Over the past two years, the Evanston City Council, in tandem with the community, has created a 20-year plan: Envision Evanston 2045. The comprehensive document guides the city in its zoning codes, housing, well-being and culture and aims to create a more livable and vibrant Evanston. On Jan. 26, the city council will vote on Envision Evanston 2045, with implementation to follow if it passes. City officials hope that the plan will provide a detailed vision for the future.
In an attempt to accurately reflect the community’s values, the planning process for Envision Evanston consisted of five phases. Phases 1 and 2 gathered the community’s thoughts and lived experience to develop an initial vision, and Phases 3 and 4 took feedback on the plan to finalize it. In Phase 5, the plan was ready to be adopted. Each step allowed opportunities for residents to share their opinions on the plan and its zoning code through public meetings and surveys.
Over the past two years, the Evanston City Council, in tandem with the community, has created a 20-year plan: Envision Evanston 2045. The comprehensive document guides the city in its zoning codes, housing, well-being and culture and aims to create a more livable and vibrant Evanston. On Jan. 26, the city council will vote on Envision Evanston 2045, with implementation to follow if it passes. City officials hope that the plan will provide a detailed vision for the future.
In an attempt to accurately reflect the community’s values, the planning process for Envision Evanston consisted of five phases. Phases 1 and 2 gathered the community’s thoughts and lived experience to develop an initial vision, and Phases 3 and 4 took feedback on the plan to finalize it. In Phase 5, the plan was ready to be adopted. Each step allowed opportunities for residents to share their opinions on the plan and its zoning code through public meetings and surveys.
After the plan is approved, a second wave of policy creation will begin, focusing on the zoning code itself. The new set of laws will govern how land can be used, including standards dictating what types of buildings, like apartment complexes or new businesses, can be built and where. Evanston’s current zoning code has been in place since 1993, a point of contention for a growing Evanston community.
“[The plan seeks to alter the code to] align with our shared goals of affordable housing, sustainability and successful small businesses,” said Mayor Daniel Biss. “Things like affordability, which drives socioeconomic diversity, and social connection are necessary in order to facilitate [community vibrancy].”
The zoning code will guide new developments in Evanston, encouraging and removing restrictions on “multi-unit housing in all residential districts” and a wider range of “higher density housing options” in other districts. These guidelines will cater toward the “multifamily-oriented housing market” in Evanston.
The issue of affordability is intrinsically linked to the housing market; in a city where almost 50% of renters are cost-burdened, with 20% spending at least half of their income on housing costs, affordability is a top priority.
Many students believe that Envision Evanston 2045 is an important step forward, especially concerning housing.
“I think that developing cheaper housing and a more economically friendly living experience for people moving here is vital to the future of Evanston for the next 20 years,” said sophomore Ian Berry.
The plan is not limited to its housing goals; it also places an emphasis on climate action, well-being and culture. According to sophomore Mia Machut, community involvement is key.
“I think that the most important thing for Evanston to do is to keep listening to the community and have everyone’s voices and ideas heard,” said Machut.
The Jan. 26 vote will determine whether Envision Evanston has met the first part of its goal, with the zoning code overhaul still to come.
