Evanston finance committee advances review of property-tax and rent “circuit breaker”; staff asked for data

Evanston’s Finance & Budget Committee on Wednesday advanced discussion of a proposed property tax and rent “circuit breaker” designed to help long‑term residents stay in the city, asking staff to gather Cook County and city data and return with more specifics next month.

The measure, referred as agenda item D5 by Council member Claire Kelly and co‑referrers Council members Eleanor Revelle, Tom Suffredan and Devon Reed, did not receive a formal vote Wednesday. Instead, the committee agreed to move the item up the agenda so members and members of the public in attendance could hear the preliminary discussion and to allow staff time to compile eligibility and cost estimates.

The proposal aims to target long‑term homeowners and renters who are being priced out as property taxes and living costs rise. During the committee’s public‑comment period, several residents and homeowners described personal and neighborhood impacts and urged committee members to accelerate work on the program rather than wait for action at the county or state level.

“My name is Malika Gardner, and for the past 10 years I’ve been deeply engaged in the Evanston community,” said Malika Gardner, identifying herself as a community organizer and Evanston Live TV host. “One of the biggest concerns I hear from long‑term residents is that they won’t be able to age in place.” Gardner asked the committee to table adoption until “the full…