Residents shared ideas in many ways during the October 5 Community Visioning Session, including adding thoughts and priorities to interactive sticky-note boards. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)
Planning In Progress: Village’s Strategic Plan Takes Shape
In August, the Village launched a comprehensive public engagement process to inform development of its Strategic Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for Skokie’s future. The Strategic Plan development process will continue this December, with final plan adoption anticipated in January 2026.
Actions to Date
To ensure broad and diverse representation, the Village and consultant CP2 solicited public input through a variety of methods this fall:
• A public survey garnered 1,155 responses
• 12 small focus groups were held with a total of 123 participants, targeting groups typically underrepresented in surveys, including English language learners
• A community visioning session was held on October 5, with 118 community members attending
The Village’s Strategic Plan Initiative Roadmap and Inclusion Team (SPIRIT) supported engagement and outreach efforts to maximize input from the community.
Continued on page 2
Village Advances Water System Reliability Measures Following February 2025 Loss Event
Following the February 14, 2025 failure of a 36-inch water transmission main near East Prairie Road and Emerson Street, the Village initiated a series of steps to investigate the cause and reduce the risk of future incidents.
Findings
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Village initiated a comprehensive failure analysis that was conducted by engineering and scientific consulting firm Exponent. Findings were presented to the Village Board on November 17, and indicated:
• The leak occurred due to the separation of an end cap from a pipe fitting manufactured in 1956
• The likely cause of the end cap separation was gradual deterioration of the end cap and seal, in combination with inadequate restraining force
• The Village identified and contracted replacement of pipe fittings at two other locations within the system similar to where the failure occurred on February 14. “Wye” pipe fittings at these locations were excavated, analyzed and proactively replaced with new infrastructure and concrete restraints.
Exponent’s full report is available at skokie.org within the November 17, 2025 Village Board meeting agenda.
Crews proactively installed new water transmission main infrastructure at two locations similar to where the February 14 water loss event occurred.
Next steps
The Village is preparing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and technical services to conduct a condition asessment of the transmission main system— specifically pipe assets that are 20 inches in diameter and larger. This assessment will use the most advanced and appropriate technologies available to evaluate pipe conditions and guide future risk and rehabilitation planning.
Know Your Rights and Resources
The Village of Skokie is committed to protecting the rights of all who live, work and visit our community. As a welcoming Village, Skokie values compassion, fairness and respect for all.
The Human Relations Commissions has created and distributed an immigrant rights and resources flyer available for download at skokie.org/knowyourrights and is actively engaging with community partners and residents to understand needs and provide support.
The Village upholds the Illinois TRUST Act and VOICES Act, which prohibit local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement activities except under a valid criminal warrant.
In addition, the Skokie Village Code provides local protections. The code affirms:
• Federal immigration agents cannot use Village property for enforcement operations without a valid criminal warrant.
• The Village will not collect or keep lists of individuals based on ancestry, national origin, or religion.
• Immigration status will not be questioned or investigated unless required by law or court order.
• Everyone is entitled to Village services, programs and benefits regardless of immigration status.
• The Skokie Police Department will not detain anyone based solely on immigration status.
For information and resources, visit skokie.org/knowyourrights
For assistance due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention or to report activity, call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).
If you are concerned about the legitimacy of any law enforcement activity, contact the Skokie Police Department by dialing 911.
Strategic Plan
Continued from page 1
CP2 presented a summary of public input data to the Village Board on October 21, and the Village Board discussed input and began developing plan goals and outcomes at a special meeting on November 2. View the public input presentation and video at skokie. org/strategicplan
Next Steps
The Village Board and staff will continue to develop and refine Strategic Plan goals, outcomes and measures in December.
Measure Gallery, December 11
We want to hear what you think! Drop by our Measure Gallery open house on Thursday, December 11, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skokie Public Library (Radmacher Room). View draft plan goals and outcomes, and provide your feedback to staff on priorities.
January 2026
A final Strategic Plan report will be presented to the Village Board for review and adoption.
For more information and updates, visit skokie. org/strategicplan
Skokie Introduces Fellowship to Support Local and Emerging Artists
The Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission has launched an exciting new initiative: the Skokie Storefront Artist Fellowship. This annual program will support one local artist in developing new work while engaging with the community at The Storefront, located at 4051 Main Street.
The fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend, use of The Storefront for presenting work, and support from the Fine Arts Commission and Village staff. The selected artist will spend late January through May 2026 developing a new or significantly expanded project and will host at least one public engagement activity, such as a workshop, demonstration, or conversation. In addition, the artist will conclude the fellowship with a final public event at The Storefront, such as an exhibition, performance or installation.
Artists working in visual art, music, dance, theater, writing, sound or interdisciplinary practices are welcome to apply. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and available for in-person programming in Skokie. Preference will be given to Skokie residents, and artists from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications are now open, with a deadline of January 6, 2026. More information,including submission requirements and selection criteria, is available at skokie.org/thestorefront
The Storefront is part of the Village’s larger initiative to revitalize the Main Street Commercial Corridor.
A recent exhibit held at The Storefront featuring the work of local artist, Yolanda Castrejon.
Increasing Food Recovery, Reducing Hunger
The Village of Skokie is connecting local food establishments with the Niles Township Food Pantry to help turn surplus food into community nourishment.
Food recovery means collecting edible food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to feed people in need. With help from the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), and BrightBeat, the Village is assessing opportunities to expand food donation and waste diversion.
Interested in participating? Skokie food establishments are encouraged to contact the Village to get involved by emailing sustainability@skokie.org
Start Your Career with the Skokie Police Department
The Skokie Police Department is now accepting applications for entry-level police officers. This is your chance to serve the community while building a meaningful and rewarding career.
How to apply: Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, December 22. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will take a written examination on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The application packet and exam are free and available at iosolutions.com
Salary and benefits: The position offers competitive pay ($89,713–$122,780), a $15,000 hiring bonus and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement pension, and paid vacation, sick days and holidays from day one.
Learn more: For more information, contact Recruitment Officer Gracia at 847-982-5919 or visit skokiepolice.org
If you’re looking for a career that challenges, rewards and connects you to your community, the Skokie Police Department is looking for you.
FLX Move Pilates Named 2025 Skokie Business of
the
Year
The Village’s Consumer Affairs Commission has selected FLX Move Pilates as the 2025 Skokie Business of the Year.
About FLX Move Pilates
FLX Move Pilates was founded by Andrea Metcalf, who opened her first Skokie studio at 5039 Oakton St. in March 2024 with a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. Since then, Andrea has become an energetic force in the local business community.
The Commission recognized Andrea’s strong community spirit, including her free Pilates classes at the Skokie Farmers’ Market. Her continued investment in Skokie was further demonstrated when she opened a second studio at 5117 Brown St.
Sustainability is another core value at FLX Move Pilates. Andrea has implemented ecofriendly practices throughout both studios, including the use of biodegradable, nontoxic wipes and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Honorable Mentions
Congratulations to this year’s honorable mentions:
• Don Julio Café, 7919 Lincoln Ave.
• Market Place on Oakton, 4817 Oakton St.
• Orange Pediatric Therapy, 5225 Old Orchard Rd.
Newly sworn officers proudly pose with Police Chief Barnes and Deputy Chief Franklin.
Time to Treecycle!
Christmas trees will be collected January 5 - 16. Please place your tree in the same location where your garbage is picked up. Remove all lights and decorations and please do not bag your tree.
Trees are chipped and turned into mulch at a yard waste organics facility.
Put a Freeze on Winter Fires
As the temperature drops, the Skokie Fire Department reminds residents to stay warm and safe. Holiday decorations, candles and heating equipment are leading causes of winter home fires, but a few simple steps can prevent tragedy.
Winter Fire-Safety Checklist
r Keep the space around heaters and candles clear
r Keep trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters and vents
r Water live trees and dispose of them when dry
r Examine holiday lights for frayed cords
r Use flameless candles whenever possible
r Have furnaces, fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually
r Test smoke and CO alarms monthly
r Plan and practice two ways out of every room
r Never use the oven or stove for heat
Newly constructed Oakton Street bridge
Keeping Skokie Moving: Construction and Improvement Project Updates
Roads
Old Orchard Road ImprovementsOngoing through fall 2026
Cook County and IDOT are reconstructing the roadway between Woods Drive and Skokie Boulevard, including a new bridge and a multi-use path on the south side of Old Orchard Road. Visit ccdotholdorchardroad. com for updates.
Oakton Street Bridge ReplacementSubstantially Complete
IDOT replaced the Oakton Street bridge over the Edens Expressway and added a new multiuse path on the south side of the road.
Church Street ResurfacingSubstantially Complete
Cook County resurfaced Church Street between Linder Avenue and Gross Point Road. The Village will stripe bike lanes on Church Street between Gross Point Road and McCormick Boulevard in spring 2026.
Sidewalks and Trails
Skokie Valley Trail at Lincoln Avenue
A Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) was installed at the Skokie Valley Trail crossing of Lincoln Avenue.
Sidewalk Ramp Improvements
IDOT completed improvements at intersections to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Village continues to fill sidewalk gaps and is addressing failed sidewalk and trip hazards as part of its Sidewalk Improvement Program.
Skokie Valley Trail Multi-Use Path
The Village resurfaced the existing path between Oakton Street and Main Street.
Lighting and Traffic Signals
LED Lighting Upgrades - Ongoing through April 2026
The Village continues to upgrade residential street lighting to LED fixtures in the southern portions of the Village between Central Avenue and Hamlin Avenue as well as the area bounded by Main Street, McCormick Boulevard, Oakton Street and Crawford Avenue.
Oakton Street and Austin Avenue Intersection Improvements
The Villages of Skokie and Morton Grove replaced pavement, upgraded traffic signal equipment, and improved the intersection.
Water, Sewer and Utilities
Water Main Rehabilitation
The Village replaced 2.3 miles of water main that had reached the end of its service life. The project included conversion of existing lead service lines to copper within the project area.
Transit
Edens Expressway ImprovementsOngoing through summer 2026
IDOT is upgrading traffic monitoring equipment and signage along the Edens Expressway.
Thank you for your patience with these important improvement projects. View an interactive map of construction projects at skokie.org/ construction
Skokie Green Businesses
Lead
the Way
The Village is helping local businesses operate more sustainably through the Skokie Green Business Program—the first municipal partnership with the Illinois Green Business Program. The initiative guides businesses in taking measurable steps toward sustainability across six key areas: energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, water and community.
How to become a green business: To earn recognition through the program, participants must implement new eco-friendly practices in each area. Practices can include installing programmable thermostats, composting, conserving water or adopting recycling policies.
At the November 3 Village Board meeting, 11 Skokie businesses were recognized for their sustainability achievements, collectively reducing 3.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually, supporting Skokie’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions 35 percent below 2020 levels by 2030.
Before the ceremony, honorees enjoyed a reception hosted by Sketchbook Brewery featuring food and drinks from local Green Businesses.
Is your business interested in going green? Email sustainability@ skokie.org.
Residents can support the movement by visiting Skokie’s certified Green Businesses, listed on the interactive map at skokie.org/greenbiz
Congratulations to our 2025 Skokie Green Businesses
Collective Resource Compost Cooperative Edward Jones Investments Haben Funeral Home & Crematory Kneads and Wants Artisan Bakery Panoramic Images
See Jane Sparkle Sketchbook Brewery Take Flight Spirits Village Inn Pizzeria Will’s Place
Zorica Lucic State Farm
Beauty in Bloom: Skokie’s Top Yards
At the October 21 meeting of the Village Board, the Beautification & Improvement Commission recognized 31 Skokie properties for landscaping excellence. The top five properties received the coveted “Skokie Best” award.
Judging focused on three key areas: Design (how creatively the space is used, how well colors work together, and whether the planting beds match the style of the house), Plant Choices (use of perennials, native species, plant diversity, and limiting turf grass), and Maintenance (well-kept hardscapes and healthy, tidy plantings).
Want ideas for your own front yard?
View photos of this year’s winning properties at skokie.org/beautificationawards.
DECEMBER EVENTS
Village Board Meetings
December 1 and 15, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.
Strategic Plan Measure Gallery
Thursday, December 11, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skokie Public Library (Radmacher Room). See front page.
3rd Annual Holiday Cookie Walk
Saturday, December 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. See page 7.
Village Hall Closed for Christmas Holiday
Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, December 25.
Holiday Trash & Recycling
Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25
Trash and recycling:
• Monday and Tuesday collections as normal
• Thursday collection moved to Wednesday
• Friday collection as normal
New Year’s Day - Thursday, January 1
Trash and recycling:
• Monday and Tuesday collections as normal
• Thursday collection moved to Wednesday
• Friday collection as normal
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 19
Trash:
• Monday collection on Tuesday
• Tuesday collection on Wednesday
• Thursday and Friday collections as normal Recycling:
• All collections as normal
JANUARY EVENTS
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Village Hall Closed for New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, January 1 and Monday, January 19.
Village Board Meetings
January 5 and 20, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.
Winter Market on Main
January 11 and 25, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Storefront, 4051 Main St. See page 7.
CPR Skills Testing
Saturday, January 17 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org/cpr
Presidents Day - Monday, February 16
Trash:
• Monday collection on Tuesday
• Tuesday collection on Wednesday
• Thursday and Friday collections as normal Recycling:
• All collections as normal
Winter Market on Main
February 1 and 22, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Storefront, 4051 Main St. See page 7.
Village Board Meetings
February 2 and 17, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.
Second Annual Skokie Art Exhibit
February 6 through 20 at The Storefront, 4051 Main St. See page 11.
Village Hall Closed for Presidents’ Day Village Hall will be closed on Monday, February 16.
CPR Skills Testing
Saturday, February 21 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org/cpr
Free STI and HIV Testing Clinic
Monday, February 23, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Skokie Village Hall, Lower Level. Walk-ins available, no insurance required, confidential. In partnership with Howard Brown Health.
Artist Meet Up
Join fellow creators for an inspiring evening on February 20 at The Storefront, 4051 Main Street. All artists and creative types are invited to drop in, explore the Skokie Art Exhibit before it closes, connect with one another and hear from a special guest speaker (TBA).
Come mingle, get inspired, and be part of Skokie’s growing arts community! More information to come at skokie.org/ thestorefront
Celebrate the Holidays In Downtown Skokie
Shop Local this Holiday Season
The Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative is organizing special promotions and incentives to encourage residents and visitors to shop, dine and explore locally all season long! Visit downtownskokie.org for details.
Why shop local: Every purchase made locally supports jobs, families and the character that makes our village so special. Thank you for your ongoing support of Skokie’s business community and for helping us make this holiday season our strongest yet.
Bright Lights, Local Nights
Downtown Skokie will shine a little brighter this holiday season thanks to a grant from ComEd’s Powering the Holidays program in partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. Look for more festive lighting this year, with grant funds lighting up trees in parking lots throughout the downtown area.
To celebrate, we will be outside at the Skokie Heritage Museum’s Winterfest event – crafts, carolers, and more. Stop by 2p.m. to 4 p.m. on December 13 for a FREE raffle of downtown business gift cards.
Come check it out! Enjoy the season close to home—shop, dine and gather locally to support your favorite Skokie businesses.
3rd Annual Holiday Cookie Walk, December 13
Join us for the 3rd annual Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.!
Start the adventure at 5111 Brown St., where you’ll register and pick up your cookie bag and map for the journey. Then, head out to participating businesses in any order that you like, picking up a unique, commercially baked, individually-wrapped cookie at over 20 locations!
RSVP: Purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $35 each. Visit downtownskokie.org
Free Customer Parking Options
If you’re driving to Downtown Skokie, take advantage of one of the 449 free parking lot spaces. Plan your visit and view the downtown parking map at skokie.org/parking
Winter Market on Main is Back!
Skokie’s newest winter tradition returns and it’s bigger than ever! Shop over 40 local vendors, enjoy live music, free kids’ activities and fire pits with s’mores on select Sundays in January through April from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2026 Dates:
• January 11 & 25
• February 1 & 22
• March 15 & 29
• April 12 & 26
Locations:
• The Storefront, 4051 Main St. (main market & SNAP/Link tent)
• Soul Good Coffee, 4022 Main St. (additional vendors)
Open rain, shine or snow—there’s always something new to discover.
Village Board Action
The Village Board meets on the first and third Mondays of each month in the Council Chambers of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming Village Board Meetings
December 1 and 15
January 5 and 20*
February 2 and 17*
* Meeting occurs on an alternate day of the week due to holiday observances.
Meeting agendas are published at skokie.org on the Thursday prior to the meeting date.
Public comments may be:
• Submitted to publiccomments@skokie.org
• Mailed or hand-delivered to Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Skokie, Illinois, 60077, Attention: Village Manager’s Office;
• Placed in the exterior drop box on the west side of Skokie Village Hall.
Comments received prior to or during the meeting will be provided to the Village Board and will not be read aloud. Individuals wishing to speak at a Village Board meeting will be allocated three minutes to do so according to the meeting agenda.
The Village Board recently approved:
• Strengthened restrictions on the use of Village-owned facilities and properties for immigration enforcement operations without a valid criminal warrant. This includes Village-owned buildings, parking lots, garages, vacant lots and other property.
• Extension of a power supply agreement with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC, for the Village’s Electricity Aggregation Program. The program has helped the Village convert 2,378 residential streetlights to LED, saving taxpayers on energy costs and reducing Skokie’s carbon footprint.
• A contract to replace seven aging bus transit shelters on Oakton Street. Replacement work is expected to take place this winter and spring.
• Code amendments allowing more residents to serve on the Appearance Commission and Telecommunications and Technology Commission, and changing the name of the Telecommunications and Technology Commission to the Technology Advancement and Transformation Commission.
• Plans for a five-story, mixed-use building at 8201-8209 Skokie Blvd. with 66 residential units, six of which would be designated as affordable for individuals with incomes not greater than 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Authorization of the Village’s Landmark Statement recognizing the ancestral homeland of Native peoples. View the statement at skokie.org
More information can be found at www.skokie.org. Village Board Meeting agendas are published at www.skokie.org on the Thursday prior to the meeting date. Each meeting includes a period for public comments. All residents are invited to watch Village Board meetings live-streamed on the Village of Skokie YouTube channel or on SkokieVision cable channel 25 (RCN) or channel 17 (Comcast). Meetings also are rebroadcast on both cable channels during the weeks following each meeting. See www.skokie.org for a full calendar of meetings.
Snow Happens—
Here’s How Skokie Handles It
Winter in Skokie is beautiful—but it also can bring a fair share of snow! Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe, keep streets clear, and make winter a little easier for everyone in the community.
Alternate-Side Parking
When two inches or more of snow falls, Skokie’s alternate-side parking regulations go into effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
Alternate-side parking helps plows clear every street from curb to curb. That means safer roads for drivers and faster access for emergency vehicles when it matters most.
Here’s how it works:
• On even-numbered dates (like January 24): Park on the side of the street with evennumbered addresses.
• On odd-numbered dates (like January 25): Park on the side with odd-numbered addresses.
If you notice a car that hasn’t been moved during an active alternate-side period, please call the Skokie Police non-emergency line at 847982-5900 to report it. Cars that aren’t moved may receive a $50 ticket, and in emergencies, could be towed to make way for plows.
Some streets are exempt from alternate-side parking on weekends and certain holidays. You can find a full list of exempt streets at skokie.org
Stay Informed
Wondering if alternate-side parking is in effect? There are plenty of easy ways to find out:
• Sign up for Smart911 text alerts at skokie. org/smart911
• Call the Snow Hotline any time: 847-675SNOW (7669)
• Check for a notice at skokie.org
• Subscribe to The Scoop, the Village’s eNewsletter, for email alerts
• Watch SkokieVision (RCN Channel 25 or Comcast Channel 17)
• Tune in to 1660 AM Skokie Radio
• Listen for the 7 a.m. siren, which signals that alternate-side parking is in effect that day
Extra Parking During Snow
Need a place to park while the plows are out? During snow emergencies, residents may park in these Village-owned lots until 6:01 p.m. on the last day of alternate-side parking:
• North side of Oakton Street, between Walgreens and Crafty Beaver
• Skokie Swift lot on the north side of Dempster Street, accessed from Gross Point Road (please park close to the entrance)
• Skokie Swift lot at Skokie Boulevard and Searle Parkway
Snow Removal
Skokie’s Public Works crews work hard to keep streets safe and passable after a snowfall. Here’s what happens when the snow starts falling:
• Major streets under Village jurisdiction are cleared first. This includes parts of Oakton Street, parts of Gross Point Road, Niles Center Road, Main Street, Howard Street, Dempster Street, and others.
• Next, crews move on to streets by schools.
• Then they focus on residential streets throughout the community.
• After four inches of snow or more, Village crews plow public sidewalks, except some curb-attached sidewalks that are too narrow for equipment.(Remember—property owners are still responsible for keeping sidewalks and walkways next to their homes clear of snow and ice.)
• After six inches of snow, the Village begins clearing alleys.
Be a good neighbor! Keeping your sidewalks clear helps everyone—especially mail carriers, kids walking to school, and those who rely on mobility devices.
Who Clears the Major Roadways?
Some of Skokie’s major roads aren’t maintained by the Village. Streets like Church Street, Crawford Avenue, Skokie Boulevard, Golf Road, Old Orchard Road, and Touhy Avenue are under the care of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) or Cook County. These agencies handle snow removal and pothole repairs for those roads.
A complete map of roadway jurisdictions is available at skokie.org
A Shoveling Tip
If you’ve ever shoveled your driveway only to have the plow push snow back across it—there’s a trick! When shoveling, pile snow on the left side of your driveway (as you face it from the street). This helps reduce the snow pushed back by passing plows.
Lending a Hand This Winter Help Your Neighbors: If you know someone who might have a hard time shoveling—like an older neighbor or a family with a newborn—consider lending a hand. A few minutes of your time can make a big difference for someone else.
Need Help Yourself?: The Village’s TeenLink program connects residents who need snow-shoveling assistance with local teens looking to earn extra money.
Residents make their own arrangements directly with teens on the list. To participate or request a copy of the TeenLink list, call 847933-8208 or email info@skokie.org
A Quick Reminder for Businesses
Village ordinance requires businesses to clear snow from sidewalks next to their property. Keeping walkways safe helps everyone—and shows community pride, even in the middle of a storm!
Let’s Keep Skokie Moving
Snow happens—but when we all do our part, winter runs smoothly in Skokie. Move your car, shovel your walk, and check in on your neighbors. Together, we can keep SNOWkie safe, clear and connected all season long.
Health & Human Services
Support Skokie Neighbors In Need
Support local families experiencing hardship by donating to the Village’s Assist-a-Family campaign. The program, which relies on community giving, includes the annual winter holiday season gift program and year-round emergency financial assistance.
How it works
During the winter holiday season, the Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) Department provides eligible Skokie families with gift cards for area businesses to purchase food, household necessities and other items specific to their needs.
The year-round Emergency Financial Assistance program assists families who have fallen behind on rent or utility bills due to a hardship.
How it helps
A 2024 holiday program recipient wrote, “Thank you very much for blessing my family. Your kindness and generosity are very much appreciated.”
There are four easy ways to donate:
• Scan the QR code below
• Donate online at skokie.org/assist
• Send a check made payable to the “Village of Skokie” with Skokie Assist-a-Family Program noted on the memo line. Mail checks to: Village of Skokie, Health and Human Services Department, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois, 60077
• If you pay your Village of Skokie utility bill online, you can elect to round up your bill to the nearest dollar or make a donation in the amount of your choice to support the program
For more information, contact 847-933-8252 or visit skokie.org.
See a Rat? Report It!
The Village’s Rat Control Program is working hard to make our community clean, healthy and rat-free. Thanks to a comprehensive, data-driven approach, Skokie has seen a 40 percent reduction in active rat control cases since the program’s peak in 2024.
But lasting success depends on all of us. Rats thrive where food, water and shelter are easily available—so you play a key role in preventing infestations. You can help by:
• Keeping garbage and recycling bins tightly closed.
• Removing bird seed, pet food or grease that may attract rats.
• Cutting back overgrown vegetation and clearing clutter from yards and alleys.
• Maintaining compost bins and gardens properly.
If you see a rat or signs of burrows, report it right away—early action helps prevent larger problems.
Call 847-933-8254
Email nomorerats@skokie.org
Visit skokie.org or nomorerats.org
Your partnership is essential to reduce rat activity in Skokie.
During the winter holiday season, the Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) Department provides eligible Skokie families with gift cards for area businesses to purchase food, household necessities and other items specific to their needs.
Environmental Health Officer Derek Walker places bait in a rat burrow.
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
Conveniently located off the Edens Expressway near Westfield Old Orchard Mall, the North Shore Center makes seeing a show easy. And with over 1,500 free parking spaces, parking is never a problem.
North Shore Center Presents
Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas
December 2 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker
A Skokie holiday tradition!
December 5 and 6 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
January 15 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Call
BoDeans
January 31 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Black Violin
February 10 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Skerryvore
February 21 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Music of the Baroque
Fathers & Sons
January 25 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Music Theater Works
Annie
December 18 through January 4 at the George Van Dusen Theatre
Northlight Theatre
Gaslight
November 28 through December 28 at the North Theatre
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd.
For more information and tickets to the above performances, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.
for Artists: Second Annual Skokie Art Exhibit
The Village’s Fine Arts Commission invites local artists to participate in its second annual art exhibit.
This exhibit celebrates the creativity and talent within our community. The exhibition will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from February 6 through February 20, 2026, at The Storefront, 4051 Main St. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 6.
This year’s show will be juried by Gabriella Boros, a Skokie-based artist whose prints, paintings and multimedia works have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her current show, Magical Botanicals, is on view at Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum through January 4, 2026.
Artists 18 or older who live or work in Skokie are invited to submit their work for consideration. All visual media are welcome—including but not limited to painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and works on paper—provided they are gallery-ready (wired and ready to hang). The deadline for submissions is January 9, 2026. There is no submission fee.
For complete details and to submit your work, visit skokie.org/ thestorefront.
Attendees enjoy the opening reception for the 2024 Skokie art exhibit
Skokie Council/Manager Government Since 1957 www.skokie.org
Officials
Mayor Ann Tennes
Clerk
Minal Desai
Trustees
Jim Iverson
Kimani Levy
Lissa Levy
Alison Pure Slovin
Keith A. Robinson
Gail Schechter
Manager
John T. Lockerby
Interim Counsel
Barbara Mangler
Phone Numbers
Emergency
9-1-1
Crime Tip Hotline
847/933-TIPS (8477)
Information
847/673-0500
Fire Non-Emergency
847/982-5300
Police
Non-Emergency
847/982-5900
Animal Control
847/982-5970
Village Hall
847/673-0500
Citizens Assistance
847/933-8480
Departments
Civil Engineering
847/933-8231
Clerk’s Office
847/933-8203
Community Development
• Permits and Inspections
847/933-8223
• Economic Vitality
847/933-8446
• Planning
847/933-8447
Health and Human Services
• Community Health
847/933-8252
• Environmental Health
847/933-8484
• Human Services
847/933-8208
Public Works
847/933-8427
• Signs and Street Lights
847/933-8232
Village Manager’s Office
847/933-8210
Water Billing
847/933-8418
Village of Skokie
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077
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Skokie, IL
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Meredith Gioia info@skokie.org
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Small Business Saturday “Start Your Day in Skokie” Travel Mug Promotion
Kick off the season with coffee! Start your holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday, November 29 with a great gift option that supports the Skokie Community Foundation!
Purchase a “Start Your Day in Skokie” coffee travel mug, which can be used for a free cup of coffee or tea every day for the month of January 2026! Mugs will be available while supplies last at:
• Will’s Place (7927 Lincoln Ave.)
• Qahwah House (5238 Touhy Ave.)
• Complimentary Café (4933 Oakton St.)
• Blue Kale (4907 Oakton St.).
Mugs can be purchased at all locations throughout the holiday season while supplies last for $40 each, with a portion of the sale donated to the Skokie Community Foundation.