APRIL 13 City Council- Housing4All: Too Important to Rush, Worth Getting Right

The City’s Housing4All latest draft plan was released on March 26 and is scheduled to go before City Council on April 13. This is one of those documents that may not seem urgent at first glance—but it will shape housing decisions in Evanston for years to come. It’s worth taking the time to read.

The draft plan lays out challenges many residents are facing, including that about 35% of households are cost-burdened today, defined as paying more than 30% of their income on housing. It also recognizes issues like displacement and inequity are real and deserve attention. I encourage everyone to read Jeff Smiths essay on the housing draft as you read the most current draft. Missing Pieces: An Overview of the Draft Evanston "Housing Plan"At the same time, there are several areas where the plan raises questions that would benefit from further clarity and more back up documentation. 

For example, the plan projects that housing cost burdens will improve over time. However, the basis for that projection is not fully explained. The document notes that changes could be influenced by people moving out of Evanston, more households sharing housing, or shifts in income levels—not necessarily because housing itself becomes more affordable. That’s an important distinction because how will affordability be realized without a financial strategy.

The plan also discusses funding and partnerships, but it is not clear what funding is currently secured, what is proposed, or how priorities would be addressed if those sources do not come through.

Then there is the balance between growth and infrastructure and while the plan emphasizes coordination across City departments, it does not clearly explain how that coordination will work in practice or who is responsible for ensuring it happens.

One thing that stood out to me is how little attention is given to homeownership. It is mentioned, but there is no clear strategy or suggestions for how more residents will be able to own their homes and remain or become long-term homeowners. If we are thinking about long-term stability and opportunity, this feels like an area that deserves more focus. Homeownership has traditionally been a pathway to stability and wealth-building, and its role in the overall housing strategy could be more clearly defined.

This is a foundational document, and it’s worth getting it right. Talk with your Council Member ask them to hold this item for further discussion.