Evanston Wins “City Livability” Award

Evanston was recently recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual “City Livability” awards for its women’s fitness program. 

In the 12-week “Women Out Walking” program, participants track their steps, walk together regularly, attend workshops on health education and take part in several other physical activities, including tai chi and belly dancing. 

“This best practices model shows now, more than ever, that mayors are committed to improving our cities and neighborhoods through increased access to healthy lifestyles and fitness initiatives,” Jocelyn Bogen, Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors City Livability Awards Program said in a release. “The judges were impressed by Mayor Tisdahl’s leadership and felt that this program exemplifies the partnership between city government and citizens to bring about a positive change and improve the quality of life.”

More than 230 cities submitted applications to the awards program this year, according to Bogen. Evanston was one of three cities with populations of 100,000 or less that garnered honorable mentions. Top awards went to Louisville, KY, where the mayor challenged citizens to set the record for volunteering and public service, and to West Palm Beach, FL, which created a year-long program designed to combat unemployment. (A full list of winners can be found on the group’s website.)

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors is one of the most respected groups in the country,” Mayor Tisdahl said in the release. “We are honored to have been chosen for this award.” 

Evanston’s Women Out Walking program has served approximately 3,500 women in its four years of existence, according to the city. The program begins in March and runs through the end of June.