HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly City Managers Memo 07.24.2026
To: Mayor Biss and Members of the City Council
From: Luke Stowe, City Manager
Subject: Weekly City Manager’s Update
Date: July 24, 2026
STAFF REPORTS BY DEPARTMENT
Weekly Report for July 20, 2026 – July 24, 2026
City Manager’s Office
Weekly Federal Activity Update
Weekly Bids Advertised
Community Development
Weekly Zoning Report
Weekly Field Inspection Report
Health Department
Weekly Health Department Report
Law Department
Weekly Liquor License Application Report
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department
Weekly Events Report
Clerk’s Office
No Report
Legislative Reading
NWMC Weekly Report
Memorandum
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL &
MAYORAL APPOINTED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES
Monday, July 27, 2026
3:15 PM: City Council
4:15 PM: Referrals Committee
4:30 PM: Administration and Public Works Committee
5:00 PM: Planning and Development Committee
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
No Meetings
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
No Meetings
Thursday, July 30, 2026
No Meetings
Friday, July 31, 2026
No Meetings
Check the City’s Calendar for updates
City of Evanston - Calendar
City of Evanston Committee Webpage:
City of Evanston – Boards, Commissions and Committees
To: Luke Stowe, City Manager
From: Deputy Chief Melissa Sacluti on behalf of Executive
Officer, Commander Chelsea Brown
Subject: Weekly Federal Activity Update
Date: July 24, 2026
There were no federal immigration enforcement operations reported this
week.
Page 1 of 1
To: Luke Stowe, City Manager
From: Hitesh Desai, CFO/ City Treasurer
Tammi Nunez, Purchasing Manager
Subject: Bids/ RFPs/ RFQs Advertised during the Week of July 20, 2026
Date: July 24, 2026
The following is a list of advertised projects, and the anticipated date each will be
presented to the Council or Library Board.
Bids/RFPs/RFQs sent during the Week of July 20, 2026
Bid/RFP/RFQ
Name
Requesting
Dept.
Description of Project
Budget
Amount
Bid/RFP/RFQ
Opening
Date
Anticipated
Council/
Library
Board Date
Point of Use
Pitchers and
Filters
PWA
The intent of this bid is to
obtain a supplier of Point of
Use Pitchers and Filters that
have been tested and
certified by NSF
International against
NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and
53 for a 3-year period.
$325,000.00 09/01 09/28
Memorandum
Memorandum
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Liz Williams, Planning & Zoning Manager
Subject: Weekly Zoning Report
Date:07/24/2026
Enclosed is the weekly report of zoning applications received, pending or in review. The
report, organized by ward, includes the property address, zoning district, the type of
application submitted, a description of the project, date received, and current status.
Please contact me at (224) 296-4489 or ewilliams@cityofevanston.org if you have any
questions or need additional information.
Cases Received , Pending, or in Process of Review between: July 16, 2026 to July 22, 2026
Zoning Reviews (Zoning Analysis and Permits)
Miscellaneous Zoning Cases (Entitlements)
Ward Property Address Zoning Type Project or Permit Description Received Status
Ward Property Address Zoning Type Project Description Received Status
1 2020 Orrington Avenue R1 Zoning Analysis Convert a detached garage into an ADU 07/10/26 pending staff review
2 838 Grey Avenue R2 Building Permit ADU 03/13/26 non-compliant, pendingrevisions or variation
application
2 1600 Greenwood Street R3 Building Permit 2nd Story Addition 04/15/26 pending variation
application
2 942 Brown Avenue R2 Building Permit Carport 05/13/26 pending additionalinformation from the
applicant
2 2100 Dempster Street I2 Zoning Analysis Modification of ground based and tower mountedtelecommunications equipment 07/10/26 pending staff review
4 1028 Greenleaf R1 Building Permit ADU 06/03/26 pending additionalinformation from the
applicant
5 1801 Brown Avenue R3 Building Permit 2nd Story Addition and New ADU 05/13/26 non-compliant; pendingrevisions or variation
application
6 2440 Prospect Avenue R1 Building Permit Attached Garage 04/07/26
non-compliant; pending
revisions or variation
application
6 3054 Hartzell Street R1 Building Permit Detached Garage 07/23/26 pending staff review
7 1900 Central Street B1a/oCSC Zoning Analysis Demolition of the existing Chase Bank and
construction of a new Chase Bank 09/22/25
NON-COMPLIANT;
pending additionalinformation from the
applicant OR future
Planned Developmentapplication.
7 1126 Grant Street R1 Building Permit 1-Story Addition 04/13/26
non-compliant, pending
revisions or variationapplication
8 821 Mulford Street R5 Building Permit
New Garage
06/30/26
pending additionalinformation from the
applicant
9 1020 Cleveland Street R1 Building Permit 2nd-Story Addition 05/15/26
pending additional
information from theapplicant
1 1632 Sheridan Road R1 Appeal Appeal of a Minor Variation Denial for a three-cargarage exceeding building lot coverage and
rear-yard coverage restrictions
04/27/26 APPEAL DENIED
1 1620-1640 Chicago Avenue D3 Subdivision and Planned
Development
Subdivision of the existing Park Evanston andWhole Foods zoning lot into two separate lots of
record and establish each building on their ownzoning lot. No new construction, building, or
redevelopment is included with this application.
06/23/26 pending revisions from
applicant
2 900 Clark Street RP Planned Development New 27-story mixed-use building with ground floorretail and 383 dwelling units 01/28/25 pending staff review
2 2308 Main Street C1 Special Use
Special Use to allow a wholesale goodsestablishment interior only tenant improvement of
an existing ~9K square foot space in existing
single-level multi-tenant building to be used as amini-fulfillment center that will for short-term store
products for intended for delivery within a five mileradius to customer who have placed online orders
using the Amazon app.
04/09/26
Pending Future
Planning &
DevelopmentCommittee and City
Council meetings onJuly 27, 2026
2 1507 Lee Street R3 Minor Fence Variation Variation to allow a fence to be located within afront yard 06/29/26 pending staff review
2 1600 Greenwood Street R3 Minor Variation Variation to allow a 2nd story addition to encroachinto a required front and interior side yard 07/21/26 pending staff review
2 1513 Lake Street R3 Minor Variation Variation to allow a deck to encroach into a
required rear and interior side setback 07/17/26 pending staff review
3 120 Keeney Avenue R5 Minor Variation
Variation to allow a new detached garage to
encroach into an interior side and rear yard
setback
06/30/26 APPROVED
4 1432 Asbury Avenue R1 Major Variation Variation for a one-story addition encroaching into
an interior side yard 06/08/26 APPROVED
6 2320 Pioneer Road R4 Planned Development
An amendment the existing Planned
Development and Special Use at the Three
Crowns retirement community, which would allowsite modifications (new parking areas, curb cut
and landscaping) as well as building modifications(addition of elevator tower, minor building
addition, interior renovation from assisted living to
independent living within the Pioneer Building).
02/04/26
Pending Future
Planning &Development
Committee and CityCouncil meetings on
July 27, 2026
Pending building permit and zoning analysis reviews older than 6 months where there has not been activity are periodically removed from the zoning report.
6 3233 - 3249 Central Street R4, oCSC Major Variation
Proposal to construct 10 townhomes including 1Inclusionary Housing Unit . Major variations for (1)
building height, (2) rear yard coverage, and (3)building lot coverage.
05/04/26 APPROVED
6 2737 Highland Avenue R1 Major Variation
Family Necessity Variation to allow temporary
parking in a required front yard and a MajorVariation to allow permanent open parking in a
required front yard.
06/17/26
Pending Future Land
Use Commission
Hearing on 08/12/26
7 2722 Green Bay Road C2, oCSC Planned Development and TextAmendment
Proposal to demolish the existing building and
construct a 51,000 square-foot commercial indoorrecreation facility with baseball playing fields.06/17/26
Land Use Commission
Hearing continued to
08/12/26
7 1916 Grant Street R1 Major Variation
Proposal to allow the expansion of a legal
non-conforming use 06/23/26
Pending Future Land
Use CommissionHearing on 08/12/26
8 301 Callan Avenue (Elks Park)OS Special Use and Text Amendment
Text Amendment to 6-15-9-3 to allow 'Urban
Farm" and "Neighborhood Garden" as a specialuse in the OS district. Amendment to 6-18-3 to
change 'Urban Farm' definition. Special Use toallow Evanston Grows to operate an urban farm
at Elks Park
05/01/26 ON HOLD
8 301 Callan Avenue (Elks Park)OS Appeal Appeal of a Certificate of Zoning Complianceapproving an Evanston Grows garden as an
accessory use
05/20/26 ON HOLD
NONE NONE NA Text Amendment
Zoning text amendment to refine the definition of
Temporary Use in 6-18-3 adn adding a definitionfor Temporary
Received from
Referrals Committee
Pending Future
Planning &
Development
Committee and City
Council meetings onJuly 27, 2026
NONE NONE NA Text Amendment
Zoning text amendment to establish regulationson setbacks, fencing, noise, odor, pest control,
and operating hours for community gardens andurban farms. It will also regulate accessory
structures like greenhouses, hoop houses, and
tool sheds.
Received fromReferrals Committee pending staff review
NONE NONE NA Text Amendment
Zoning text amendment to require a public
hearing for any accessory use 5,000 square feet
in size or greater.
Received fromReferrals Committee pending staff review
1
To: Luke Stowe, City Manager
From: Ciprian Radoescu, HVAC/Mechanical Inspector
Subject: Weekly Field Inspection Report
Date: July 24, 2026
Enclosed is the weekly summary report of field inspections for construction projects
under special monitoring. The report includes the ward, property address, type of
construction, inspector notes, and date received.
Please contact me at cradoescu@cityofevanston.org if you have any questions or need
additional information.
Weekly Field Inspection Report
July 24, 2026
Ward Property Address Job Description Construction Type Inspector Notes
Ward 1 2169 Campus Drive
24BLDC_0005
New construction New Construction MEP inspections continue.
Proper signage, construction
fence and safety in place.
Ward
4
1012 Church Street
Northlight Theater
24BLDC-0004
Construction of a new two-story theatre New Construction .All final inspections have been
approved. TCO approved.
Ward 1 1621 Chicago
Avenue
25BLDC-0005
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF 11 STORY (110
dwelling unit) RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT
BUILDING
New Construction Construction permit issued.
Construction fence installed.
Temporary pedestrian and bike
lane in place.
N/A Truck Route N/A N/A No changes. Street sweeping
continues. Truck route
continues to be monitored for
speed and debris.
Ward 7 1501 Central Street
24BLDC-0002
Ryan field New Construction Framing and MEP inspections
continue at stadium. Street
sweepers continue to address
roadway dust and debris.
Construction fence is in place
and in good condition.
Ward
3
504 South
Boulevard
23BLDC-0002
New 5-story apartment building providing 60
units
New Construction MEP inspections continue.
Vibration monitoring continues.
Ward 2 1611 Church Street
24EXTR-0298
Conversion of existing industrial structure to 8
residential units plus one ADU
Remodeling
and
New Construction
MEP inspections continue.
Ward 7 2305 Sheridan Road
25INTC-0209
Interior renovation of existing 4 stories with
basement r-2 dormitory
Renovation MEP inspections continue.
Construction fence in place with
proper signage.
Ward 2206 Maple Avenue New construction of a 5 story/30 unit apartment New Construction MEP inspections continue.
5 25BLDC-0003 building Construction fence in place.
Ward
4
910 Custer Ave
25BLDC-0002
Construction of a new five-story 230-unit
residential multifamily building
New Construction MEP inspections continue.
Proper signage, construction
fence and safety in place.
Ward 1 605 Davis Street Construction of a new 29-story multi-unit high-
rise.
New Construction Permit under review
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Ike Ogbo, Director, Department of Health & Human
Services Subject: Food Establishment License Application Weekly Report
Date: July 24, 2026
Ward Property Address Business Name Date
Received
Current Status
8 751 Howard St Sabrosura Coffee Bar 1/09/2025 Pending Reviews and Inspections
8 1717 Howard St Showkey African Cuisine 8/26/2024 Pending Building Permit Application
8 565 Howard St T.E & Company 8/22/2024 Pending Building Permit Issuance
4 1310 ½ Chicago Ave Peeled Juice Bar 5/9/2024 Pending new Building Permit, Inspections, FCO
5 1600 Simpson Foster School 5/12/25 Pending Health Review and Inspections
7 1030 Central St Canal Shores Outdoor Patio 9/11/25 Pending new Building Permit, Inspections, and FCO
2 2400 Main St. Snowfruit 558 – within Food4Less 9/18/25 Pending Inspections and FCO
4 1563 Sherman Ave Giordano’s 11/20/25 Pending Inspections and FCO
1 1716 Sherman Ave Night Owl Productions 12/9/25 Pending FCO
7 2001 Sheridan Rd Jacobs Cafe 1/8/26 Pending Inspections and FCO
2 2312 Main St. Amazon-ZCG7-Main St 1/13/26 Pending Building Permit, Inspections, FCO
4 1010 Church St The Addled Bunny 4/8/26 Pending Inspections and FCO
1 1607 Chicago Ave. Lizzano 5/7/26 Pending FCO
4 1012 Church St. Northlight Theater 5/15/26 Pending BP, Inspections, FCO
3 825 Chicago Ave. Gertrude Coffee 5/15/26 Pending Inspections and FCO
1 523 Davis St. Lolo’s Bowl 7/1/26 Pending BP, Inspections, FCO
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Brian George, Assistant City Attorney
Subject: Weekly Liquor License Application Report
Date: July 24, 2026
Enclosed is the weekly report of liquor applications received and pending. The report includes
the ward, business addresses, license types, descriptions, and current application statuses.
More details can be found on the Liquor license webpage.
Liquor Licensing
liquorlicense@cityofevanston.org
Weekly Liquor Licensing Report
Liquor applications received and pending for the week of July 24, 2026
Annual License
None for this week
One-Day License
WARD APPLICANT NAME EVENT
LOCATION
LIQUOR
CLASS
CLASS
DESCRIPTION
EVENT
DATE(S) STATUS
5 City of Evanston –
Parks & Recreation
Department
2146 Dewey
Ave.
Evanston, IL
60202
Z-5 Alcoholic
Beverages
July 25, 2026 License issued
7 Jennifer Schweizer 2024 N.
McCormick
Blvd
Evanston, IL
60201
Z-4 Alcoholic
Beverages
August 1, 2026 License issued
To: Luke Stowe, City Manager
From: Audrey Thompson, Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Jeron Dorsey, Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Matt Poole, Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Michael Callahan, Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Subject: Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department Weekly
Report (Week of July 24 through August 1)
Date: July 24, 2026
Please find the weekly report for the PRCS Department. The enclosed provides details
of upcoming department-sponsored events, city-wide special events with applicable
permits, and any parks/recreation-related
PRCS events:
Date Time Event Ward Details
July 24 5:00pm -
7:00pm
Disco in the Park at
James Park Soccer
Field
8th Local DJ Michael Stinson will play favorite
seventies hits.
July 25 7:00pm Movie in the Park at
Twiggs Park
5th Movie: Superman (2025)
August 1 5:30pm Movie in the Park at
Lovelace Park
6th Movie: The Land Before Time (1988)
August 1 7:00pm Movie in the Park at
Lovelace Park
6th Movie: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)
Special Events with applicable permits/approvals
Date Time Event Ward Organization Permit Specifics
July 24-
July 26
11:00am -
6:00pm
Downtown Evanston
Sidewalk Sale at
Downtown Business
District
Downtown
Evanston
Sidewalk
July 24-
July 26
11:00am -
6:00pm
Main Dempster
Sidewalk Sale at
Main Dempster
Business District
The Main
Dempster Mile
Sidewalk
July 25 12:00pm -
5:00pm
Skylight Summer
Sidewalk Sale &
Vintage Market on
4th The Main
Dempster Mile
Street Closure,Food,
Liquor, Loudspeaker
Memorandum
Page 2 of 2
800 Block of
Dempster
and Skylight
Vintage
July 25 12:00pm -
4:00pm
Connections for the
Homeless Family
Fest at Twiggs Park
5th Connections
for the
Homeless
Street Closure,
Loudspeaker, Food, Park
Use
July 25 12:00pm -
4:00pm
Connections for the
Homeless Block
Party After Dark at
Double Clutch
5th Connections
for the
Homeless
Loudspeaker
July 26 7:00am -
10:00am
Great Lake Plunge
on Greenwood
Beach
1st OWLS, Inc Park Use (beach),
Loudspeaker
July 26 12:00pm -
4:30pm
Second Baptist
Church Picnic at
Lovelace park
6th Second Baptist
Church
Park Use, Loudspeaker,
Food
July 30 6:00pm -
8:00pm
Downtown Summer
Sounds at Fountain
Square
4th Downtown
Evanston
Street Closure, Park Use,
Liquor, Loudspeaker, Food
August 1 11:00am -
2:00pm
ITA Summer Block
Party on Sherman
from Dempster to
Greenwood
4th Institute for
Therapy
Through the
Arts
Street Closure,
Loudspeaker, Food
Park-Related Updates
Date Location Ward Project Details
July 14 Bent Park 6th PRCS, IT and FFM staff met to discuss camera coverage
and options for installation.
July 15 Lovelace 6th Tube slide found cracked; new replacement parts installed.
July 15 Penny Park 2nd PWA and PRCS staff met on site to inspect rotting timbers
and possible mitigation options to expand the lifespan of
the playground. PRCS staff will conduct a more detailed
inspection of the playground soon and determine next
steps.
Recreation Updates
● The Summer Guide is available. Most of these programs will run from early June
to Labor Day.
● Summer Camp is completing its 7th week and will continue until August 14.
● July 20 to July 26 the Department had 982 campers enrolled in 56 different camps.
● July 20 to July 26 the Department issued 66 picnic or fire circle permits
Community Services Updates
● No Report
1
DIRECTOR’S WEEKLY BRIEFING
By NWMC Executive Director Mark L. Fowler
WEEK ENDING JULY 24, 2026
REMINDER - August 5 SPC Supplier Showcase is Cancelled
As previously reported, we are disappointed to report that due to scheduling conflicts, the 2026 Suburban Purchasing
Cooperative (SPC) Supplier Showcase scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 has been cancelled. We will be back next
year! For questions, please contact NWMC Purchasing Director Ellen Dayan, 847-296-9203 or edayan@nwmc-
cog.org. Staff contact: Ellen Dayan
Plan Now, Save Later: SPC & Sourcewell Can Help Prepare for Seasonal Shifts
As unpredictable weather increasingly becomes the norm, public works directors turn their attention to preparing
infrastructure for seasonal changes. Tight timelines, limited staff and aging facilities often push maintenance into
reactive mode, where emergency fixes can cost more, take longer, and strain operations. The SPC offers support for
infrastructure and operations with trusted solutions through the SPC/Sourcewell Program Alliance.
Instead of enduring procurement delays or pushing projects to next year, agencies can rely on Sourcewell for fast
access to competitively solicited contracts for infrastructure maintenance services. Connect with local, qualified
suppliers ready to support weather-sensitive projects for everything from pavement repairs to storm system checks.
Now is the perfect time to review SPC and Sourcewell’s contracts to plan for:
Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response
Prepare, respond, and recover with confidence. As severe weather seasons approach, emergency response planning is
a top priority. Sourcewell’s cooperative contracts offer emergency response equipment, generators, and other critical
resources when time matters most. Explore all emergency preparedness solutions.
Infrastructure and Public Works
Streamline infrastructure projects with cooperative purchasing. Whether you're improving roads, upgrading utilities,
or maintaining public works systems, Sourcewell’s competitively solicited contracts provide access to the equipment,
services and solutions needed to support your community. See how Sourcewell can help by visiting Sourcewell Public
Works.
Lane Marking
Now is the time to schedule lane marking projects with SPC’s Thermoplastic &/or Urethane Lane Marking Material
and Labor Road Marking Program (Contract #229) with Superior Road Striping (dba High Star Traffic), of Bartlett.
For questions or additional information, please contact staff or Kim Kudelka, 630-485-1559 or
kekudelka@highstartraffic.com.
The SPC’s and Sourcewell’s cooperative contracts eliminate delays, reduce administrative burdens and support public
purchasing requirements so your team can efficiently maintain the roads, utilities and facilities your community relies
on, no matter the season. For questions or additional information, please visit Explore Sourcewell Suppliers and
Contracts, contact staff or Sourcewell’s Director of Government Accounts – Local Government Kathryn Rippee,
218-308-6668 (office), 850-509-4847 (cell), or Kathryn.Rippee@sourcewell-mn.gov. Staff contact: Ellen Dayan
NWMC Members Awarded RTA Access to Transit Funds
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has announced the largest funding round in the history of its Access
to Transit program, awarding $10.9 million for twenty-one projects that will improve pedestrian, bicycle, and ADA
access to public transit across northeastern Illinois. The program funds small-scale capital improvements, such as
sidewalk connections, pedestrian crossings and bicycle facilities, making it safer and easier for people to reach transit.
Since its launch in 2014, Access to Transit has funded fifty projects, with this eighth round representing the program's
largest investment to date. The expanded program is supported by the recently enacted Northern Illinois Transit
Authority (NITA) Act, which provides an estimated $1.2 billion in new annual operating funding for the region's
2
transit system. RTA funding will cover thirty percent of project costs, with the agency pursuing federal Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funding for an additional sixty-one percent. Award recipients will
provide the remaining nine percent through local matching funds.
Congratulations to three Northwest Municipal Conference members who received awards. Des Plaines will construct
a new pedestrian crossing with a flashing beacon on Northwest Highway (US 14) at the Cumberland Metra/Pace
station to improve safety for transit users. Fox Lake will build a protected shared-use path connecting the Chain O'
Lakes Trail to the Fox Lake Metra station and Pace bus routes. In Evanston, Metra will enhance the south platform
at the Central Street station on the Union Pacific North Line to improve the rider experience. The full list of awardees
can be found here. Staff contacts: Eric Czarnota, Brian Larson
RTA Discusses NITA Transition, People Over Parking Act
As the appointing authorities continue to name their Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Board
representatives, the RTA Ad Hoc Committee on NITA Transition met Wednesday (recording here) to discuss the
transition from the RTA to NITA. RTA and supporting staff noted that a proposed NITA budget will be presented to
county boards in November, with a planned adoption of the 2027 Regional Budget and Capital Program in early
December. RTA staff discussed implementation of the People Over Parking Act (POPA), including development of
technical assistance to local governments, as well as creation of an interactive map illustrating locations with
eliminated parking requirements, to be available to the public later this year. RTA staff noted that the proposed map
of affected locations, as well as the policy and methodology used to identify them, must be approved by the NITA
Board this fall, with an additional update in 2029 following adoption of NITA service standards.
RTA staff reported that they are drafting assistance for zoning updates, model zoning and parking regulation
ordinances for local municipalities, as well as a joint development standard and development site index, which
identified ninety-two service board-owned developable sites. RTA indicated that funding assistance will be available
to local government through the Transit Supportive Development incentive program to assist with development,
drafting and implementing new laws and ordinances and increasing transit services for developments. NWMC staff
will continue to monitor the transition process and will share materials as it becomes available. Staff contacts: Eric
Czarnota, Brian Larson
Applications Open for MMC’s Free EV Readiness Technical Assistance Program
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) is accepting applications to participate in their Electric Vehicle (EV)
Readiness Program. The EV Readiness Program helps communities prepare for transportation electrification by
offering free technical assistance and training on all aspects of EVs and EV charging. Participating communities
receive support to update zoning codes, streamline permitting, train first responders, assess fleet electrification
opportunities, engage residents and businesses, and more. The program makes implementation easier for communities
by providing templates, model code language, examples from the forty-five local governments that have completed
the program, peer learning in a cohort setting, and guest speakers who share the latest innovations and case studies
from the field. Participants gain knowledge and resources to prepare their community for the growing adoption of
EVs, expansion of EV charging infrastructure, and future funding opportunities as they arise.
To apply for the program, please submit an MMC EV Readiness application by Friday, August 14. In addition, the
MMC is offering a virtual information session on Wednesday, July 22, at 1:00 p.m. to learn how the program works,
hear from a few of the municipalities that have completed the program and answer questions. Register for the session
by visiting MMC EV Readiness Info Session. Please contact MMC Senior Sustainability Specialist Cheryl Scott,
312-386-8654 or cscott@mayorscaucus.org with any questions. Staff contact: Larry Bury
Public Comments Now Open for Draft 2026 Regional Transportation Plan
From the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP):
CMAP invites residents, partners, stakeholders, and transportation system users to review and comment on the draft
2026 Regional Transportation Plan, Air Quality Conformity Determination, and FFY 2027–32 Transportation
Improvement Program. The Regional Transportation Plan is a long-range blueprint for the future of transportation in
northeastern Illinois. It outlines priorities and strategies to improve how people and goods move throughout the
region, including by strengthening connections, improving safety, reducing pollution, supporting economic
opportunity, and investing strategically in the transportation system. Public feedback will help shape the final
documents before consideration for adoption by the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee in October. Review
3
the draft materials and share your comments by Friday, July 31, including the interactive map of proposed constrained
roadway and transit projects. Please visit the CMAP website for more information. Staff contacts: Eric Czarnota,
Brian Larson
RSVP Today for Treasurer Frerichs’ Local Officials Appreciation Picnic at the State Fair
On Saturday, August 22, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is hosting his annual “Local Officials Appreciation
Picnic” at the Illinois State Fair. The picnic will be held from Noon to 2:00 p.m. on the Director’s Lawn at the State
Fairgrounds in Springfield. This free event also includes free admission to the State Fair and parking is only $5. A
BBQ lunch, beverages and desserts will be provided to all guests.
The NWMC, along with our regional Council of Government partners, is again proud to be a “Participating
Organization” in support of the event and encourages our member officials and their families to attend and spend the
day at the State Fair. To RSVP for the picnic, please scan the QR code below or email Erin Slone,
outreach@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Staff contact: Mark Fowler
Newsy Items of the Week
Daily Herald: And now, there’s 15 — Preckwinkle explains NITA choices as new transit board coalesces
Route Fifty: The new trust challenge facing state and local government
Daily Herald: ‘Perfect storm’ of bureaucracy blamed for Cook County’s long-delayed property tax system overhaul
Daily Herald: I-490 toll road project advances with $178M construction contract
Chicago Tribune: Park Ridge gives first OK to mural program
NPR: DOT strips bike lane references from federal websites
Meetings and Events
NWMC Executive Board will meet on Wednesday, September 2 at 8:30 a.m. via videoconference.
NWMC Staff
Mark Fowler Executive Director mfowler@nwmc-cog.org
Larry Bury Deputy Director lbury@nwmc-cog.org
Eric Czarnota Program Manager for Transportation eczarnota@nwmc-cog.org
Ellen Dayan, CPPB Purchasing Director edayan@nwmc-cog.org
Marina Durso Executive Assistant mdurso@nwmc-cog.org
Brian Larson Program Associate for Transportation blarson@nwmc-cog.org
Chris Staron Policy Director cstaron@nwmc-cog.org
Phone: 847-296-9200 www.nwmc-cog.org