Ald. Ann Rainey

Ann Rainey is Evanston’s senior alderman having served the Great 8th Ward for 34 years—always ensuring that constituents are represented, informed and heard on the City Council. Reflecting on her service, Ann recommits to being responsive by providing the information and services that makes the city work for residents. Her innovative and tireless advocacy for our neighborhoods and legislative leadership has resulted in many successful and positive changes in our ward and the city.

Ann grew up in a military family that settled in Evanston while she was in high school. An ETHS graduate, she has been an activist all of her life. While marching and fighting for civil rights and equal rights, her path crossed with Shirley Chisholm, Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Locally she has worked diligently on housing issues and fought to improve living conditions in Evanston. Over the years, she and neighbors have attended court as advocates for safety in our neighborhoods. 

She is the founder of the annual Bike the Ridge event and was instrumental in bringing the Food Truck Festival and Starlight Concert Series to Brummel Park and Free Starlight Movies in the Park to several parks in the 8th Ward. 

Evanton’s 8th Ward

Evanston's 8th Ward stretches across the southern edge of the city—from the CTA tracks west to our border with Skokie, from Howard Street and the City of Chicago on the south heading north to Oakton Street.

Within these boundaries one can find thriving business districts along Howard and Oakton; Evanston Center, a commercial shopping center with national retailers, like Target and Best Buy; AMITA St Francis Hospital, a nationally recognized hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center; several city parks, including James Park, the city's largest; the Levy Senior Center, which has national accreditation; the Evanston Animal Shelter; and Oakton Elementary School, home to more than 400 students.