Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Evanston is at a crossroads, and the choices we make now will define our city for generations. Whether you believe rezoning the entire city will create much-needed housing and affordability or fear it will prioritize luxury developments and displace our most vulnerable residents, this is your moment to speak up.
On Monday, January 13th, at 5:30 PM, the City Council will discuss rezoning Evanston, the comprehensive plan, and Envision Evanston 2045. These are monumental discussions that will shape who gets to call Evanston home and what kind of community we will be. But here’s the truth: in the estimated 80 Envision Evanston meetings, never once were residents asked about a total rezoning of the entire city. That oversight raises an important question: Do you trust this process?
As someone who loves this city and its rich diversity, I’ve been advocating for solutions that work for everyone:
Build affordable units above one-level commercial businesses already in town and on top of open parking lots.These spaces can be transformed into housing opportunities without uprooting longtime residents.
Place luxury high-rises on our prime real estate—our lakefront. Why should developers be calling homeowners in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th wards, pressuring them to sell, when the lakefront is the natural location for luxury? Let’s think strategically.
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental question: What kind of Evanston do we want to build? Do we want a city that prioritizes equity and inclusion or one that opens the door to unchecked development without ensuring affordability and accountability?
This is not a time for complacency. This is not the time to let others—clergy, public leaders, or anyone else—speak for you. This is about your life in Evanston, your home, and your future. Think for yourself. Do your research. And most importantly, make your voice heard.
📞 Call, email, or text your Alderperson.
📬 Knock on their door and share your perspective.
🎤 Show up at the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
I’ve compiled a 30-minute video of clips from both sides of the January 8th Land Use Commission debate. It’s a chance to understand the arguments and weigh them against your vision for Evanston. What’s your take? What do you value? What do you believe is possible?
The time to act is now. Our lakefront, our neighborhoods, and the heart of Evanston hang in the balance. Rezoning could mean new opportunities—or irreversible harm. The Council needs to hear from YOU before Monday.
Save the date: Sunday, February 9th, 4 PM-7 PM for the Candidate Forum. This is your opportunity to ask candidates the tough questions about housing, development, and the city’s future.
Evanston’s transformation is already underway. This moment demands bold, visionary ideas—and it demands action. Let’s rise to the occasion, together. Speak now or forever hold your peace.
#RezoningEvanston
#EvanstonVoicesMatter
#SpeakNowEvanston
#HousingJusticeNow
#EvanstonFuture
#ProtectEvanston
#CommunityOverProfit
#AffordableHousingForAll
#EquityInEvanston
#EvanstonStrong
#FightForYourCity
#EvanstonVision2045
#SpeakUpEvanston
#YourVoiceMatters
#EvanstonResidentsFirst
#NoDisplacement
#StopTheMadExodus
#EvanstonForEveryone
#RezoningTruth
#LakefrontLuxury
#EnvisionEvanston2045
#EnvisionEvanston
Evanston is at a crossroads, and the choices we make now will define our city for generations. Whether you believe rezoning the entire city will create much-needed housing and affordability or fear it will prioritize luxury developments and displace our most vulnerable residents, this is your moment to speak up.
On Monday, January 13th, at 5:30 PM, the City Council will discuss rezoning Evanston, the comprehensive plan, and Envision Evanston 2045. These are monumental discussions that will shape who gets to call Evanston home and what kind of community we will be. But here’s the truth: in the estimated 80 Envision Evanston meetings, never once were residents asked about a total rezoning of the entire city. That oversight raises an important question: Do you trust this process?
As someone who loves this city and its rich diversity, I’ve been advocating for solutions that work for everyone:
Build affordable units above one-level commercial businesses already in town and on top of open parking lots.These spaces can be transformed into housing opportunities without uprooting longtime residents.
Place luxury high-rises on our prime real estate—our lakefront. Why should developers be calling homeowners in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th wards, pressuring them to sell, when the lakefront is the natural location for luxury? Let’s think strategically.
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental question: What kind of Evanston do we want to build? Do we want a city that prioritizes equity and inclusion or one that opens the door to unchecked development without ensuring affordability and accountability?
This is not a time for complacency. This is not the time to let others—clergy, public leaders, or anyone else—speak for you. This is about your life in Evanston, your home, and your future. Think for yourself. Do your research. And most importantly, make your voice heard.
📞 Call, email, or text your Alderperson.
📬 Knock on their door and share your perspective.
🎤 Show up at the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
I’ve compiled a 30-minute video of clips from both sides of the January 8th Land Use Commission debate. It’s a chance to understand the arguments and weigh them against your vision for Evanston. What’s your take? What do you value? What do you believe is possible?
The time to act is now. Our lakefront, our neighborhoods, and the heart of Evanston hang in the balance. Rezoning could mean new opportunities—or irreversible harm. The Council needs to hear from YOU before Monday.
Save the date: Sunday, February 9th, 4 PM-7 PM for the Candidate Forum. This is your opportunity to ask candidates the tough questions about housing, development, and the city’s future.
Evanston’s transformation is already underway. This moment demands bold, visionary ideas—and it demands action. Let’s rise to the occasion, together. Speak now or forever hold your peace.
#RezoningEvanston
#EvanstonVoicesMatter
#SpeakNowEvanston
#HousingJusticeNow
#EvanstonFuture
#ProtectEvanston
#CommunityOverProfit
#AffordableHousingForAll
#EquityInEvanston
#EvanstonStrong
#FightForYourCity
#EvanstonVision2045
#SpeakUpEvanston
#YourVoiceMatters
#EvanstonResidentsFirst
#NoDisplacement
#StopTheMadExodus
#EvanstonForEveryone
#RezoningTruth
#LakefrontLuxury
#EnvisionEvanston2045
#EnvisionEvanston
