Evanston council reviews housing and budgeting strategies for community improvements

The Evanston City Council convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the community, with a particular focus on housing affordability and budgetary strategies. The meeting highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to addressing homelessness and financial management within the city.

Council member Eyles raised concerns regarding the draft agenda, specifically pointing out the lack of comprehensive strategies for the unhoused population in Evanston. Eyles emphasized the correlation between housing affordability and homelessness, advocating for the city to take a more active role in providing services rather than relying solely on nonprofit organizations. He proposed adding specific initiatives to the agenda that would address the needs of those without housing.

In addition to housing issues, the council discussed financial goals aimed at eliminating the city's structural deficit over the next three years. Council member Davis suggested a clearer separation of discretionary and nondiscretionary spending in the budget, which would help the council better understand financial obligations and avoid overspending on unanticipated expenses. This proposal aims to create a more disciplined budgeting process, ensuring that all expenditures are accounted for and aligned with the city’s financial goals.

The council also reviewed various operational goals, including the implementation of priority-based budgeting and maintaining the Evanston Fire Department's ISO class 1 rating. However, some members expressed concerns that many of the proposed goals lacked specificity and urgency. Council member Rogers suggested adopting "SMART" criteria—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely—to refine the goals and ensure they reflect the council's priorities.

Another significant topic was the proposed development of a health hub intended to serve low-income community members. While some council members questioned the necessity of creating a new facility given the presence of two hospitals in the city, Director Ogbo clarified that the hub would provide essential services to those without access to healthcare, funded through grants rather than city resources.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the need for further refinement of the proposed goals and strategies. Staff will work on revising the agenda based on the feedback received, with plans to present a more succinct version for ratification in a future meeting. This ongoing dialogue reflects the council's commitment to addressing pressing community needs while ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective governance.