Evanston City Council Meeting 7-27-2026

The City of Evanston, IL City Council held a meeting on July 27, 2026, which included extensive discussions on various procurement and contracting matters. Key procurement-related actions included approval of multiple resolutions for contracts and purchases such as the 2026 CDBG sidewalk improvements with Capital Cement Company, renewal of software licensing and support contracts with CDW for Cisco SmartNet and VMware Broadcom, and a partnership agreement with Kaboom Incorporated for playground renovations at Clyde Bromo Park. The council also deliberated on the selection of a zoning update consultant, with Code Studio being the primary candidate; however, due to limited responses to the RFP, some council members expressed concerns and a motion to hold the item was approved to allow further consideration. Additionally, the council discussed and approved liquor licenses for Northwestern-related venues with some amendments and reconsiderations. The meeting also addressed regulatory matters including amendments to temporary use definitions in the zoning code and the regulation of electronic product promotion sweepstakes kiosks, with a motion to ban such kiosks introduced but deferred for further study and stakeholder engagement. A non-binding advisory referendum regarding property tax treatment of Northwestern University was proposed but failed to pass. Overall, the meeting featured significant procurement approvals, contract renewals, and policy discussions impacting future vendor opportunities and city projects.