All Stories
Committee backs hearings on hiking city’s minimum wage Under Reid’s proposal, wages would increase to as much as $16.25 an hour by July 1, 2024
By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Economic Development Committee supported holding public meetings on a Council member’s proposal to increase the minimum wage in line with cost-of-living increases. Several committee members stressed the importance of seeking input from the…
Mayor’s State of the City address keys on people, programs moving Evanston forward Job ‘lonely’ at times because of all the anger
By Bob Seidenberg It has been a great year for the city, said Mayor Daniel Biss, leading off his State of the City address on May 23. There’s been a number of really exciting developments and personnel at the City…
The former James King Home
Council clears way for King Home apartment hotel
By Bob Seidenberg The former James King Home, which for years offered gracious living for residents in their retirement years, will likely see new life as an apartment hotel after the City Council acted May 22. City Council members approved…
Housing and Community Development Committee
Major changes at stake as committee reviews landlord-tenant ordinance
By Bob Seidenberg A city committee on May 16 backed a number of potential changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance sought by tenants’ groups, such as using screening tools other than credit reports to assess renters’ ability to afford apartments.…
Library Board wants security force with focus on de-escalation
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston Public Library officials want more details before they engage a firm to provide security at the main library, 1703 Orrington Ave., where security has been an issue in recent months. Several trustees raised concerns at their…
Council OKs $3 million in ARPA funds to launch Evanston Thrives business plan
By Bob Seidenberg The City Council on May 8 allocated $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to set in motion some of the recommendations of the Evanston Thrives report. Last May, the city contracted with Philadelphia-based…
Cannabis and pastries to be sold under one roof
City Council grants special use to businesses planning to locate in new mixed-use building at Howard Street and Chicago Avenue By Bob Seidenberg Evanston City Council members gave the green light Monday to the city’s second cannabis dispensary – as…
Connections plan for permanent homeless shelter at Margarita advances to final vote
By Bob Seidenberg A homeless advocacy group’s controversial bid to establish the area’s first permanent shelter for the homeless moved a step closer May 8 to a final vote. Evanston City Council members voted 6-2 at their regular meeting to…
Second Ward Alderperson Kristian Harris reads after Mayor Daniel Biss the oath of office at the May 8 City Council meeting. (City of Evanston screenshot)
Harris and Geracaris sworn in to finish City Council terms in 2nd and 9th
By Bob Seidenberg Kristian “Krissie” Harris in the city’s 2nd Ward and Juan Geracaris in the 9th, can finally remove their temporary status. At the May 8 City Council meeting, Mayor Daniel Biss administered the oath of office to the…
Council committee shows interest in changes to the city’s gambling ordinance
By Bob Seidenberg As far back as 2009, Evanston City Council members considered opening the door to legalized video gaming terminals in establishments but closed it quickly. But that attitude might not prevail today. Members of the City Council’s Human Services…