Coming in August 2022!
Joining Forces for Affordable Housing, a program of Connections for the Homeless made of a coalition of organizations and individuals, is conducting an Equitable Zoning Project to identify the impacts of Evanston's current zoning code on residents' ability to access housing that is equitable and affordable. Zoning is a tool used by governments to control the physical development of land, density, dimensions, parking, and the kinds of uses allowed for individual properties. We want to know how zoning currently is and how it should reflect both the needs and values of communities in Evanston and the needs and values of individuals.
Sign up below to stay up-to-date on project events, meetings, educational trainings, and results!
Process
Phase 1: Zoning Review
In the first step of the project, Connections hired ZoneCo to complete a comprehensive analysis of the existing city of Evanston Zoning Code. In their analysis, ZoneCo found Evanston's zoning code to be relatively restrictive, with a emphasis on preserving property values and community character and little attention to equity and access to affordable housing.
Phase 2: Community Input
The next step is to engage in a community dialog around those most impacted by the current, restrictive zoning code. Connects awarded $5,000 grants to seven community organizations to help design, organize, and implement a process for gaining input from community members on the impact of the current zoning code and how to create more equitable zoning code.
Our Community Partners include:
- Advocates for Action (part of Evanston Cradle to Career)
- Center for Independent Futures
- Evanston NAACP
- Evanston Latinos
- Evanston Own It
-Laude Consulting LLC working with Radio La Difference
- VAJM Consulting
Other participants in the project include:
Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning, First Repair, and ZoneCo LLC
Additionally, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Housing & Grants Manager for the City of Evanston, Sarah Flax, are participating in designing the input vehicles and questions.
The project is funded by the Chicago Community Trust, the Crossroads Foundation, and the Evanston Community Foundation, as well as by Connections for the Homeless.
How You Can Get Involved
There will be many opportunities for you to engage in this process and provide your thoughts on Evanston's zoning code.
1. Reach out to a project Community Partner. Our community partners are tapped into all corners of Evanston's communities, and they will be helping to spread the word about the project, including meetings, focus groups, and survey questions. If you are an active member of one of these groups, then be on the lookout for more information from them in the coming months!
2. Sign up for the Joining Forces Mailing List. Here you will receive updates on the project, as well as updates on Joining Forces advocacy initiatives and monthly membership meeting. Sign up for the mailing list here.
3. Sign up below to stay up-to-date on project meetings, educational presentations, events, and results!
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Current Project Calendar:
Project Kick Off: August 2022 |
