How can I learn more about what’s happening in Evanston City Council— and in the committees?
The League has been a champion of government transparency since our founding in 1920. It is one of our core principles and a vital part of our mission. Did you know that members of the LWVE Observer Corps attend public meetings of the Evanston City Council, standing City committees, and other boards, committees, and commissions? Trained LWVE observers monitor both the issues being discussed and the processes by which meetings are conducted– and then write reports.
Observing makes a statement that the community is watching the process of government. Our efforts in this area reinforce our reputation of fairness, nonpartisanship and trust.
Observer Reports also serve as a valuable resource for our community. They highlight key discussions, decisions, and potential concerns. Observers pay special attention to issues on which the League is or should be taking action. If an item being discussed is related to a formal LWVE position, that is noted too.
You can find Observer Reports on our website:
- Go to LWVE.org (or most other pages on our site).
- Locate the main menu items across the top of every page and click on Local Government*.
- On the Local Government landing page, click on Observer Reports at the top of the middle column.
- This will take you to our webpage with links to reports on City Council meetings at the top. Scroll down to see descriptions of:
• Standing committees (e.g., Human Services and Administration and Public Works)
• Other groups (e.g., the Land Use Commission and the Economic Development Committee)
Each description is followed by links to meeting reports filed by LWVE Observer Corps members.
Of course, another great way to learn what’s happening in City government is to attend meetings and become an Observer Corps member yourself. For more information, see this issue’s article Get Involved:
Get Involved: Big and Little Ways to Engage with the LWVE.
* The main Local Government page also provides links to City of Evanston and Village of Skokie webpages– to information on Council members and trustees, to district and ward maps, and more.