Envision Evanston 2045
There's a lot of misinformation out there about Envision Evanston and zoning reform.
Let's separate the myths from the facts.
Envision Evanston 2045
Myths vs. Facts
MYTH:
Envision Evanston 2045 will get rid of R1 districts and single-family homes.
FACT:
Envision Evanston 2045 does not eliminate R1 districts or single-family homes.
It just allows homeowners in R1 zones to convert their single-family homes into multi-family homes if they choose to over time.
These multi-family homes would have identical or similar size and setback limits to what’s already in place.
There would be no high-rise or mid-rise buildings in R1 or R2 zones.
MYTH:
Envision Evanston 2045 is being rushed to pass before the April 1 election.
It’s all political.
FACT:
Neither the comprehensive plan nor the zoning changes will come to the City Council until AFTER the election.
Both the comprehensive plan and zoning code will first be reviewed by the Land Use Commission, which is expected to happen this spring and summer.
Mayor Biss and the City Council have worked to restructure the timing for both documents.
None of these changes will happen overnight—they will happen over many years.
The sooner we can create changes that make Evanston more affordable and sustainable, the better—which is why we want to get started as soon as we can.
MYTH:
Evanstonians aren’t being included in the drafting of Envision Evanston 2045.
FACT:
This plan already has and will continue to have a rigorous review, input, and oversight by all Evanstonians, the Land Use Commission, and the City Council.
The City has already held over 100 public meetings to gather feedback and answer questions, and they continue to do so in every ward of the city.
The level of engagement from Evanstonians has already far surpassed what the City typically sees, which is important in creating the best outcome possible.
MYTH:
Envision Evanston 2045 won’t solve our affordable housing problem.
FACT:
No single initiative, including Envision Evanston, will solve Evanston’s affordability issues on its own.
But changes to our zoning code will allow us to increase the number of homes in the City, and it will slow the growth of housing costs for everyone.
That means that it will become easier for all of us to find homes in our price range, regardless of our income.
This is particularly true when used in combination with other City policies, like the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance that requires developers to create affordable units in all new developments.
The City Council recently strengthened the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to make sure that we’re doing as much for affordability as possible.
MYTH:
Envision Evanston will change our city’s character.
FACT:
Evanston is a diverse city with a diverse array of homes. In fact, much of Evanston already has single-family homes next to duplexes and four-flats.
These proposals are in line with the Evanston we love.
Preserving Evanston’s character means making sure a diverse group of people can afford to live, work, and raise a family here.