Beautification & Improvement Commission

Top Three 28 Williamsburg D 2023 1About

The Beautification and Improvement Commission advises the Mayor and Board of Trustees on policy, programs, and other matters of beautification and conservation. 

The commission seeks to promote and educate residents on environmentally sustainable gardening and landscaping, foster community participation, advocate for the enhancement of Skokie’s tree canopy, improve the overall aesthetics of Skokie, and collaborate with similar commissions, community groups, and the Skokie Park District.  

Vision

Our vision is a community where biodiversity thrives, and people create sustainable landscapes that enhance the beauty of our village and enrich our lives.

Activities

  • Designing, supporting, and funding landscaping for public properties
  • Sponsoring the annual Arbor Day observation, the Property Owner's Beautification Awards, and Clean Green litter activities
  • Coordinating activities with the Park District
  • Participating in the 4th of July Parade
  • Coordinating with Village staff to promote and increase Skokie's tree canopy

Meetings

First Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
View the Village meetings calendar

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Agendas and Minutes

Members


Bob Quane, Chair
Mitchell H. Sandler, Vice Chair
Ross Del Rosario
Sherwin Ditlove
Vernell Ellison-Smith
Ann Goldshaft
Joseph Hasten
Dalya Horowitz
George Hubchak
Bahram Khazeni
Charles Levine

Fred Lisiewicz
Edward M. Potash
Rachel Rosenberg - Subcommittee Chair
Barbara Rubins
Valerie Shuman - Subcommittee Chair
Brooke Sprague
Anne VanOsdol

Liaisons
James Johnson, Trustee
Cathy Stevens, Forester


Beautification & Improvement Commission Vacancies: 3

Interested in serving on one of the Village's advisory boards or commissions?

Online, Interactive Board Member Application

Beautification Awards

Nominate a neighbor, a local business, or yourself to win a Skokie Beautification Award!  The Beautification and Improvement Commission evaluates nominees on Design, Plant Choices and Maintenance.  Winners will receive an awards certificate and/or a yard sign during the October Beautification Awards ceremony, and winning yard photos are posted on our website.

New For ’23!  

We’ve updated the awards program to support proven sustainable practices that will help make our community a better place to live.

  1. Pollinator Pantry

Does your front yard include food for local pollinators?  
Click for a list of native host plants & non-native pollinator-friendly plants!

Are you a Pollinator Protector? 
Click for advice on how to keep your garden lovely without pesticides!

  1. Edible Garden
  1. Skokie's Best

Subscribe to SkokieNews or visit this page for updates!

How to Submit a Property

Nominations are due by July 15! Please note that only nominations for front yards or side yards (on corner properties) are accepted. Backyards are not eligible for awards. 

  • Nominating your property? Three easy options: 
    • Online: Fill out the online form and upload photo and signature files as requested on form. 
    • By email: Download the nomination PDF, fill it out, and email it to beautificationawards@skokie.org. 
    • By postal mail: Download the nomination PDF, fill it out, and mail it to B & IC, 9050 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL 60077. 
  • Nominating someone else’s property? Simply send an email to beautificationawards@skokie.org with the address of the property in the subject line. Photos are helpful but not required to submit a nomination (.jpeg format, please). Village staff will reach out to the property owner to obtain their contact information and a signed photo consent form.

Beautification Award Documents and Photographs

2021 Beautification Award-Winning Properties

Property Owners Award Nomination Form (PDF)