formerly citizens' greener Evanston
Evanston now has 25 years to achieve its carbon neutrality and zero waste goals as outlined in the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), and Sustainability and Resilience Manager Cara Pratt has said the city has already accomplished the “low-hanging fruit” in pursuing these targets.
What climate goals and policies would you prioritize in the coming term? How should the city pursue reduction of building emissions?
Do you support phasing out natural gas use in new construction, and requiring existing buildings work toward carbon neutrality over the next 25 years?
All of this work is uber important , but I’d say my top priority is improving sustainability
The city may have to incentivize energy-efficient building practices, such as retrofitting older structures, promoting the use of renewable energy, and implementing stricter building codes. Additionally, offering tax credits, grants, and partnerships for sustainable development and renewable energy projects can encourage developers and property owners to reduce emissions.
I support creating a healthier city, and phasing out natural gas in new construction is a positive step. While I acknowledge federal policies may influence costs, it’s important to find a path that balances sustainability with economic stability, ensuring both environmental health and housing security for our community. Evanston is already an expensive place to live so I don’t want to price out residents. We have to find a healthy balance between the “Greens” going green and the cost of going green (money). We also need to work with our neighboring communities to get the work done.
Nearly 2/3rds of all households in Evanston own one or no cars, and a majority of residents do not commute via car. Each year, more Evanstonians of all ages are walking, rolling, and using bus or train service for convenience, physical fitness, cost-savings, and environmental benefits.
How do you incorporate walking, biking and public transit into your everyday life?
In my daily personal life I utilize one of these means daily, usually Biking or Walking. I think it is healthy and I enjoy being outside. As an Alderperson I have found it a little harder to use public transport and or walk/biking. I am a VERY engaged Councilmemebr, so on any given day I attend 3 to 5 events, and they are usually back to back, so time is of the essence. But I fully support and appreciate the many benefits of using these means of transportation that not only promote healthy lifestyles and help clean the environment, but also allow residents to be out and meet their neighbors.
Academic research and case studies from cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and New York show that reducing car traffic and building protected bike lanes are necessary to meet climate and mobility goals. Plans such as the Chicago Ave Multimodal Project provide an example of how this can be implemented in Evanston.
Where would you want infrastructure improvements, such as traffic calming, pedestrianization/ street closures, and protected bike lanes, to encourage more walking and cycling?
In the community of the 2nd ward we have what I call turn circles that slow traffic down. We also have a plan to extend the bike lanes on church. Working on the Mason park project there will be an opportunity to extend the bike path and have locations where only walkers and bikers can travel. Because Evanston Township High School is in the Ward we continually look for ways to not only increase more people using bikes or walking we are always prioritizing how to make it safer.
Public transit has seen a major change in ridership trends, with 9-to-5 commuter services falling short of pre-COVID milestones while off-peak and weekend demand climbs despite infrequent and often unreliable schedules. CTA, PACE, and Metra are facing a ‘fiscal cliff’, as federal dollars to keep transit service operating run out by 2026.
While not in the position to solve this problem on its own, what can the City of Evanston do to support existing bus and train service, and how would you want to see public transportation expanded in our city in the future?
Being a lifelong resident of Evanston I remember many more bus routes that made traveling a lot easier and more convenient. Now with the cut in routes and services I worry about the ability for people to get where they have/need to be. Our Transit coordinator has been working with the Transit authorities on ways to expand services. We may have to help with funding at our stations and work with outside agencies like our commissioners who supported the PULSe to O'hare. I would really like better routes from schools and shopping districts to neighborhoods. I am also working on this issue with Oakton College.Anyone wanting to attend our Des Plaines campus from Evanston has to take 2 buses and about an hour plus ride. We want to make that an easier economical ride.
With parallels to Envision Evanston 2045, Minneapolis has modified its zoning code in the past decade to eliminate minimum parking requirements, encourage transit-oriented development, and allow the construction of more “missing middle” housing city-wide. Together, these reforms lead to a stabilization of rent prices, a drop in homelessness, reduced displacement, and increased racial diversity. Environmental benefits were also realized, as more dense and mixed-use developments encourage lower rates of car ownership and generate less embodied carbon from construction.
What changes to Evanston’s zoning code, such as the ones listed above, would you support in response to the housing and climate crises?
Great question. I think there are many ways that this can be done, but each has to be thoroughly investigated as to not create unintended consequences. As a legislator I need to look at the current policies that prevent housing opportunities and we have been doing that citywide. I think Envision is trying to capture areas where we could allow more density. But the approach can’t be an overarching policy that creates harm. We will continue to look at the ways that make the most sense.I wish I had a direct answer because I think I’d be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I do worry but the missing middle who can barely afford to stay in Evanston so I wat to make sure it all levels out, the plan we are working on still has a few kinks but I think we are moving in the right direction.
