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June 2, 2026

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Woman-owned, fast casual spot Hummingbird is now open in Downtown Skokie! Village officials and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening at a ribbon cutting on Tuesday afternoon.

On the menu: Located in The Highpoint building at 5118 Oakton St., the restaurant features a rotating menu of freshly-blended smoothies, whole-fruit acai bowls and more – with no added sugar. 

Supporting economic vitality: The Village Board approved a Downtown TIF Rehab Program Grant earlier this year to support the buildout of the space. 

The bridge deck prepared for a new latex concrete overlay with new reinforcing bar repairs (looking north along the entrance ramp from Old Orchard Road to westbound/outbound I-94)

Cook County is continuing its major reconstruction of Old Orchard Road, from Woods Drive to Skokie Boulevard, with construction activities ongoing. The project will improve transportation infrastructure and enhance traffic flow in the area. 

Coming up: The County’s primary focus in 2026 is completing roadway pavement on Old Orchard Road and finishing construction of the southern half of the new bridge over I-94. Construction on the remaining portion of the bridge, along with any unfinished roadway segments, is expected to continue into 2027.

Recent work has included construction along westbound I-94, bridge deck repairs on the entrance ramp from Old Orchard Road to westbound I-94, pavement removal in roadway medians, and installation of storm sewers, traffic signals and lighting. 

Stay informed: Visit Cook County’s Old Orchard Road project page for updates.

Beginning the week of June 8, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will begin construction on the US 41 (Skokie Boulevard) Improvement Project from south of Old Glenview Road to north of Golf Road within Skokie.

What to expect: The project will include ADA improvements, pavement removal and resurfacing, new pavement markings, curb and gutter removal and replacement, sidewalk improvements, and drainage structure adjustments.

Project timeline: IDOT anticipates that construction will continue through this summer and into the fall.

Traffic impacts: Skokie Boulevard will remain open throughout the duration of the project but daily lane closures are expected.

Mayor Tennes, Trustee Keith Robinson and Trustee Kimani Levy present a proclamation in honor of Juneteenth.

At the June 1 meeting, the Village Board: 

Watch a recording of the meeting for a discussion on these items and more.

Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.

The Village is expanding its Economic Development Commission and is looking for engaged, forward-thinking residents and business professionals to serve.

Who should apply: We’re seeking individuals with experience in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, tourism, small business, distribution, international business, or economic development. If you enjoy generating ideas, solving problems, and collaborating with others to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply to serve.

Why it matters: Commissioners provide strategic advice to the Village Board on economic vitality.

The Commission meets monthly during the workday.

As part of efforts to help all residents feel welcome and safe enjoying Skokie parks and amenities, the Skokie Police Department is hosting community roll call events at a number of park locations this summer.

Come out and meet the officers who patrol your neighborhood. Each event will feature a different topic or focus area:

Be an upstander: If you haven’t already, sign the Stand Up Skokie pledge to be respectful, be kind, and be an upstander for others.

2025 Skokie Green Businesses. (Photo by REP3.com) 

Skokie businesses are invited to participate in the second year of the Skokie Green Business Program, a free initiative that helps businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and implement sustainable practices.

A successful start: In its first year, the program recognized 11 local Green Businesses that collectively reduced nearly 4 metric tons of carbon emissions annually. 

What to expect: Participants will receive an on-site sustainability consultation, one-on-one coaching, and recognition for their environmental efforts. Benefits include identifying opportunities to lower operating costs, accessing sustainability resources, engaging employees, and attracting environmentally conscious customers.

Skokie's annual Juneteenth celebration will be held on Saturday, June 13, noon to 4 p.m., at Oakton Park. The free event will feature activities and performances for all ages. This year's theme is "Lift as We Climb." 

The popular summer event, Meetup on Main, has a new name and a bigger footprint!

The Main Event will take place on Thursday, June 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street between Crawford and Karlov, and it's free and open to everyone.

Expect live music, food, kids activities and booths from community partners. It's a great evening to get out, connect with neighbors and enjoy the street.

Changes coming to Main Street: It's also your chance to learn about the upcoming sidewalk and streetscape improvements planned for Main Street. These changes will make the corridor safer, more walkable and more inviting for businesses and visitors alike. Staff will be on hand to share details and answer questions.

Bring the family and join us!

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.