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Inclusionary housing wait list tops 900 households; city staff note demand concentrated at lower AMI levels
Summary
City staff reported 904 households on the inclusionary housing wait list in May 2025 with a majority in the 30–50% AMI range and a high occupancy and lease renewal rate among existing inclusionary units; staff said outreach removed nonresponsive households and CPAH manages wait list outreach.
Evanston — City staff presented an updated inclusionary housing ordinance (IHO) wait‑list report to the Housing and Community Development Committee on Tuesday, showing 904 households on the list as of May 2025 and strong occupancy rates among existing affordable units.
What the report shows: Anna Elizaraga said the wait list—managed by Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) on the city’s behalf—had been fully updated through May and contained 904 households. The majority of applicants are one‑ and two‑person households; a sizable share fall in the 31–50% area median income (AMI) bracket. Elizaraga said 64% of households on the list earn 50% or less of AMI.
On the supply side, staff reported a 98% occupancy rate for existing inclusionary units and an 88% lease‑renewal rate over the past year. Staff said 84 additional inclusionary units are expected to be occupied by the end of 2025, three new affordable units were expected later this year, and 37 units from approved developments are anticipated between 2026 and 2028.
Demographics: Voluntary survey responses on the wait list show 57.6% Black or African American households, 18% White, 15% Asian, 3% Hispanic and 6% other or mixed. Elizaraga noted that household-size demand understates the need for larger units because fewer large units exist to apply for.
Local preference and outreach: Local preference (Evanston residents or workers) accounts for about 38% of households on the list. Staff said CPAH conducted a comprehensive outreach campaign—email, mail and text—and removed households that did not respond. Available units are marketed through local partners, including libraries and schools.
Committee comments and next steps: Committee members noted the wait list underscores ongoing demand at lower AMI levels and commended CPAH’s active management. Members requested follow up with CPAH to explore whether publishing an anonymized, searchable status list or clearer public reporting could improve transparency and help applicants manage expectations. Staff said they would consult with CPAH and return with options for improved public reporting practices.
Ending: The committee voted to accept and place the report on file; staff said they will follow up with CPAH on options to increase transparency and to prepare for an anticipated influx of units in the coming years.
