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April 7, 2026

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

🥬 Winter Market: Enjoy good vibes and fresh goods at Winter Market On Main this Sunday.

💰 Budget hearings: Explore the FY27 Budget at four budget hearings this month.

🚔 Beat meetings: Support community safety by attending your Skokie Police beat meeting.

Cook County rendering of the proposed roadway between Hamlin and Central Park Avenues.

Improvements are coming – both above and below ground – to Oakton Street between Skokie and McCormick Boulevards. 

Roadway improvements: The Village is partnering with Cook County on upcoming improvements, including roadway resurfacing and reconfiguration, new and improved bicycle lanes (including some protected segments), pedestrian safety enhancements, and select streetscape and greenspace upgrades. Cook County will lead construction, which is anticipated to occur this year.  View Cook County’s Oakton Street Project newsletter (PDF) for additional details.

But first: As the County finalizes plans, the Village will take this opportunity to replace 4,000 feet of water main along Oakton Street between East Prairie Road and McCormick Boulevard. This work will occur in the coming months ahead of the County’s roadway project.

Stay tuned for additional announcements as more details are available.

A long line of food lovers braved the rain last Thursday for the grand opening of Burger Baba, Skokie’s newest halal destination for burgers, chicken sandwiches, shakes and more! 

Visit: Find Burger Baba at 4949 Oakton St. in Downtown Skokie. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Shore Community Services was recognized for 75 years serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

At its meeting on April 6, the Village Board:

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

Did you know Skokie was the first in Illinois to pass a Fair Housing Ordinance (1967)? 

Fair housing means you have the right to choose where to live—free from discrimination and harassment. It’s illegal to treat someone differently in housing based on factors like race, religion, disability, family status or national origin—along with additional protections under state, county and local laws.

Learn more: Explore fair housing protections and resources.

The Village’s 2025 Spring Greening Event. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc)

Recycle electronics, securely shred documents and responsibly dispose of a wide variety of other items – including bicycles, shoes, fire extinguishers and more – at the annual Skokie Spring Greening recycling event!

📅 Sunday, April 12
🕐 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
📍 Niles North High School (enter onto Lawler Avenue from Golf Road only)

Pro tip: Arrive after 11 a.m. to avoid the early rush and receive faster service. 

Learn about low- and no-cost renewable energy and efficiency programs to upgrade your home and lower your utility bills at the Village’s Energy and Home Repair Resource Fair.

📅 Two Resource Fair Dates
Monday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
📍Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St.

Drop in anytime to browse resources, speak with experts and neighbors, and enjoy giveaways. Admission is free; refreshments will be provided.

Extra help is available for income-eligible households. If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may get automatic discounts on your gas and electric bills. Don’t miss out on free savings.

This spring, go green and take advantage of a rebate of up to $1,500 on a Level II or III electric vehicle (EV) residential charging station.

Eligibility: To reduce barriers to EV infrastructure investment, the Village is providing rebates for Skokie residents on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last) for purchases made on April 1, 2026 or later. View the rebate application form and our EV web page for details. Due to limited funding, retroactive incentives are not available.

Why it matters: Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030, improving air quality and increasing EV utilization to 15 percent community-wide by 2030. 

Join the Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission and Skokie Public Library for Gardening for the Seasons, an inspiring gardening program featuring Kathryn Deery, director of horticulture for Lurie Garden & Millennium Park. The free program will take place Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at Skokie Public Library. Registration is required.

The Village’s Environmental Health Division has documented a clear link between bird feeding practices and rat activity. 

Why it matters: Spilled or scattered birdseed provides a consistent food source for rats, encouraging burrowing and nesting on private properties and in nearby public spaces. 

RULES AND GUIDELINES

Do your part: Active rat control cases are down by 27 percent compared to this time last year, but we need your help to achieve a rat-free Skokie. It’s essential to report rat activity promptly and maintain your property.

Interested in supporting pollinators and local sustainability efforts? Learn about two opportunities to participate in beekeeping in Skokie: maintaining hives on private property or joining the community apiary at Oakton College’s Skokie campus.

Turning 65, planning for retirement, or just want to better understand your Medicare options? Join the Skokie Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for a free Medicare 101 seminar led by an experienced SHIP Counselor. 

What to expect: This educational session provides a clear overview of Medicare and helps you make informed healthcare decisions.

Plan to attend: Seminars will be held on Thursdays, April 9 and May 14, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at Oakton Community Center. Call 847-674-1500 to register.

Looking for one-on-one guidance? Call Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8252 to schedule an appointment with a SHIP Counselor.

Community events, including the Downtown Skokie Cookie Walk, have helped SCF reach its $1 million fundraising milestone. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)

At Monday’s Village Board meeting, the Skokie Community Foundation shared a presentation to celebrate reaching a $1 million fundraising milestone. 

Did you know: Village staff directly support SCF with direct payroll contributions and participating in annual fundraising events, including a chili cookoff and luncheon. The Village also supports seasonal initiatives benefitting SCF, including the Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk and Start Your Day in Skokie campaign. 

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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