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Consultants propose equity-centered outreach: mobile stations, focus groups and translation
Summary
The consultant team emphasized equitable, ward-tailored outreach including compensated neighborhood focus groups, child care and translation at events, mobile engagement stations, interactive mapping and targeted digital outreach to ensure representative input across Evanston.
Jelani McKeown, director of engagement for Rudd Resources, said the team will prioritize a human-centered engagement approach rooted in equity, dignity and listening first. He described in-person tactics (pop-ups, mobile engagement stations at plazas and markets), compensated neighborhood focus groups, child care and translation services, and a variety of digital tools to reach residents who cannot attend traditional meetings.
"We believe in honoring the lived experience of the residents that we're working with, and so we don't come to the community with a preset plan as much as we do to come to listen and learn," Jelani said, listing paid outreach, every-door direct mail and targeted advertising among possible tactics. Team members said they would recruit local ambassadors and partner with neighborhood networks and council members to ensure participation across wards.
Katie Ashbaugh and other local advisors said they would serve as liaisons to ward-level stakeholders and help tailor tactics to Evanstons political and social context. The consultants said all input will be summarized in engagement reports at multiple points in the project to refine recommendations and adjust outreach.
