Evanston Public Works Wins 2 Awards For Animal Shelter Project, Salt Reduction Effort

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston’s Public Works Agency has received two awards recognizing the city’s work on public infrastructure and environmental practices.

The city announced that the new Evanston Animal Shelter won the American Public Works Association Chicago Metro Chapter’s Public Works Project of the Year in the Structures: $5 Million to $25 Million category. Evanston also was named the 2026 Salt Smart Community Award winner by The Conservation Foundation.

According to the city, the Evanston Animal Shelter was selected for its approach to modernizing a deteriorating 1970s facility into what the announcement described as a resilient, future-ready public asset. The city said the award highlights projects that positively affect communities, support public safety and health, and advance sustainable infrastructure practices.

Features highlighted by the organization included expanded medical isolation areas and indoor and outdoor kennels for long-term animal care, along with enrichment spaces and adoption areas aimed at community engagement. The shelter also has a fully electric, LEED-aligned design that integrates sustainable energy, stormwater management and bird-friendly features.

The project included support from Cook County and the Evanston Animal Shelter Association. According to the city, Cook County contributed $2.85 million in exchange for assistance with housing impounded animals, and the Evanston Animal Shelter Association is raising $1 million toward the project. The city said the association also operates a no-kill shelter and runs a foster program, animal food pantry, senior support services, on-site spay and neuter services, and free vaccination clinics.

The Salt Smart Community Award, which the city said was awarded earlier this year, recognizes Evanston’s work to reduce road salt use while maintaining winter safety. According to the city, Evanston adopted Salt Smart practices to reduce environmental effects while keeping streets and sidewalks safe.

“Receiving the 2026 Salt Smart Award is an honor,” said Edgar Cano, Director of Public Works. “It reflects the dedication of our staff and our commitment to protecting waterways and improving operations for the benefit of current and future generations. Our partnerships with The Conservation Foundation and the Chicago Area Waterways Chloride Workgroup have been invaluable in turning ideas into measurable environmental impacts.”