Page 6 - Devon Reid News Today

Evanston residents voiced concerns about the city’s proposed 2024 budget, specifically its property tax hikes, during the “Truth in Taxation” Hearing at Monday’s City Council meeting.  The city’s proposed 2024 budget totals over $449 million, a $51.8 million increase from the 2023 adopted budget. The proposed budget includes a 7.9% increase to Evanston’s property tax...

After Northwestern submitted a proposed community benefits agreement to City Council just hours before the council’s Monday night meeting on NU’s Ryan Field rebuild, residents and councilmembers had strong reactions to the proposed agreement — and how it could impact the community amid the potential stadium rebuild and proposal to host concerts at the venue....

Mayor Daniel Biss Casts Deciding Vote In Favor Of Ryan Field Concerts - Evanston, IL - The Evanston mayor broke a 4-4 tie to grant preliminary approval for Northwestern's request to re-zone its stadium for commercial use.

After a contentious public comment period featuring more than 100 speakers Monday night, City Council narrowly voted to introduce ordinances allowing Northwestern’s plans to rebuild Ryan Field and host concerts at the new stadium. As part of the $800 million rebuild, NU has planned to host public-facing concerts at the football stadium to help offset...

Rowdy public commenters at City Council meetings. Rude emails from residents to city staff members. Arguments in the comments section of Facebook posts. These are some examples of the latest issue the League of Women Voters of Evanston hopes to tackle: civility in city government.  LWVE started a project this fall looking into a lack...

City Council voted 6-3 to introduce a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products Monday. According to Ald. Devon Reid (8th), the policy aims to prevent Evanston youth from accessing the addictive products and looks to improve overall public health. “Health officials at the federal level have made clear the impacts of menthol cigarette...

Evanston City Council heard public support for Evanston’s participatory budgeting pilot program and discussed a new minimum wage ordinance at its Monday night meeting.  The meeting also offered residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed FY 2024 Proposed Budget. Several residents, including participatory budgeting representatives and Evanston Township High School students, attended the hearing....

After months of review by Evanston’s Just Cause task force, the city’s new proposed Just Cause Ordinance is ready to be reviewed by the Housing and Community Development Committee.  The Just Cause task force was created in August after councilmember Devon Reid (8th), the lead sponsor of the amendments, made a recommendation for a committee...

Evanston City Council discussed new funding sources for infrastructure projects at a special meeting Monday as the city plans service rate hikes and faces an increasing budget crunch. City staff first presented the 2024 Capital Improvement Program, which includes a proposed $111 million for infrastructure projects in Evanston, at a September City Council meeting. Monday’s...

Evanston City Council discussed the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget at a special meeting Monday night. Despite the city’s current $3 million net deficit, the proposed budget totals more than $449 million — a $51.8 million increase from the 2023 adopted budget. Council heard budget requests from Evanston Public Library, Evanston Fire Department, Public Works...