Local Government
Evanston approves $210K Leahy Park Fieldhouse renovation
The City of Evanston will begin a $210,400 renovation of the Leahy Park Fieldhouse in late August, with work expected to continue through November 2026.
Local Government
Evanston, IL
58°F · Partly CloudySunset 5:52 pm
Local Government
Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Local Government
Fifth Ward residents question format of Emerson-Jackson site listening session
About 30 Fifth Ward residents attended the city's first listening session on the vacant Emerson-Jackson site Aug. 11, but several left frustrated after consultants focused on broad ward values rather than specific development proposals for the one-acre property.
Local Government
Emerson Street speed limit drops to 25 mph as Evanston begins enforcement rollout
Evanston has lowered the speed limit on Emerson Street from 30 to 25 mph and installed new signage with red flags, while police conduct an education period before standard enforcement begins.
Local Government
Ridge Avenue closing Wednesday for water main work
The City of Evanston will close Ridge Avenue between Noyes and Simpson Streets starting Wednesday, Aug. 12, for a four-phase water main replacement project expected to run through approximately Sept. 17.
Local Government
Police Chief Stewart Takes on Acting Deputy City Manager Role Amid Dual Leadership Vacancies
Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart has been named acting deputy city manager, giving her oversight of additional city departments while the city interviews candidates for the permanent position and searches for a new fire chief during the FY2027 budget season.
Local Government
City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza enters Evanston mayoral race as fifth candidate
Evanston City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, 33, announced Aug. 5 that she is running for mayor, becoming the fifth candidate and first sitting elected official in the special election to replace Daniel Biss, with a platform focused on housing affordability and fiscal responsibility.
Local Government
Federal prosecutors argue to join Evanston reparations lawsuit
Federal prosecutors argued Aug. 4 that the U.S. government has an unconditional right to join the lawsuit challenging Evanston's reparations program, with Judge John Kness set to decide whether the DOJ can formally intervene in the high-stakes case.
Local Government
Only two firms bid on Evanston's zoning rewrite, sparking debate over city regulations
Evanston's first zoning code rewrite since 1993 attracted only two consulting bids, sparking a council debate over whether the city's Responsible Bidder, Healthy Buildings and Inclusionary Housing ordinances are deterring firms from competing for municipal contracts.