Evanston council adopts amended housing direction in Envision Evanston plan after hours of debate

Evanston City Council on Aug. 4 adopted a modified direction in the draft Envision Evanston comprehensive plan that asks staff and the public to explore expanding by‑right housing types across the city while also moving a series of related amendments intended to protect affordability and improve review processes.

The council approved the central housing motion — described in the meeting as a modified “option 2” — after extended debate on whether to allow multifamily housing types to be allowed by right in residential neighborhoods. The final motion, adopted by roll call, directs staff to “identify and implement policy changes that expand by‑right development, particularly for multiunit housing in residential districts and a range of higher‑density housing options in mixed‑use and downtown districts” if doing so will reduce housing costs and increase predictability in land‑use approvals. That motion passed 5–3.

Council members and dozens of residents spent the meeting’s public comment period focused on housing policy and the draft plan known as Envision Evanston 2045. Supporters urged the council to loosen rules to add…