Adhere to the Open Meetings Act. Per state law (5 ILCS 120), complete the electronic Open Meetings Act training. You can visit the OMA Training Portal link to complete your training. Register at the top right corner to begin.
Boards, Commissions, and Committees Compliance FAQ
City of Evanston – Office of the City Clerk Last updated: October 23, 2025
All City officials, employees, and appointed Board, Commission, and Committee (BCC) members must complete the compliance requirements listed below under Illinois law and the City of Evanston Code of Ordinances.
All documentation and certificates must be submitted electronically through the City’s Submittable portal.
All “covered persons,” including elected officials, appointed officials, or City employees staffing Boards, Commissions, and Committees, are required to complete compliance trainings and submit documentation as outlined below.
1. Open Meetings Act (OMA) Training
Who: All members of public bodies, including all Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Deadline: Within 90 days of appointment or assuming duties. How to complete: Take the Illinois Attorney General’s online OMA Training. Proof required: Upload your certificate through Submittable. Link:OMA Training – Illinois Attorney General Legal reference: 5 ILCS 120/1.05(b)
2. Ethics Training
Who: All “covered persons,” including elected officials, appointed officials, or City employees staffing Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Deadline:
Within 90 days of appointment, election, or hire; and
Annually thereafter by the end of each calendar year. How to complete: Complete the City of Evanston Ethics Training Form through Submittable. Proof required: The training acknowledgment and completion certificate must be submitted electronically through Submittable. Legal reference: Evanston City Code §1-10-8(A)
3. Financial Disclosure – Statement of Economic Interests & Affiliations
Who: Individuals required under the City Code of Ethics. Deadline:
Who: Only designated covered persons — specific staff members authorized to receive, review, or respond to public records requests on behalf of the City. This is an "optional" training for all other persons. Deadline:
Within 30 days of being designated as a FOIA Officer or covered person, and
Annually thereafter, as required by the Illinois Attorney General. How to complete: Complete the Illinois Attorney General’s FOIA Officer Training. Proof required: Upload your certificate through Submittable under “City of Evanston Boards, Commissions, and Committees Compliance Requirements.” Link: FOIA Training – Illinois Attorney General Legal reference: 5 ILCS 140/3.5
If you are not notified by the City, this training does not apply to your position.
How do I submit my certificates and forms?
All compliance documentation must be completed and submitted electronically through the City’s Submittable platform.
Paper copies or emailed forms will not be accepted you may request support at cityclerk@cityofevanston.org.
Complete the Ethics Training form and upload your OMA, FOIA (if applicable), and Financial Disclosure documents.
Submit electronically to the Office of the City Clerk.
Can I email or drop off my certificates?
No. All forms and certificates must be submitted through Submittable to ensure tracking, verification, and compliance with City records procedures. You may request support via email at cityclerk@cityofevanston.org.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Failure to complete any required training or filing by its deadline may affect your eligibility to serve or your ability to participate in City meetings.
Do I need to repeat the trainings if I’m reappointed?
Yes. Each time you are appointed or reappointed, you must complete the required trainings again, including OMA and Ethics.
