-voting ex-officio seats go to representatives from each Special Service Area, one business district, and the executive director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. Members serve three-year terms, capped at two.

Councilmember Tom Suffredin (6th Ward) chaired the June 24 meeting. Drew Beckman, owner of Heroines & Heroes comic book and gaming store at 2026 Central St., holds one of the two business-owner seats. Councilmembers Bobby Burns (5th Ward) and Matt Rodgers (8th Ward) also serve on the panel.

The committee directed Sánchez to report back at its next meeting in late July at City Hall.