A weekly summary of Skokie news sent from the Village right to your inbox.

April 1, 2025

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

🗳️ It’s Election Day! Polls are open until 7 p.m. Find your polling place.

📰 Find election results on the Cook County Clerk’s Office website tonight after polls close.

♻️ Recycle political signs at Skokie Public Works, 9050 Gross Point Rd., through May 2. Please separate signs from metal stands.

⛈️ Heads up: The National Weather Service indicates the potential for severe weather on Wednesday.

Find out who did it, where and with what in Downtown Skokie this summer as part of “Clue: A Walking Mystery,” presented by the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie!

The iconic family-favorite board game will come to life as part of an interactive, in-real-life game scattered across locations in Downtown Skokie, July 23 through August 17. 

Tickets: Get a group of friends and get ready to book your experience. Ticket sales will begin this Thursday. 

The Village of Skokie and the Economic Vitality Division are dedicated to growing and strengthening our vibrant small businesses community.

From planning events, to sharing resources, to making connections, learn about some of the ways the Village supports Skokie small businesses. 

2024 Skokie Spring Greening. (Photo by Rich Cahan.) 

Ready to declutter? Skokie’s annual Spring Greening recycling event is this Sunday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., at Westfield Old Orchard’s west parking lots. 

Accepted items: Bring your old documents for secure shredding, electronics for responsible disposal, and more. Plus, recycle textiles, batteries, and even paint (for a fee).

Tip: Wait times have historically been shortest after 11 a.m.

Skokie Public Works has begun 2025 street sweeping operations.

Help sweepers do their job: Please move your vehicle when sweeping is planned for your block.

Ready to rake? Yard work season is here, and yard waste will be collected on Wednesdays from April 2 through November 12.

How it works: Place landscape waste into 32-gallon paper yard waste bags and place the bags in the same area where your recycling and refuse are collected no later than 7 a.m. 

Keep in mind: 

Did you know Skokie was the first in the state to pass a Fair Housing Ordinance (1967) prohibiting unlawful and discriminatory housing practices? Skokie’s ordinance protects both renters and prospective property owners.

Fair Housing defined: Fair housing means you have the right to choose where to live without discrimination or harassment. 

That means it is illegal to deny housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, nationality, age, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or income source. (Protected classes vary based on local, county and state laws/ordinances.)

Resources: If you’re facing housing issues due to discrimination, there are resources available to support you. 

Community Development News

The Village’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2025 application is now available. 

Who should apply: Organizations interested in assisting Skokie’s low- and moderate-income populations should consider applying for CDBG funds. CDBG funds can be used for property acquisition, rehabilitation, infrastructure improvement projects, housing programs, limited social services and other activities consistent with local planning goals.

How to apply: Find the application and details on the Village’s website. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 2 at 5 p.m. 

Making a real impact: Recently, Skokie celebrated 50 Years as a CDBG recipient, having received over $25 million in funding for Skokie residents since 1974. Watch how CDBG funds have helped Skokie organizations support our community.

The Village is exploring the creation of a Housing Land Trust as a method toward increasing affordable housing options in Skokie. Learn more about land trusts by attending a "Listen & Learn" session on Monday, April 14, 6 p.m., at Village Hall.

Hear from experts on community land trusts and affordable housing, including Richard Koenig, executive director at Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC), and Rob Anthony, president at Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH). 

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)

Celebrate the power of live theatre and performances, March 20 through April 20, as part of North Shore Live, presented by Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Plan your night out: Special North Shore Live offers are available at a variety of venues, including select performances at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie.

Cook County is investing $2 million in transformative community-led projects that leverage the arts to enhance the quality of life for suburban Cook County residents.

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations located in and serving suburban neighborhoods may apply for grants from $50,000 to $250,000, along with technical assistance, for Creative Placemaking projects that improve the economic, physical and social vitality of suburban communities.

Apply: Learn more and apply online. The deadline is April 7, 2025.

The Village has initiated a pilot program to improve the appearance of temporarily vacant storefronts available for rent in Downtown Skokie.

See for yourself: The building at 4929 Oakton St. was recently outfitted with high-quality Explore Skokie vinyl coverings highlighting Skokie events, businesses and landmarks. Real estate information is also displayed to help attract potential tenants.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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