Make Your Voice Heard on the Future of Evanston on February 19

Residents of Evanston, Wyoming, are invited to participate in a public feedback session at The Roundhouse, 1500 Main Street, on Thursday, February 19, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The City of Evanston Planning Team is developing a comprehensive plan to shape local initiatives and growth over the coming decades. Residents can share their ideas for what they want to see from Evanston in the coming years.

“We want to hear your ideas for how Evanston can improve and how it should grow,” says Rocco O'Neill, Community Development Director for the City of Evanston. “This comprehensive plan will shape the City’s initiatives for multiple decades, which is why listening to residents is so important.”

This meeting will guide the creation of the Evanston 2050 Comprehensive Master Plan, which will be released in late 2026. The meeting at The Roundhouse provides an opportunity for the City of solicit clear feedback and open discussions from people who are passionate about watching Evanston grow. 

The February 19 Meeting Covers a Variety of Development Topics

Economic development and city planning cover a variety of issues, ranging from park space to walkability and small business support. You don’t have to be an expert in any particular topic; you just have to bring your ideas. Share what you are passionate about, whether that involves increasing access to healthcare or supporting Evanston’s public schools.

Representatives from the City of Evanston will also use this meeting to review the Comprehensive Plan development process and timeline. This can help residents learn how their input shared right now turns into a published roadmap for the City later in the year.  

Take the Public Survey Online if You Cannot Attend

Evanston residents who cannot attend the in-person event on Thursday, February 19, can still participate in the Evanston 2050 Comprehensive Master Plan. The City has created an online survey with open-ended questions designed to help participants share their thoughts on the region’s future.

Take the Survey Here.

The survey asks some demographic questions to learn who is taking it and to ensure that different communities and occupations are represented. We want all voices to be heard. The survey then dives into deeper discussions about what is important to you as a resident and how you perceive Evanston. It should take about 10 minutes to complete and includes a mix of ranking, checkbox, and open-ended questions.  

Evanston residents can both attend the meeting in person and take the survey virtually if they choose. Some people may want to wait until the meeting on February 19 before submitting their thoughts through the online form.

Paper copies of the survey will also be available at the in-person meeting for anyone who prefers them. 

Evanston Youth are Invited to Participate

City leaders also want to hear from Evanston’s younger residents. There is an alternative survey for residents under 18.

Take the Youth Survey Here.

This survey asks Evanston youth what they like about living here and how the city can change. It also asks how likely the respondent is to remain in Evanston for the next five years.

“The opinions of kids and teens matter just as much as adults,” says O'Neill. “We want to create a city environment that makes local youth want to stay in Evanston after they leave high school. We want college graduates to return home to Wyoming to start their careers and families here. The opinions we collect from Evanston youth today could be implemented into policies by the time local teens grow up.”  

Parents are encouraged to share the survey with their kids and teens to involve them in the city's future. This could be a good way to teach children how to get involved in local government and make their voices heard. 

Get Involved in Your City With the Master Plan Process

One of the best ways to make sure the future of Evanston reflects your ideals is to attend the meeting on February 19 or take the online survey. You can have a voice in the City’s future and share what is important to you.

For additional opportunities to get involved in local economic development, follow the City of Evanston. Keep up with what we’re doing and the awesome things happening around town.