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September 1, 2026

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Want to see how Skokie’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is being put into action? The Village has launched a new interactive dashboard where you can follow progress toward the plan’s five strategic goals:

The dashboard includes descriptions and status updates for plan initiatives, along with progress bars showing how much work has been completed.

Already underway: Progress has been made on several initiatives, including the establishment of Skokie’s new Youth Commission, which held its first meeting this week. Launching the public-facing dashboard is also a plan initiative, supporting transparency, accountability and measurable results. 

What’s next: The Village will update the dashboard quarterly to reflect progress and highlight key accomplishments. 

A pedestrian uses the new safety features when crossing Lincoln Avenue.

Last week, the Village completed pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements at the Skokie Valley Trail’s Lincoln Avenue crossing, just north of Jarvis Street.

The project included the installation of three solar-powered rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), new pavement markings and signage, and concrete median improvements.

How it works: To activate the flashing beacons, press the button on the crosswalk poles located on either side of the trail. The yellow lights will begin flashing to alert drivers that someone is waiting to cross.

Why it matters: The improvements enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety at this high-traffic crossing by increasing visibility and driver awareness. The flashing beacons make pedestrians and bicyclists more visible to approaching drivers, helping reduce the risk of crashes and encouraging safer crossings for all trail users.

Look before you cross: Pressing the button doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe to enter the crossing. Wait for vehicles in all lanes to come to a complete stop before proceeding. Pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers should always remain aware of other trail and roadway users.

Village Hall will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Many Village services are available online 24/7 through Access Skokie.

Trash and recycling collections during Labor Day week will occur as follows:

Yard waste collection moves to Saturday, September 12.

Thank you to our Village staff and everyone who helps keep Skokie running all year round! We hope you have a restful holiday weekend.

Next week, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will begin a road resurfacing project along Skokie Boulevard from Golf Road to Devon Avenue. The project is anticipated to continue through August 2027.

Project scope: Construction will include ADA improvements, asphalt surface removal and resurfacing, sidewalk replacement, pavement markings, curb and gutter replacement, median improvements, structure adjustments and traffic signal improvements.

Traffic impacts: Skokie Boulevard will remain open to two-way traffic throughout the project; however, daily lane closures will be required at times while construction is underway.

Questions: Contact IDOT by calling Yazan Alshawabkeh at 847-975-6905 or emailing Yazan.alshawabkeh@illinois.gov.

Good vibes at Skokie’s 2025 flu shot clinic. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography)

Starting today, Skokie residents can schedule appointments for the Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) Department’s fall flu shot clinics.

Why it matters: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu and reduce the severity of illness.

Save the date: Clinics will be held at Oakton Park Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., and are open to Skokie residents ages 4 and older:

For questions or to schedule an appointment by phone, call 847-933-8252.

Cook County Department of Public Health has reported the first four human cases of West Nile virus in suburban Cook County this season. As of the week ending August 22, the risk of West Nile virus infection is high. 

FIGHT THE BITE

ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO ACTIVITY IS INCREASING

NSMAD is receiving more reports of biting mosquitoes associated with the spread of the invasive Asian Tiger mosquito. These mosquitoes commonly breed in small containers around homes and generally do not travel far from where they emerge.

FREE MOSQUITO PROPERTY INSPECTIONS AVAILABLE

Before hiring a private mosquito control company, contact NSMAD for a free property inspection.

Wrapping up your summer projects? Don’t forget that you can now recycle leftover paint for free through the PaintCare program.

Skokie residents can drop off paint at Sherwin-Williams, 4538 Oakton St., during regular business hours.

Accepted: Latex, oil-based, and enamel paints as well as stains, varnishes, sealers and more. Be sure to check the list of accepted items before you go.

Meet Amanda Bird and Chris Gattorna: two compassionate residents, volunteers, artists and leaders. You may know them from their extravagant Halloween decorations and festivities, contributions to the Skokie Farmers’ Market, work on the Safe Passage Group in D73.5, and the joy they spread through letters from Skokie Santa.

Every October, Amanda and Chris curate “Jack’s Hollow,” an elaborate Halloween display with homegrown pumpkins, treats, family-friendly haunts and surprises, while also raising money for Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) and Niles Township Food Pantry.

“We came together as fellow Halloween lovers and then used that exposure to help out in a bigger way,” Chris said. “Nothing is too small.”

Amanda added, “There is a quote that says, ‘If you want a Village, you have to be a villager,’ and I think that really says it for me.”

RECOGNIZING EVERYDAY DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

The Village’s Common Good Recognition Program highlights individuals who make a positive impact in the Skokie community through acts of kindness, service, leadership, inclusion and community-building. 

Submit nominations and learn more about Chris and Amanda on the Village’s Common Good Recognition Program page.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

* Due to September holidays, both Village Board meetings this month will be held on Tuesday nights.