Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
To everyone who joined our Zoom meeting with Council Member Clare Kelly, Cook County representatives, and myself—thank you for your commitment to fighting for real property tax and rent relief for Evanston’s long-term residents.
We’ve now held two virtual meetings, and the feedback from the community has been powerful. For years, residents have voiced concerns about skyrocketing property taxes and rent—this initiative is the direct result of that community engagement. While Clare Kelly and I have met with Cook County officials to gather key information, it is you—the residents—who are shaping the Evanston Property Tax & Rent Circuit Breaker Initiative into a real solution.
Let’s Set the Record Straight
One of the biggest takeaways from our meetings with Cook County representatives:
A Circuit Breaker program does not raise taxes on other residents.
It provides direct, targeted relief for those who need it most.
This initiative is about fairness and keeping long-term residents in their homes—not shifting the burden elsewhere.
Where We Stand Now
Passed through the Referral Committee on February 10, 2025
Next: Human Services Committee & Budget & Finance Committee
We have also formed a Resident Committee to help with data collection and research—because Evanston city staff has not provided the research we’ve repeatedly requested. We hope that in the coming weeks, staff will be given permission to do their jobs and assist with this initiative as they should.
Who This Helps
Evanston homeowners and renters over the age of 50 who have lived here for 20 or more years
Residents struggling to keep up with rising property taxes or rent
Those at risk of being priced out of their own community
If you fall into any of these categories—or if you simply believe in fighting for Evanston’s long-term residents—we need your support.
How You Can Get Involved
Share your property tax or rent experience
Give input and feedback
Help us push this initiative forward
Email: evanstonpropertytax@gmail.com
Upcoming Elections Matter
Early Voting: March 17
Election Day: April 1
On February 10, we gave Mayor Daniel Biss and City Manager Luke Stowe three clear funding options to sustain this program. The solutions are on the table. The only question now is: Will leadership act?
On Zoom Issues
I want to apologize for the technical issues during our meeting. Zoom unexpectedly cut us off twice, forcing everyone to rejoin multiple times. To those who stayed patient and kept coming back, thank you for your commitment.
Even with those issues, we gathered powerful insights from residents that will make this initiative even stronger. This isn’t just a policy idea—it’s a movement. The voices of Evanston’s long-term residents will not be ignored.
Stay tuned for updates. Let’s get this done, Evanston.
#EvanstonCircuitBreaker #PropertyTaxRelief #LongTermResidents #ClareKelly #MeleikaGardner
To everyone who joined our Zoom meeting with Council Member Clare Kelly, Cook County representatives, and myself—thank you for your commitment to fighting for real property tax and rent relief for Evanston’s long-term residents.
We’ve now held two virtual meetings, and the feedback from the community has been powerful. For years, residents have voiced concerns about skyrocketing property taxes and rent—this initiative is the direct result of that community engagement. While Clare Kelly and I have met with Cook County officials to gather key information, it is you—the residents—who are shaping the Evanston Property Tax & Rent Circuit Breaker Initiative into a real solution.
Let’s Set the Record Straight
One of the biggest takeaways from our meetings with Cook County representatives:
A Circuit Breaker program does not raise taxes on other residents.
It provides direct, targeted relief for those who need it most.
This initiative is about fairness and keeping long-term residents in their homes—not shifting the burden elsewhere.
Where We Stand Now
Passed through the Referral Committee on February 10, 2025
Next: Human Services Committee & Budget & Finance Committee
We have also formed a Resident Committee to help with data collection and research—because Evanston city staff has not provided the research we’ve repeatedly requested. We hope that in the coming weeks, staff will be given permission to do their jobs and assist with this initiative as they should.
Who This Helps
Evanston homeowners and renters over the age of 50 who have lived here for 20 or more years
Residents struggling to keep up with rising property taxes or rent
Those at risk of being priced out of their own community
If you fall into any of these categories—or if you simply believe in fighting for Evanston’s long-term residents—we need your support.
How You Can Get Involved
Share your property tax or rent experience
Give input and feedback
Help us push this initiative forward
Email: evanstonpropertytax@gmail.com
Upcoming Elections Matter
Early Voting: March 17
Election Day: April 1
On February 10, we gave Mayor Daniel Biss and City Manager Luke Stowe three clear funding options to sustain this program. The solutions are on the table. The only question now is: Will leadership act?
On Zoom Issues
I want to apologize for the technical issues during our meeting. Zoom unexpectedly cut us off twice, forcing everyone to rejoin multiple times. To those who stayed patient and kept coming back, thank you for your commitment.
Even with those issues, we gathered powerful insights from residents that will make this initiative even stronger. This isn’t just a policy idea—it’s a movement. The voices of Evanston’s long-term residents will not be ignored.
Stay tuned for updates. Let’s get this done, Evanston.
#EvanstonCircuitBreaker #PropertyTaxRelief #LongTermResidents #ClareKelly #MeleikaGardner
