Serve on a Board, Commission, or Committee

City of Evanston Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committees Compliance Requirements

As a member of a City board, committee, or commission, the City code requires all members to: 

1. Annually file a Financial Disclosure and Affiliation Statement (City Code section 1-10-3). 

2. Read and adhere to the City of Evanston Code of Ethics

3. 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.

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.

Access the City of Evanston Boards, Commissions, and Committees Compliance Requirements 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:

• Annually by July 1, and

• Within 60 days of any change in status.
  How to complete: Complete and submit the form through Submittable.
  Link: City Code Reference – Ethics and Disclosure Requirements
  Legal reference: Evanston City Code §1-10-3(D)

4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training

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.

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.

Steps:

1. Visit the Submittable portal: City of Evanston Boards, Commissions, and Committees Compliance Requirements

2. Log in or create a Submittable account.

3. Complete the Ethics Training form and upload your OMA, FOIA (if applicable), and Financial Disclosure documents.

4. Submit electronically to the Office of the City Clerk.