Evanston Government

Evanston, IL has a council-manager system of government and is divided into nine wards. Each ward is represented by an Alderman, who is a member of the Evanston City Council. More information, including contact information on Evanston Aldermen can be found on the city of Evanston’s website.

The Evanston, IL website also provides information to answer all new residents’ questions, including voter registration, Evanston real estate taxes, Evanston real estate building and zoning codes, and an online payment center for Evanston sewer and water bills.

Despite being founded by the university, Evanston’s city government has often had a shaky relationship with Northwestern University Evanston. Due to the founding charter of Northwestern University, signed in 1851, the school is granted a permanent exemption from paying property taxes. Throughout the years, this has led to tension over building codes, law enforcement, and politics.

Evanston Newspapers