We, the undersigned residents and community members of Evanston, IL, are calling on the City to reconsider its recent decision to remove all honorary street signs that have been installed for over 10 years under a blanket “10-year rule” policy.

While we understand the desire to create space for new honorees, we believe the process for removing long-standing honorary signs should be more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive of community input. Many of these signs honor individuals who made lasting contributions to the civic, educational, cultural, and social fabric of Evanston. Taking them down without public dialogue or clear replacement plans risks sending the wrong message—that history is disposable or that past contributions no longer matter.

These signs are more than just markers—they are symbols of community pride and collective memory.

We respectfully urge the City of Evanston to:

1. Pause the removal of existing honorary street signs unless a new honoree has already been identified and approved.

2. Establish a formal community review process to evaluate the historical and cultural significance of each honorary sign before it is taken down.

3. Provide transparency in how honorees are selected and when signs are due for removal or replacement.

4. Engage residents in public forums to discuss future recognition policies and ensure all voices are heard.

We believe Evanston can continue to recognize new leaders without erasing the legacy of those already honored. Let’s honor our past and shape our future—together.