Acting Mayor Jonathan Nieuwsma

During its October 26 meeting, the Evanston City Council voted to appoint 4th Ward Councilmember Jonathan Nieuwsma to the position of Acting Mayor of the City of Evanston. Nieuwsma was sworn into office by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste, formally beginning his service in the role.

Nieuwsma, who was elected to the Evanston City Council in 2021, will serve as acting mayor through May 10, 2027, when a newly elected Mayor will be sworn in. 

As Acting Mayor, Nieuwsma will help guide the City’s legislative priorities, preside over City Council meetings, and support the continued delivery of municipal services. He will exercise the powers and duties of the mayor, subject to applicable legal limitations, including restrictions on the mayoral veto and the tie-breaking vote (he will retain his ability to vote as a Councilmember and will not receive a second vote as Mayor). 

Goals

Acting Mayor Jonathan Nieuwsma is committed to advancing the Evanston City Council’s established goals and priorities while ensuring continuity in City leadership and operations. He will work collaboratively with City Council members, City staff, and community members to support ongoing initiatives, address Evanston residents' needs, and advance policies and programs that reflect the community’s priorities. Through continued collaboration, transparency, and public engagement, Acting Mayor Nieuwsma will focus on building upon the City’s progress and ensuring that the Council’s work continues to serve the Evanston community.

About Acting Mayor Jonathan Nieuwsma

Jonathan Nieuwsma has represented Evanston’s 4th Ward on the City Council since 2021. A longtime sustainability advocate, he served on the founding board and later as president of Citizens’ Greener Evanston (now Climate Action Evanston). In that role, he led the campaign that brought low-cost renewable energy to all Evanston residents, an effort that reduced the city’s carbon footprint by 15% and earned him the Evanston Community Foundation’s Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2013. 

Nieuwsma served eight years on the Evanston Utilities Commission, including the last two as chairman, after Mayors Tisdahl and Hagerty appointed him. He helped develop the City’s Community Choice Electricity ordinance and its energy and water efficiency ordinance.

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an engineering degree, Nieuwsma worked in industrial manufacturing and international supply chain development before moving into renewable energy, where he worked on solar and wind projects nationwide. 

The appointment follows the recent mayoral transition and ensures continuity in City leadership as the City Council continues its work on behalf of Evanston residents. The City remains committed to transparent governance, responsive public services, and advancing priorities that support the community’s well-being and quality of life.

“I’m honored to serve Evanston in this role,” said Acting Mayor Nieuwsma. “As Acting Mayor, I will continue to support City Council priorities and do what is best for our community. I recognize the responsibility that comes with this temporary position and remain committed to serving our residents and working collaboratively to move our city forward. I look forward to handing off these responsibilities to an elected mayor next spring with the City of Evanston in an even better position.”

Residents can stay informed about City Council meetings, agendas, and other City updates by visiting the City’s website.