Luke Stowe is set to become Evanston’s interim city manager

Evanston City Council announced in a press release that Luke Stowe is set to take over as the town’s interim city manager while the search continues for a permanent candidate.

The board is expected to vote on his appointment at the meeting on Monday, July 11.

Stowe will take over on July 12 as current acting city manager Kelley Gandurski steps away to join government and land use law firm Elrod Friedman LLP. With 25 years of experience in local government in Evanston, Champaign and Lake counties, Stowe is well equipped to handle the position according to Mayor Daniel Biss.

“Luke has an in-depth knowledge of our municipal government as well as the community at large,” said Mayor Biss. “I greatly appreciate his willingness to take on this critical role at this crucial time, and I’m confident he will do a tremendous job.”

Stowe has been Acting City Manager of Evanston since February 2022, where he oversaw departments such as Fire, Health and Human Services, Finance/Budget, Parks and Recreation, Information Technology and administrative arbitration.

Stowe has been in the city for 10 years, holding positions such as director of digital services, director of information, director of administrative services, while playing a vital role in the city’s COVID-19 response as part of the center emergency operations.

The city is holding a town hall July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room at 2100 Ridge Ave. The meeting can be attended in person or viewed live on Channel 16 or the city’s YouTube channel.

Questions can be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 11 or in person at the meeting.