HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.01.21
AGENDA
Special City Council Meeting
Monday, November 1, 2021
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center
5:30 PM
Those wishing to make public comments for this City Council meeting may submit written
comments in advance or sign up to provide public comment by phone or video during the
meeting by completing the City Clerk's Office's online form at
www.cityofevanston.org/government/city-clerk/public-comment-sign-up or by calling/texting
847-448-4311.
Community members may watch the City Council meeting online at
www.cityofevanston.org/channel16 or on Cable Channel 16
Page
(I) ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBER FLEMING
(II) MAYOR PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
(III) CITY MANAGER PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
(IV) COMMUNICATIONS: CITY CLERK
(V) PUBLIC COMMENT
Page 1 of 346
Members of the public are welcome to speak at City Council meetings.
As part of the Council agenda, a period for public comments shall be
offered at the commencement of each regular Council meeting. Public
comments will be noted in the City Council Minutes and become part of
the official record. Those wishing to speak should sign their name and the
agenda item or non-agenda topic to be addressed on a designated
participation sheet. If there are five or fewer speakers, fifteen minutes
shall be provided for Public Comment. If there are more than five
speakers, a period of forty-five minutes shall be provided for all comment,
and no individual shall speak longer than three minutes. The Mayor will
allocate time among the speakers to ensure that Public Comment do es
not exceed forty-five minutes. The business of the City Council shall
commence forty-five minutes after the beginning of Public Comment.
Aldermen do not respond during Public Comment. Public Comment is
intended to foster dialogue in a respectful and civil manner. Public
comments are requested to be made with these guidelines in mind.
(VI) SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
SP1.
FY 2022 Proposed Budget Discussion
a.
FY 2022 Proposed Budget
Staff requests further discussion of the 2022 Proposed Budget, and
direction on items to include in the budget for adoption.
For Discussion
2022 Budget Discussion - Attachment - Pdf
6 - 10
b.
FY 2022 Proposed Budget: Crossing Guards
Staff recommends the City Council discuss the City of Evanston’s
agreements to provide crossing guards near schools and its impact on
the City’s Budget.
For Discussion
Crossing Guards / 2022 Budget Discussion - Attachment - Pdf
11 - 13
c.
FY 2022 Proposed Budget: Free Beaches
Staff seeks guidance on making all City of Evanston beaches free for
Evanston residents only. The decision will help staff finalize budget
recommendations. Revenues for Beaches are deposited into account
100.30.3080.53565
For Discussion
Discussion on Free Beaches - Attachment - Pdf
14 - 16
Page 2 of 346
d.
Consideration of Staff Requests for Additional Staffing Necessary to
Continue or Improve City Operations
Staff recommends that City Council discuss the positions suggested in
the 2022 budget that have not been previously allocated and provide
direction to staff on those positions.
For Discussion
Consideration of Staff Requests for Additional Staffing Necessary to
Continue or Improve City Operations - Attachment - Pdf
17 - 18
SP2.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Discussion
a.
Continued Discussion of ARPA Funds and Potential for Allocation
This memo provides updates on potential uses of the American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) funding in the categories defined in the staff memo from the October
4, 2021 City Council meeting. Staff recommends that members of City Council
review and discuss these proposed uses, and (1) provide direction to staff on
whether to pursue the development of specific funding recommendations for
consideration and (2) whether any such recommendations should be reviewed
first by the BCCs responsible for making policy and funding recommendations
to City Council for similar projects/programs.
American Rescue Plan Act, 170.99.1700.55251.
For Discussion
Continued Discussion of ARPA Funds and Potential for Allocation -
Attachment - Pdf
19 - 266
b.
ARPA: Approval of $575,000 in Funding to Sustain the Public Health
Response to COVID-19 in 2022
Staff recommends approval by the City Council of $575,000 in ARPA
funding to sustain the City’s Health and Human Services Department’s ability
to respond to the ongoing health impact of COVID-19 in 2022. American
Rescue Plan Act, 170.99.1700.55251.
For Action
Approval of $575,000 in ARPA Funding to Sustain the Public Health
Response to COVID-19 in 2022 - Attachment - Pdf
267 - 271
c.
ARPA: Approval of $900,000 in Funding for Grant Management,
Compliance, and Reporting
Staff recommends approval by the City Council of $900,000 in ARPA
Funding for Grant Management, Compliance, and Reporting
American Rescue Plan Act, 170.99.1700.55251
For Action
Approval of $900,000 in ARPA Funding for Grant Managemen t,
Compliance, and Reporting - Attachment - Pdf
272 - 274
Page 3 of 346
d.
Approval of $1 Million in ARPA Funding for the Aux
The Growing Season, Inc. is seeking City Council approval of a $1 million
contribution from the City's allocation of American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) to assist in the cost of renovating 2223 Washington to serve as
home of The Aux - a hub dedicated to community wellness and racial
equity American Rescue Plan Act - Economic Development -
#170.99.1700.55251.
For Action
Approval of $1 Million in ARPA Funding for the Aux - Attachment - Pdf
275 - 289
e.
ARPA: Approval in Funding Orrington Avenue and Chicago Avenue
Streetscape Improvement Project to Assist with Expanded Outdoor
Commerce
Staff is seeking City Council approval to reserve $440,000 from the
American Rescue Plan Act to serve as a 20% match req uirement of the
State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant.
American Rescue Plan Act - Economic Development -
170.99.1700.55251.
For Action
ARPA funding for Orrington Avenue and Chicago Avenue Streetscape
Improvement Project to Assist with Expanded Outdoor Commerce -
Attachment - Pdf
290 - 312
f.
Approval of $250,000 in ARPA Funding for Outdoor Dining,
Amending the Storefront Modernization Program
The Economic Development Committee recommends City Council
approve outdoor dining amendments to the Storefront Modernization
Program and commit funding from the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA). Staff recommends an allocation of $250,000.
American Rescue Plan Act - Economic Development -
#170.99.1700.55251
For Action
Amendment to the Entrepreneurship Emergency Assistance Grant
Program Guidelines - Pdf
313 - 346
(VII) CALL OF THE WARDS
(Aldermen shall be called upon by the Mayor to announce or provide
information about any Ward or City matter which an Alderman desires to
bring before the Council.) {Council Rule 2.1(10)}
(VIII) UPCOMING ALDERMANIC COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Page 4 of 346
DATE TIME BOARD/COMMITTEE/COMMISSION
11/02/21 7:00 PM 4th Ward Meeting
11/03/21 6:30 PM Citizen Police Review Commission
11/04/21 9:00 AM Reparations Committee
11/04/21 7:00 PM 1st Ward Budget Meeting
11/08/21 4:30 PM Administration and Public Works
11/08/21 5:00 PM Planning and Development
Committee
11/08/21 5:30 PM City Council
(IX) ADJOURNMENT
Page 5 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Hitesh Desai, Chief Financial Officer
CC: Kate Lewis-Lakin, Budget Manager
Subject: 2022 Budget Discussion
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff requests further discussion of the 2022 Proposed Budget, and direction on items to
include in the budget for adoption.
Council Action:
For Discussion
Summary:
The City’s 2022 Proposed Budget was published on the City’s website on October 11, 2021 .
City Council held a first meeting on the Proposed Budget on October 18, 2021. The Public
Hearing on the budget was held on October 25, 2021. Budget memos have been provided in
response to questions from Councilmembers on Friday, October 22 and Friday, Oc tober 29,
and additional requests are still in progress.
The purpose of this meeting tonight is to continue to review budget items and decisions,
especially as they overlap with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The
department requests are listed in detail below.
In a separate memo, staff is presenting an overview of the total $43 million in ARPA funding
and all allocations. Of this $43 million, $13 million is shown as ARPA Revenue Loss Funding.
The $13 million in ARPA Revenue Loss funding as proposed at the October 4, 2021 City
Council meeting can be broken down as follows:
One-time expenses - already committed
2021 Equipment Replacement Spending (91-R-21) $850,000
2021 Parking Fund Projects (77-R-21) $950,000
Total $1,800,000
One-time expenses - proposed in 2022 Budget
a.Page 6 of 346
2022 Parking Fund projects and operations $2,300,000
2022 Baseline General Fund Operations* $1,500,000
Hazard/Premium Pay for City Employees $500,000
Permit Software Improvements $600,000
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consulting Fees $500,000
Total $5,400,000
Recurring expenses - proposed in 2022 Budget
2022 Equipment Replacement Spending $1,600,000
Free Beaches for residents $750,000
Crossing Guards program $563,000
Department additional personnel requests $2,069,000
Total $4,982,000
Grand total of all categories $12,182,000
*Staff feels confident that $1.5 million budgeted to go to the baseline General Fund in 2022 will
be covered by increased revenues in 2023, and will not need to be pulled from ARPA again.
The $5 million in recurring expenses that would be funded from ARPA in 2022 would need a
funding source determined for 2023 and beyond. Additional ARPA money could be dedicated
to these costs for 2023 and 2024, but not beyond.
Detail of Requests
Departments were asked to provide additional requests for funding required to improve
operations or programs. These are listed in the tables below. Separate memos on each request
have been completed by department directors, and can be found on the City’s budget website.
The items on this list are not included in the 2022 Proposed Budget numbers used in the rest
of the budget document. These are put forward by Staff for City Council consideration and
discussion.
This first set of requests includes anticipated funding sources that are specific to the requests.
These do not involve using ARPA funds. Staff requests City Council direction on these items.
Budget Requests with Expected Funding (non-ARPA)
Department Request Revenue Expense
Clerk's Office
Deputy Clerk (1 FTE)
- to add Vital Records
to Office $80,000
Clerk's Office
Vital Records
Revenue $80,000
Health & Human
Services
Pest Control
Operator (1 FTE) $85,000
Page 2 of 5
a.Page 7 of 346
Health & Human
Services
End Rodent Control
Contract with Rose
Pest Control -$85,000
Health & Human
Services
Part-time Rodent
Control Operator $21,400
Health & Human
Services
Grant Revenue to
support rodent control $21,400
Health & Human
Services
Continuation of My
City, Your City, Our
City Youth
Programming $200,000
CDBG-CV CDBG-CV Funding $200,000
Total Requests $82,600 $82,600
The second set of requests are one -time expenses, which would be proposed for ARPA
revenue loss funding.
One-time Expenses - ARPA Revenue Loss Funding
Request Expense
Premium Pay for eligible City Employees $500,000
Permit Software Improvements $600,000
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consulting
Fees $500,000
Total $1,600,000
The third set of requests are those requiring policy decisions to be made by the City Council.
These are the implementation of free beaches for Evanston residents, and continuing the
practice of funding Crossing Guards for the schools through the City’s bu dget. These items
would need to be funded through ARPA Revenue Loss Funding, additional use of fund balance,
or a property tax increase. These two items are being brought as separate agenda items for
discussion at tonight’s City Council meeting.
Policy Decisions
Item Revenue Expense
Free Beaches for Evanston
residents -$750,000
Crossing Guard Current
Operations $620,000
Existing Reimbursements
from D202 and Chiaravelle $57,000
Total $1,313,000
Finally, the Departments have presented requests for additional staffing necessary to continue
or improve current City operations. These are shown in the list below. Directors have provided
memorandum explaining the need and justifications for these positions, which are attached to
Page 3 of 5
a.Page 8 of 346
this packet for Council to review. The options for funding these positions in 2022 are ARPA
revenue loss, increased use of fund balance, or an increase in property tax levy.
Department Requests - ARPA Revenue Loss
Funding
Department Request Expense Department Total
Administrative
Services
Facilities Maintenance
Worker II (1 FTE) $95,000
Administrative
Services
Human Resources
Specialist (1 FTE) $100,000
Administrative
Services
Digital Services
Specialist (1 FTE) $100,000
Administrative
Services
Facilities
Maintenance Worker
III - Crown (1 FTE) $100,000
Administrative
Services
Facilities
Maintenance Worker
III - Crown (1 FTE) $100,000 $495,000
Community
Development
Permit Service
Representative (2
FTE) $148,000
Community
Development
Permit Desk
Supervisor (1 FTE) $130,000
Community
Development
Service Customer
Representative -
Property Standards (1
FTE) $86,000
Community
Development
Planning & Zoning
Manager (1 FTE) $147,000
Community
Development
Comprehensive Plan
Coordinator (1 FTE) $123,000 $634,000
Parks & Recreation
Recreation Manager -
Chandler, Noyes,
Gibbs (1 FTE) $115,000
Parks & Recreation
Lakefront Recreation
Manager (1 FTE) $115,000
Parks & Recreation
Custodian I - multiple
buildings (1 FTE) $70,000
Parks & Recreation
Assistant Recreation
Manager - Crown (1
FTE) $95,000
Page 4 of 5
a.Page 9 of 346
Parks & Recreation
Crown PT Custodians
and Zamboni Driver
(2.25 FTE) $83,000 $478,000
Public Works Agency
Forestry Crew Leader
(1 FTE) $120,000
Public Works Agency
Equipment Operator II
- Streets (1 FTE) $105,000
Public Works Agency
Arborist (1 FTE) -
related to Tree
Preservation
Ordinance $110,000
Public Works Agency
Forestry Tree
Services -
Contractual Services $127,000 $462,000
Total Requests - Revenue Loss Funding 2022 $2,069,000
One consideration for the positions requested above is that all positions would not be expected
to be filled for the full year, which will yield some savings. It is the practice of the City to still
budget all positions at 100% of full year cost if authorization to hire as a part of 2022 begins on
January 1 of the budget year. However, the City Council may consider that the full cost for
these positions is unlikely to be incurred in 2022. Staff would determine the actual amount
needed from ARPA after the close of the fiscal year when final costs can be confirmed.
Additionally, any staff costs or ongoing reduction of revenue from beaches would need to be
funded in future years. Additional ARPA funding may be set aside for years 2023 and 2024 for
any of these costs, provided that revenue loss due to COVID -19 can continue to be
substantiated for those years. Future year funding for these positions must come from (1) new
revenue sources, (2) growth in current revenue sources, or (3) increases to the property tax
levy/other taxes and fees.
Legislative History:
Page 5 of 5
a.Page 10 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Michael Rivera, Parking Manager
CC: Luke Stowe, CIO/Administrative Services Director
Kimberly Richardson, Deputy City Manager
Subject: Crossing Guards / 2022 Budget Discussion
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council discuss the City of Evanston’s agreements to provide
crossing guards near schools and its impact on the City’s Budget.
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
For over 20 years the City of Evanston has provided and fully funded crossing guard services
for District 65 schools, St. Athanasius School, and Pope John XXIII School. In recent years,
two other schools, Evanston Township High School (ETHS) and Chiaravalle, have approached
the City requesting crossing guard services.
In 2016, ETHS inquired about City crossing guard services. The City and ETHS agreed to a
contract where the school would pay for 100% of the crossing guard services. ETHS recently
renewed its contract with additional services/costs. In 2017, Chiaravalle Montessori inquired
about City crossing guard services near its school. The City came to an agreement with
Chiaravalle Montessori to pay 100% of the costs.
A breakdown of the current crossing guards for schools that reimburse the City 100%:
b.Page 11 of 346
District 65, St. Athanasius and Pople John continue to receive crossing guards with no
reimbursement to the City. A breakdown of the crossing guards provided for each school are:
Currently, the City pays approximately $650,000 for crossing guard services and only $83,000
is reimbursed by Chiravalle and ETHS/District 202.
The City contracted with Andy Frain Services, Inc. in 2018 to provide crossing guard services
in place of the City directly hiring crossing guards as employees. However, due to the staffing
shortage seen nationwide, Andy Frain has not been able to find the necessary replacements if
a guard calls in absent. Substitutions are then provided by Parking Enforcement Officers
(PEOs). The PEOs are then not able to perform their regular duties of parking enforcement,
Page 2 of 3
b.Page 12 of 346
and the City ends up paying Andy Frain and paying the City’s employee’s salary, while
foregoing enforcement hours.
The Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act states that
municipalities do not need to provide police protective services which includes crossing guards.
The City is not mandated to provide crossing guards for public or private schools. By asking
the schools to contract with a third party administrator directly (similar to Andy Frain), the City
also removes itself from sole liability if something were to occur.
Glencoe outsourced its crossing guard program and entered into an inter -governmental
agreement with Glencoe School District 35 to share costs of the program in 2019. The City of
Urbana also began requesting its school district start budgeting for crossing guards in 2019. In
2015, Buffalo Grove started billing its 3 elementary schools for half of the cost of their crossing
guards. In 2016, Wheeling asked its school district to pay 50 percent for crossing guards. In
2014, Eureka decided to stop paying for crossing guards, leaving the District to hire and pay
for the service. In 2014, District 96 came to an agreement with Riverside -Brookfield to share
the cost of some of its crossing guards. In the City’s 2004 budget, it was found that Arlington
Heights was reimbursed for crossing guards by its schools.
The City Manager’s Office and Parking staff have requested meetings with District 65, St.
Athanaius and Pope John to discuss crossing guard services and expenses for the past two
years. The schools have been unable to come to an agreement with the City. The City
agreement was set to expire at the end of this year (December 2021), but the City extended
the contract to continue crossing through this current school year (‘21-’22). Staff is hopeful that
the schools will have ample time to negotiate and plan for the following school year/budget.
Page 3 of 3
b.Page 13 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Lawrence C. Hemingway, Director of Parks and Recreation
Subject: Discussion on Free Beaches
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff seeks guidance on making all City of Evanston beaches free for Evanston residents only.
The decision will help staff finalize budget recommendations.
Funding Source:
Revenues for Beaches are deposited into account 100.30.3080.53565
Council Action:
For Discussion
Summary:
On May 24, 2021 the City Council passed resolution 61-R-21 authorizing a pilot program that
allowed free access to any Evanston beach on Saturday, Sunday or Monday throughout the
2021 beach season for all Evanston residents. This new policy was instituted after staff had
begun selling seasonal tokens to residents on May 1, 2021. The Parks and Recreation
Department was able to adjust its operation to accommodate the new policy.
The Department’s 2021 revenue budget for beaches is $1.2 million dollars. This figure includes
all revenues generated from lakefront activity. These activities include all boat launch activities,
lakefront picnic permits, and all beach admission fees, including seasonal and daily passes.
As of September 30th, the department has generated $1,305,148.30 in revenue for all lakefront
activity during the season of which $923,644.00 is for beach tokens and daily sales.
Beach token and daily sales are broken down in the chart below for the past 5 years including
2021:
c.Page 14 of 346
The lakefront operating expenses 2017-2021 are shown in the table below:
Operational Expenses for the past 5 years:
Page 2 of 3
c.Page 15 of 346
There are 2 options being presented for consideration, but the council can make their own
recommendation that best fits the community.
Option 1
The current policy can remain in place which will allow Evanston residents to have free access
three days a week-Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This option will allow for revenue to continue
to be generated through a seasonal token and daily sales on non-free days with the anticipation
of sales being reduced because the advertising of the 3 free days will take place prior to any
seasonal passes going on sale. The anticipation is that revenue will be reduced by $200,000.
Option 2
Allows for all beaches to be free for all Evanston residents for the entire season. The
department will implement a process for Evanston residents to prove residency prior to visiting
the beach. This option will result in an approximately $650,000 -$750,000 shortfall in revenues
for the department.
The City currently has an agreement with the Village of Skokie that allows Skokie residents to
pay the same rate as Evanston residents for beach tokens and Evanston residents are allowed
to visit the Skokie pool and splash park for the same rate as a Skokie resident. This agreement
will need to be taken under consideration and makes up the difference of the $100,000
difference mention above.
Page 3 of 3
c.Page 16 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manger
Subject: Consideration of Staff Requests for Additional Staffing Necessary to
Continue or Improve City Operations
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that City Council discuss the positions suggested in the 2022 budget that
have not been previously allocated and provide direction to staff on those positions.
Council Action:
For Discussion
Summary:
In the 2022 budget, the Departments have presented requests for additional staffing necessary
to continue or improve current City operations. These are shown in the list below. Directors
have provided memorandum explaining the need and justifications for these posi tions, which
are attached to this packet for Council to review. The options for funding these positions in
2022 are ARPA revenue loss, increased use of fund balance, or an increase in property tax
levy.
Department Requests - ARPA Revenue Loss
Funding
Department Request Expense
Department
Total
Administrative
Services
Facilities Maintenance Worker II
(1 FTE) $95,000
Administrative
Services
Human Resources Specialist (1
FTE) $100,000
Administrative
Services Digital Services Specialist (1 FTE) $100,000
Administrative
Services
Facilities Maintenance Worker
III - Crown (1 FTE) $100,000
Administrative
Services
Facilities Maintenance Worker
III - Crown (1 FTE) $100,000 $495,000
d.Page 17 of 346
Community
Development
Permit Service Representative (2
FTE) $148,000
Community
Development Permit Desk Supervisor (1 FTE) $130,000
Community
Development
Customer Service
Representative - Property
Standards (1 FTE) $86,000
Community
Development
Planning & Zoning Manager (1
FTE) $147,000
Community
Development
Comprehensive Plan
Coordinator (1 FTE) $123,000 $634,000
Parks &
Recreation
Recreation Manager - Chandler,
Noyes, Gibbs (1 FTE) $115,000
Parks &
Recreation
Lakefront Recreation Manager (1
FTE) $115,000
Parks &
Recreation
Custodian I - multiple buildings
(1 FTE) $70,000
Parks &
Recreation
Assistant Recreation Manager -
Crown (1 FTE) $95,000
Parks &
Recreation
Crown PT Custodians and
Zamboni Driver (2.25 FTE) $83,000 $478,000
Public Works
Agency Forestry Crew Leader (1 FTE) $120,000
Public Works
Agency
Equipment Operator II - Streets
(1 FTE) $105,000
Public Works
Agency
Arborist (1 FTE) - related to Tree
Preservation Ordinance $110,000
Public Works
Agency
Forestry Tree Services -
Contractual Services $127,000 $462,000
Total Requests - Revenue Loss Funding 2022 $2,069,000
One consideration for the positions requested above is that all positions would not
be expected to be filled for the full year, which will yield some savings. It is the
practice if cost year full of 100% at the all budget still to City of positions
authorization to hire begins on January 1 of the budget year. However, City Council
may consider that the full cost for these positions is unlikely to be incurred in 2022.
Staff would determine the actual amount needed from ARPA after the close of the
fiscal year when final costs can be confirmed.
https://city-evanston-il-budget-book.cleargov.com/2022-proposed-budget/2022/budget-
overview/executive-overview
Page 2 of 2
d.Page 18 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Sarah Flax, Housing & Grants Administrator
CC: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manager; Kimberly Richardson, Deputy
City Manager; Paul Zalmezak Economic Development Manager
Subject: Continued Discussion of ARPA Funds and Potential for Allocation
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
This memo provides updates on potential uses of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in the
categories defined in the staff memo from the October 4, 2021 City Council meeting. Staff recommends
that members of City Council review and discuss these proposed uses, and (1) provide direction to staff
on whether to pursue the development of specific funding recommendations for consideration and (2)
whether any such recommendations should be reviewed first by the BCCs responsible for making policy
and funding recommendations to City Council for similar projects/programs.
Funding Source:
American Rescue Plan Act, 170.99.1700.55251
Council Action:
For Discussion
Summary:
Summary:
The chart below shows the categories and proposed funding amounts from the October 4 City Council
memo. Updated information on projects and programs in each category is outlined below.
The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) hosted a series of roundtables to get input from the
community in order to “build a vision of using ARPA funds for Evanston's recovery and rebuilding from
the COVID pandemic grounded in clear, community-informed directives.” Roundtable participants had
strong ideas about how projects should be selected and what criteria should be used to evaluate
proposals and budgets to ensure that the overall ARPA plan reflects core values of the Evanston
community. Based on input from the City Council, staff will develop a system that indicates which of
these criteria are addressed by each application for funding. Staff recommends that CARP and
Environmental Justice criteria should also be included. The evaluation criteria from ECF Roundtable
discussions may be found starting on page 3 of the attached ECF Impact Report in English and Spanish.
a.Page 19 of 346
Updated ARPA Categories and Funding
Category / Project Funding Status
1. COVID-19 Response Funding $575,000
City Council Consideration
11.1.2021
2. ARPA Grant Management,
Compliance & Reporting $900,000
City Council Consideration
11.1.2021
3. Revenue Loss Funding $13,000,000
Resolution 77-R-21 -$950,000
Resolution 91-R-21 -$850,000
Revenue Loss Funding Balance $11,200,000
4. Economic Development $7,000,000
The Aux -$1,000,000 EDC Approved 10.27.2021
Orrington and Chicago Ave
Streetscape -$440,000
City Council Consideration
11.1.2021
Outdoor Dining Infrastructure -$250,000 EDC Approved 10.27.2021
Northlight Theater TBD EDC 12.1.2021
Business District Market Study
Implementation Plan TBD EDC Approved 10.27.2021
Business District Ambassador
Program RFP TBD EDC 12.1.2021
Economic Development Funding
Balance $5,310,000
5. Social Services $4,000,000
Resolution 79-R-21 -$700,000
Social Services Balance $3,300,000
6. Affordable Housing (includes
CARP) $4,000,000
7. Water and Sewer
Infrastructure (includes CARP) $6,000,000
Resolution 77-R-21 -$3,000,000
Water and Sewer Infrastructure
Balance $3,000,000
Page 2 of 248
a.Page 20 of 346
9. Inclusive & Equitable Recovery
(includes CARP) $4,000,000
10. Participatory Budgeting $2,500,000
11. Hold $1,198,654
TOTAL RECEIVED $43,173,654
TOTAL COMMITTED -$7,190,000
REMAINING BALANCE $35,983,654
ARPA in the 2022 Proposed Budget
In the 2022 Proposed Budget, the ARPA fund is budgeted at a total of $30,400,000 in expenses. This
includes $5.4 million specific items for City operations under revenue loss that are built into the
Proposed Budget - $1.5 million to the General Fund baseline, $2.3 million to the Parking Fund, and $1.6
million to the Equipment Replacement Fund.
The remaining $25 million budgeted is a bulk number to cover other possible expenses that may occur
from ARPA in 2022. This number may be increased or decreased by City Council. Staff recommends
keeping this number on the higher side to allow for flexibility in spending without having to do a formal
budget amendment. All ARPA spending will come before the City Council for approval with individual
resolutions and contracts.
COVID-19 Response Funding
One of the purposes of ARPA is to enable local governments to continue to support the public health
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, staff proposes allocating $575,000 in ARPA funding
for this purpose in the 2022 budget. Councilmembers requested additional detail about the proposed
staffing and activities, and a line-item budget. Information about the grants received by the City in 2020-
21 from the Illinois Department of Public Health that funded these costs and activities was also
requested.
See Agenda Item #SP2(b): Approval of $575,000 in ARPA Funding to Continue the Public Health
COVID-19 Response in 2022 which is for action.
ARPA Grant Management, Compliance, and Reporting
ARPA recipient communities may use funds to cover payroll and benefits of employees responsible for
disbursing ARPA funds, managing ARPA-funded programs and projects, and providing compliance and
reporting on ARPA. This expense is critical to implementing ARPA and ensuring compliance with all
regulations of the funding. Councilmembers requested additional detail about the proposed staffing and
activities, and a line-item budget.
See Agenda Item #SP2(c): Approval of $900,000 in ARPA Funding for Grant Management,
Compliance, and Reporting which is for action.
Revenue Loss Funding
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The City experienced catastrophic revenue losses in 2020, and those losses have continued in 2021
and expect to carry into 2022. As a result, staffing and other spending were cut dramatically in the 2021
budget process. With the receipt of ARPA, staff will propose in the 2022 budget to restore staffing to
pre-pandemic levels and restart equipment replacement spending. The budget team has also received
requests from departments for additional spending and staffing necessary to provide the level of service
required by the community. Hazard pay for certain City employees who worked on the ground through
the COVID-19 pandemic would also be included.
The only alternative sources of funding for these operations are using General Fund balance or
implementing a property tax increase. Staff will propose to use $1 million in General Fund balance
towards the 2022 budget, as this is the amount expected to be available by the end of 2021 above the
City’s 16.6% fund balance policy. If revenues come in higher than expected in 2021 or 2022, ARPA
funding can be replaced by using more of the fund balance.
Funding under the revenue loss category is also recommended to be allocated to the City’s Parking
Fund, which was devastated by the lack of parking activity in downtown Evanston and other business
districts in 2020 and into 2021. City Council already committed $950,000 toward Parking Fund projects
in 2021 with the adoption of Resolution 77-R-21. Staff will propose in the 2022 budget to allocate an
additional $2,300,000 to the Parking Fund in order to cover additional capital projects and recover from
revenue loss. Alternative sources of funding for the Parking Fund are increasing parking rates and
issuing bonds for capital improvements. The Parking Fund also supports the General Fund with a $3
million annual transfer, so the City could reduce this transfer and increase property taxes or ARPA
funding to the General Fund.
The total proposal for $13 million in Revenue Loss spending is as follows. Additional information may
be found in the 2022 Budget Discussion memo.
2021 Equipment Replacement Spending (91-R-
21) $850,000
2022 Equipment Replacement Spending $1,600,000
2022 Baseline General Fund Operations $1,500,000
Hazard Pay for City Employees $500,000
2021 Parking Fund Projects (77-R-21) $950,000
2022 Parking Fund projects and operations $2,300,000
Additional Operational Requests $5,000,000
Hold for additional needs in category $300,000
Total Revenue Loss $13,000,000
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Based on discussion and input from the City’s Economic Development Committee, subsequent City
Council meetings, and input at stakeholder community meetings, the following priorities for ARPA
funding for economic development were identified:
• Workforce development plan
• Retail strategy and implementation plan
• Community engagement around placemaking strategy
• Direct assistance to small businesses
• Business district improvements (infrastructure, cleanliness, safety)
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The Economic Development Committee and staff have made progress identifying a number of ARPA
investment opportunities, including:
Workforce Development Planning:
Plans to reclassify an existing staff position as Workforce Development Coordinator are underway. The
position is already budgeted and therefore does not require ARPA funding. Once the workforce
development position is filled, the staff member will coordinate with existing workforce partners, internal
City of Evanston workforce program manager, local employers/industries (e.g. healthcare, construction,
childcare), Oakton Community College and regional agencies. The coordinator will develop a strategy
based on the coordination efforts and identify opportunities to leverage other workforce funding. A
follow-up request for ARPA funding to implement the workforce development strategy will be presented
at a later date.
Evanston Business District Strategy and Implementation Plan
On October 27, 2021, the Economic Development Committee reviewed the draft RFP for consulting
services for a business district strategy and implementation plan. The RFP is designed to identify
strategies to improve our districts in the context of a rapidly changing retail environment, changing
consumer behavior, and the shift to experienced-based activities. The study will be qualitative in nature.
The intent of the study is not to simply provide demographic and consumer expenditure data, but to
apply the quantitative data, and lessons learned from a community engagement process to ultimately
implement a strategy that could very likely change the way our business districts look and function. The
study and implementation plan will provide guidance for business district recovery from the impacts of
the pandemic.
Staff will issue the RFP on November 2, 2021, and will return in approximately six weeks to recommend
a consultant. Once a consultant was selected, it is anticipated a study will take 90 to 120 days to
complete.
The Aux
On October 27, 2021, the Economic Development Committee recommended City Council approval of
funding for The Aux. The Growing Season, a Chicago-based non-profit, is seeking City Council
approval of a $1 million contribution from the City's allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
to assist in the cost of renovating 2223 Washington to serve as the home of The Aux - a hub dedicated
to community wellness and racial equity. The Growing Season predicts The Aux will generate a number
of economic benefits resulting from the City's investment including: increased property tax, creation of
ten Black-owned businesses, supportive inclusive pipeline/incubator, 30 new permanent jobs, inclusive
entrepreneurship, and community wealth building.
See Agenda Item #SP2(d): Approval of $1 million in ARPA Funding for The Aux which is for action.
Orrington Avenue and Chicago Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project to Expand Outdoor
Commerce
In a separate memo requesting ARPA funding included for action, staff is seeking City Council approval
to reserve $440,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to serve as a 20% match towards a State of
Illinois Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant.
Staff has identified streetscape improvement opportunities in downtown Evanston for Orrington Avenue
(Davis to Church) and Chicago Avenue (Davis to Church) that require significant investment to help
improve the economic viability of the small, locally owned / independent businesses lining the streets.
The estimated total project cost for the improvements is $2.2 million.
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The project scope includes bringing all pedestrian areas in compliance with ADA standards, improving
landscaping and tree installations, redesigning the existing planters, replacing lighting, and upgrading
streetscape elements consistent with other corridor improvement projects. The grant application
directly addresses some of the concerns raised by local businesses and addresses some of the
placemaking opportunities discussed in earlier Economic Development Committee meetings.
See Agenda Item #SP2(e): Request to reserve $440,000 in ARPA Funding for Orrington Avenue and
Chicago Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project which is for action
Outdoor Dining/Storefront Modernization
Staff recommends committing $250,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Storefront
Modernization Grant Program to support COVID-19-related operational costs incurred by restaurants
and retail establishments to provide a safe environment for customers and staff.
The expanded program would fund outdoor dining infrastructure improvements that extend the length
of the outdoor dining season, interior ventilation improvements, and other operational costs that result
in a safer business environment. This amendment would assist eligible small businesses to make
needed improvements to help them survive the economic impacts posed by winter weather and the
ongoing pandemic. Eligible Improvements would include, enclosures, canopies, heating equipment,
outdoor lighting fixtures, outdoor furniture, HVAC, and plumbing.
See Agenda Item #SP2(f) Approval of $250,000 in ARPA Funding for Outdoor Dining, Amending the
Storefront Modernization Program which is for action.
Northlight Theatre
Northlight Theater will present its request for ARPA funding totaling $2 million at the December 1, 2021
meeting of the Economic Development Committee. Northlight has acquired property at 1012 Church
for its planned relocation to downtown Evanston. They are fundraising for the estimated $25 million
performing arts center. In recent presentations to the community, Northlight Theater has predicted 64
permanent full-time jobs, $55 million in new visitor spending at Evanston businesses in addition to
$400,000 in new sales tax revenue.
Business District Ambassador Program
Evanston’s business districts are beginning to show wear resulting from a number of factors including
aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The ambassador program
will have a strong focus on cleaning and beautification and will be designed to build relationships with
merchants, residents, and visitors by assisting with directions, logging 311 concerns, providing cleaning
and landscaping services in addition to connecting people with social service needs with Evanston
social service providers including Trilogy’s mental health crisis services.
City staff will issue an RFP for business district cleaning and ambassador services. Respondents may
be comprehensive service providers or may build teams providing individual services.
Social Services
The pandemic has increased the need for a variety of services that are eligible for ARPA funding to
assist populations experiencing health or economic harm from the pandemic. Two areas, Mental Health,
and Child Care have been prioritized to address the immediate and long-term health and economic
impacts of COVID-19. Since ARPA is one-time funding, capital needs to expand the capacity, and types
of services should be prioritized and other sources of ongoing support identified to sustain new or
expanded services. Brief descriptions are provided below.
Mental Health Living Room
Evanston lacks community-based mental health services that offer people experiencing a mental health
crisis an alternative to calling 911 or seeking hospitalization. Emergency rooms often have long wait
times and patients’ symptoms can be exacerbated by what is often a loud and unwelcoming
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environment. Living Rooms provide a safe space for people in a crisis where they can talk to someone
who understands what they are going through. Studies show that people who visit Living Rooms have
better outcomes than those who visit emergency rooms. Living Rooms are also a cost-effective
alternative to emergency rooms for providing immediate care for people with mental health crises. Living
Rooms also provide a safe place to rest and relax, support from peer counselors with personal
experience managing mental illness, counselors to teach de-escalation skills and how to develop safety
plans, and referrals for housing, healthcare, food, and other necessities.
Several potential sites for the Living Room are being evaluated. Site visits are being scheduled in order
to develop cost estimates for any necessary buildout. Funding for initial operating costs will also be
determined in order to develop a proposal for ARPA funding for City Council consideration at a future
meeting. Agencies participating in this planning include Amita Health and Erie Family Health Center as
possible locations for the facility, and Josselyn Center and Turning Point as potential service providers.
Childcare
Childcare needs are multi-faceted and interconnected with economic development:
• Parents are unable to return to work/work outside their home because they can’t find childcare
that meets their needs or their budget
• Parents whose work schedules require care outside the traditional Monday-Friday 7:30 am -
6:00 pm workweek have few options for childcare
• Businesses are unable to hire the staff they need to reopen or expand operations because of
the lack of childcare for parents
• Some childcare providers have reduced the number of children for whom they can provide care
due to social distancing requirements and/or inability to find childcare workers to maintain
required children to caregiver ratios
Research to determine the scope of each issue is needed to develop strategies to address them, which
may include:
• Funding for childcare providers to modify their facilities to accommodate more children
• Scholarships for training and certification programs to expand the pool of childcare workers
• Financial assistance to people seeking to provide in-home childcare services, including housing
rehabilitation/modifications, help developing business plans, etc. This could offer parents the
ability to care for their own children and have a business to support their family (modifying a
home to accommodate a home daycare is eligible for the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation
program)
• Technical and financial assistance to develop additional capacities such as a Childcare
Cooperative that would provide jobs for its worker-owners and the opportunity to build wealth
and equity.
ARPA and President Biden’s pending Build Back Better bill currently in development include significant
funding for mental health services and childcare that are separate from funds provided to local
governments. Whether these sources may be leveraged to address City of Evanston needs should be
determined when developing budgets for projects and programs applying for City ARPA funds to stretch
locally-controlled funding and minimize duplication of services. A follow-up request for ARPA funding to
address these social services needs will be presented at a later date. Staff seeks guidance from City
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Council if projects in this category should be reviewed by the Social Services Committee or brought
directly to City Council.
Affordable Housing ( CARP/Environmental Justice)
Developing and improving housing for homeless and housing insecure individuals and families is an
eligible use to alleviate the economic impacts of the pandemic, and address health and economic
outcomes of the pandemic in low-income areas, and facilitate the integration of affordable housing in
neighborhoods with high levels of opportunity. Staff seeks guidance from City Council on whether to
take housing and homeless projects to the Housing and Community Development Committee for review
and recommendation, similar to the process for Economic Development programs and projects. This
could facilitate layering of ARPA with HOME and Affordable Housing Funds that are overseen by that
committee. Potential projects and programs include:
• Affordable and mixed-income housing development
• Rehabilitation and repairs of existing low-income housing to improve energy efficiency,
sustainability, and resilience, and improve the health outcomes of residents
• Non-congregate homeless shelters
ARPA funds can be layered with other funding sources, including the City’s $1,298,584 HOME-ARP
grant. The eligible uses differ from HOME entitlement funds and are restricted to acquisition, rehab, or
development of rental housing for Qualifying Households (QHs) (homeless or at high risk of becoming
homeless), Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Supportive Services for QHs, and acquisition and
development of non-congregate shelter.
To achieve maximum impact, any ARPA funding should be used to leverage other sources including
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Individual ARPA funding requests for housing projects and
programs will be brought forward as they are developed. Staff seeks guidance from City Council if
projects in this category should be reviewed by the Housing and Community Development Committee
or brought directly to City City Council.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure (CARP/Environmental Justice)
ARPA funds may be used for a broad range of projects that improve access to clean drinking water,
improve wastewater and stormwater infrastructure systems. Projects must provide a level of service
that meets applicable health-based standards, taking into account resilience to climate change.
Investments in water or sewer infrastructure should also avert disruptive and costly delays, and promote
efficiency. ARPA encourages using projects to support the economic recovery through employment
opportunities for workers to ensure a reliable supply of skilled labor that would minimize disruptions,
such as those associated with labor disputes or workplace injuries. ARPA provides substantial flexibility
to address local needs and priorities, and align eligible uses with projects that would be eligible to
receive financial assistance through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF) or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). Eligible projects include:
• Water main replacement. Council previously allocated $3,000,000 toward water main
replacement under (72-R-21).
• Replacement of lead water service lines. On August 27, 2021, the Governor signed HB3739,
the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act that requires lead service lines to be
replaced when installing new water mains and that lead service lines can not be repaired; they
must be replaced in their entirety. The City must remove all lead service lines within 34 years;
the cost to remove the 11,400 partial or full lead service lines in Evanston is $168,000,000.
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Other City Infrastructure Projects: There are several upcoming capital improvement initiatives that could
be considered for ARPA funding that are not eligible under ARPA’s Infrastructure category, but would
be eligible for funding out of revenue loss:
• City Fiber Optic System Modernization ($5,000,000)
• Sidewalk Improvement Program ($2,000,000)
• Sidewalk Gap Infill Program ($2,000,000)
• Animal Shelter Improvements ($3,300,000 total, of which $700,000 is funded)
Inclusive & Equitable Recovery (CARP/Environmental Justice)
In recognition of the disproportionate housing, health, and economic impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on low-income communities and the importance of mitigating these effects, a broad range of
services and programs are eligible uses when provided in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT), or to families
living in QCTs. Recipients may also provide these services to other populations, households, or
geographic areas that are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Census tract 8092 (5th ward)
is a QCT; census tract 8102 (8th ward) does not qualify in its entirety, but it may be possible to qualify
block groups 1 - 4. The City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program was implemented in these two
census tracts; tract 8092 closely aligns with Evanston’s redlined neighborhoods. ARPA funds may be
used to facilitate access to resources that improve health outcomes and build healthier environments.
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
• Development of new affordable housing
• Rehabilitation of existing housing to improve the health of lower-income residents (lead hazard
removal/remediation, weatherization/energy efficiency, high-efficiency HVAC and air filtration
systems, etc.), and implement Partners 4 Places initiative
• Childcare, home visiting programs
• Health services
• Support for non-profit service providers
• Support for small businesses
• Capital investment in parks and other outdoor recreation spaces (Beck Park and the Skate Park
are in QCT 8092) and business districts
• Installation of sidewalks, bike lanes, and other infrastructure to encourage alternative methods
of transportation and improve health outcomes by reducing vehicle emissions and encouraging
physical activity
• Water and sewer infrastructure, and lead service line replacement
Additional guidance from Treasury is needed to determine if the four census block groups in tract 8102
can be qualified for funding on a geographic basis as a high-need neighborhood. A community
engagement process with residents of neighborhood(s) targeted for this funding will then be developed.
Projects and programs that qualify for funding in this category are also eligible under Economic
Development, Housing, Social Services, Water and Sewer Infrastructure, and Participatory Budgeting.
Planning will involve cross-departmental coordination. Staff seeks guidance from City Council if projects
in this category should be reviewed by the Housing and Community Development Committee or brought
directly to City Council.
Participatory Budgeting
The City staff proposes to hold $2.5 million for participatory budgeting. The City envisions this will be
a process vetted with a facilitator / public interest group that can assist with a meaningful process to
determine community members’ priorities.
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Attachments:
ECF Impact Report-English and Spanish
ECF Impact Report-English and Spanish
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1
ARPA FUNDING:
AN OPPORTUNITY
FOR EVANSTON’S
TRANSFORMATIONAL
RECOVERY AND
REBUILDING
Prepared by
Roberta Rakove, Suzanne Strassberger,
and Marybeth Schroeder
for the Page 11 of 248a.Page 29 of 346
2
MORE THAN 500 COMMUNITY VOICES
Evanston has an extraordinary opportunity. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) allocated a $43 million windfall to Evanston. There are few
restrictions, and funding can be allocated over a three-year time period. Often, allocation decisions for one-time funding opportunities, such as state capital
bills or the Tobacco Settlement, are based on political will and are subject to tight expenditure timelines.
Evanston's vibrant nonprofit organizations and more than 500 community members have come together to help Evanston choose a different approach.
Our goal was to build a vision of using ARPA funds for Evanston's recovery and rebuilding from the COVID pandemic grounded in clear, community-informed
directives. The City Council, the Mayor, and City Staff can use this work to move this vision into action with ARPA funds and future projects.
The work began in June when the City of Evanston, with the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston Cradle to Career, Northwestern University's Office of
Neighborhood and Community Relations, and with guidance from Evanston Early Childhood Council and Evanston Latinos, convened three Town Hall Meetings
– two in English (virtual and in-person) and the third in Spanish. Three-hundred thirteen Evanston residents participated.
From August through September, the Evanston Community Foundation, Mayor Daniel Biss, and the staff of the City of Evanston partnered to facilitate seven
Roundtables, each organized around a sector, a youth Townhall with 34 youth participants, and facilitators, and a survey of more than 55 ETHS students. Prior
to the Roundtables, the Evanston Early Childhood Council had convened their own group to set out priorities which are incorporated into this report.
It is a testimony to Evanston's community spirit that virtually none of the 169 people from 62 organizations (exclusive of City and ECF staff) participating in the
Roundtables advocated for their own individual or organizational priorities.
Participant input from the four Town Hall meetings and the seven Roundtables form the basis for this report. It is organized as follows:
Introduction
Criteria to use in the decision-making process
Cross-sector themes for change
A chart that compares the cross-sector themes with the priority topics covered in each of the seven Roundtables
Appendices including, a) project recommendations by sector, b) youth survey results, c) priorities put forward by the Evanston Early Childhood
Council, d) and a list of roundtable participants.
The commitment of the more than 500 community members who took time out of their very busy schedules to participate is a statement of what makes
Evanston strong: active members of its community, both those who live there and those who work there. It is important to note that there are still
opportunities for listening to incorporate important voices. These include the faith community, healthcare, environmental groups, and business groups like the
Chamber of Commerce and the Black Business Consortium of Evanston/North Shore. We urge City officials and staff, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and
others planning future projects to make use of the information here that came from the incredible resource that is our Evanston community.
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3
ARPA Evanston Funding Criteria
Roundtable participants want the overall spending plan to reflect core values of the Evanston community. They had strong ideas about how the project
selection process and what criteria should be used to evaluate proposed projects and spending.
1. Community Voice: Center the voices of individuals and communities most impacted by project creation, providing adequate time, outreach, and
transparency in decision-making through meaningful engagement of community members. Both the project evaluation process and the funded projects
should include community members from targeted areas.
2. Equity: Projects should demonstrate a commitment to equity in Evanston.
a. Funding should be focused and demonstrate impact on Black and Latino communities.
b. Projects should address language and cultural barriers.
c. Projects should focus on communities most negatively impacted by Covid-19.
d. Grassroots and community-based organizations should be provided the tools to apply.
e. Project evaluators should reflect diverse communities.
3. Selection process: Funding decisions should be made with a clear, transparent process that is collaborative rather than competitive, building on
community connections and networks. The process should welcome some risk and funding of grassroots organizations and projects.
4. Sustainability: Projects should demonstrate sustainability or long-term impact from this one-time infusion of funds.
5. Strategic Use of Resources: Funding decisions should take into consideration the availability of alternative or complementary funding from the Federal
government, state government, or philanthropy. The flexibility of the ARPA funds welcomes creativity and innovation.
6. Collaboration and Partnership: Projects should enable and build upon community, organizational, and cross-sector collaboration.
7. Employment and Economic Impact: Preference should be given to projects that will hire locally, provide youth employment and employment for persons
with disabilities, and utilize local businesses.
8. Outcomes: Projects should have clear measurable outcomes.
9. Balance: Projects should be balanced among meeting immediate needs, capital projects, and systems change.
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4
Cross-sector Themes
While each roundtable focused on a specific sector, overarching themes, concerns, and ideas appeared in multiple discussions and the town halls.
Four common areas stood out as foundational: housing, childcare, investment in Black and Latino communities, and mental health and trauma.
1. Housing: The necessity to address the continuum of affordable housing challenges from homelessness to affordable rentals to supportive housing to
achievable homeownership was cited as a fundamental prerequisite for solving a broad range of issues. Evanston has significant assets in this area with
existing collaboratives and community-based organizations.
2. Childcare: Childcare, including affordable early childhood and after school care, emerged as a critical issue for Evanston to thrive as a diverse, economically
prosperous, and family-supportive city. The strength of Evanston’s Early Childhood Education Council and the broad range of programs in Evanston were
perceived as community assets.
3. Investment in Black and Latino communities: Every roundtable group strongly supported diversity and equity as core values for Evanston and central to
Evanston’s identity. Targeting the use of ARPA funds to overall investment in Black and Latino communities was widely voiced.
4. Mental Health and Trauma: Accessibility to affordable and culturally competent mental health services was raised as a long-term unmet need and key to
recovering from the pandemic.
5. The Digital Divide: Access to broadband, digital device ownership, and training in utilizing digital resources is viewed as essential to provide access to
multiple resources. This is perceived to be a critical equity issue. Broadband is specifically included as an allowable expense in ARPA.
6. Destination City: Evanston has unique assets that, with some additional investment and strategic planning, could enhance its local economy as a
destination city, creating employment opportunities and developing strong local existing businesses. The large artistic creative community in Evanston and
the many unique small businesses and restaurants were seen as solid foundations for this concept.
7. Employment: Employment was a concern for both employers, many of whom are having difficulty finding employees for several categories of work and
individuals seeking jobs and training.
8. Capital challenges: Capital investment in the infrastructure of early childhood programs, nonprofits, affordable housing, homelessness, and some small
businesses were cited as appropriate use for one-time funding. Many organizations had to divert capital funds to respond to COVID and are left without
resources to make regular improvements, meet new demands, and implement safety measures related to the pandemic.
9. City and community relationship: The ARPA funding discussion highlights the opportunity for the City of Evanston to work more strategically with
community partners. In particular, there was an emphasis on utilizing community-based resources well and not duplicating roles or services between the
City of Evanston and nonprofit organizations. Additional issues include staffing, revamping the City’s website, community outreach, linguistic and cultural
competency, and institutionalizing meaningful community input into the City budgeting and planning processes. Page 14 of 248a.Page 32 of 346
5
Themes Raised by Sectors
Common themes for the use of ARPA funds were raised across the eight Roundtables that were conducted, as well as in the presentation from the early
childhood community, the youth survey, and the Town halls that the City of Evanston conducted. The chart below illustrates in which discussions these
overarching themes were raised.
ROUNDTABLES
Workforce
Development/
Emerging
Adults
School
Age
Children
Immigrant/
Undocumented
Arts/
Humanities
Economic/
Community
Development
Seniors/
Individuals
with
Disabilities
Housing/
Homelessness
Early
Childhood
Adult
Town
Halls
Youth
Townhall
Housing X x x X x x x x X
Childcare X x x X x x x X
Investment in
Black, Latinx,
Immigrant
Communities
X x x x X x x x x X
Mental
Health/Trauma
x x x x x x x x
Digital Divide X x x X x x x
Destination City X x
Employment X x X x x x x x x
Capital
Challenges
X x x x x x
City/Community
Relationship
x X X x x X
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6
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7
APPENDICES
o Roundtable Notes: Sector Specific Project Ideas and Initiatives (pages 7-12)
o Youth Townhall and Survey Notes (pages 13-19)
o Early Childhood Council Recommendations (pages 20-21)
o Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls (pages 22-30)
o Roundtable Participants (pages 30-36)
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Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Support for small business:
o Social enterprises, especially for grassroots/marginalized folks
o Loans for small businesses, particularly for youth
o Business incubators
o Coaching support for small business, community-based
o Cohort model in which childcare is free for ambassadors, coaches, small business creators
Parent & family ambassador program: Paid positions for trusted individuals to connect people to resources, to what they need, and what is available
Space:
o The Aux, space for entrepreneurs of color to launch business
o Family Focus building: potential hub for nonprofits and organizations. Need to grow that kind of resource in 5th, 2nd, 8th wards
o Shared resources for nonprofits and businesses
Career pathways:
o Communication and education for middle and high schoolers and families about potential careers, opportunities, training, need ed support
o Direct services for young people at high school to ensure that every young person at ETHS has clear path and plan and connection to living
wage and training
o Integrating workforce development and economic development because community needs these workers
o Connecting employers and social services – supply and demand of workers
Cara Collective in Chicago, inclusive hiring resource
Early childhood workforce initiative: Address recruiting and retention through education, support, training
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Mental health:
o Trauma informed training for educators and staff of youth and family programs
o More and more accessible mental health resources for young people
o Specific mental health supports for kids under 10 who have been dealing with pandemic that they don’t understand
o Mental health first aid training
Youth and family voice and leadership:
o Create ways for young people and families to participate in decision-making and leadership
o Spaces for youth to talk together, including LBGTQ youth
o Paid parent, youth, and community ambassadors to improve communication and connection between city, community resources, and families
Resources for youth and families:
o Transportation to facilitate after school and out of school programs
o Broadband for all Page 18 of 248a.Page 36 of 346
9
o More STEM education and opportunities
o More available and affordable childcare
o Teen center and community gathering places, where kids can hang in unstructured way and be safe and whole family might be engaged. Have
services like tutoring, enrichment, sport, mental health.
o Latino community disconnected from schools and resources. Need trusted communicators and connections
o More accessible and available tutoring
o Community social workers and resource navigators
Resources for Black and brown communities:
o Startup cost to help Evanstonians develop own businesses, especially in Black and brown community
o Leadership development for Black and brown community
o Provide intentional funding for solidarity between Black and Latino populations
Support for nonprofit organizations:
o Sustainability long term support for organizations and businesses
o Stabilization program in place during recovery period for youth and families
o Coming together for ideas can be used to find additional resources and share resources to continue to collaborate
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21
Support for organizations and community to increase linguistic and cultural competence to better serve immigrant communities:
o Bicultural bilingual lawyer staff
o Education for allies (e.g., language training for folks working with populations)
o Support organizations working with Latino population to hire more bilingual bicultural folks
o Support for early childhood overall and to connect with Latino families
o $$$ to research and report Latino history in Evanston
o Community education on immigration status
Housing:
o Housing supports to keep families, especially Latinos, in Evanston
o Economic development and housing programs for those who don’t fit into limited state and federal criteria
o (e.g., qualification for business licensing, homelessness)
o City housing program to buy houses to do loans for ITIN and immigrant families, so they don’t have to go to bank
Literacy education:
o Adult literacy, especially ESL (single greatest factor of kids’ success is mother’s literacy level). Evanston could potentially later access state
library money once a program/programs are established here
o Access to early childhood education combined with adult literacy program at EC centers
City of Evanston hiring: Page 19 of 248a.Page 37 of 346
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o $$$ to hire more bilingual/bicultural staff in parks
o City actually be open to Latino staff
o Health workers for the city: this is recovery money; emphasis should be on health department, particularly bilingual/bicultural
o Train individuals to be public health workers, again the ambassador model, a community health force for covid, diabetes, etc. This is a once in
a lifetime to make Evanston healthier
Mental health and health:
o More mental health centers and resources (took a year to find therapist for my child) and workers, particularly for Latinos, with Spanish
speakers and affordability
o Better health tracking by Latinos as well as by race
Scholarships for undocumented students while they access college
City commitment to language access policy and budget commitment (not necessarily with ARPA funds but as integral to work)
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Evanston as tourism destination:
o Branding program for Evanston and Evanston arts
o Development of citywide events to attract folks (e.g., Evanston Made First Saturdays)
Arts czar or coordinator at City of Evanston:
o Advocate for arts
o Encourage and build collaboration in sector and with other sectors
o Rebuild cultural arts grants to have enough funds to make meaningful grants
1% for arts:
o Mark 1% of ARPA fund for arts
o Potentially use Arts Council to distribute
Museum/arts building:
o Create central arts/museum building to house Shorefront, Evanston Made, women’s history
o Build with community input and create public/private partnership for funding
o See Theaster Gates building in Chicago
o Be innovative with use of City owned empty lots and buildings. Convert to studios, performance spaces.
Collaborative support for the arts:
o Collective impact effort for the arts and humanities
o Create scholarship pool for all organizations with administrator for all
o Endowment building for arts organizations
o Resources to help arts and humanities collect data needed for grant applications
Mental health: Page 20 of 248a.Page 38 of 346
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o Train artists in trauma and to collaborate with social services, police, etc. to be part of positive mental health effort
o Develop mental health effort with arts engagement particularly focused on impact of covid for young people, students, older adults
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Housing:
o McGaw YMCA renovation/improvement of SRO
o Build and preserve multi-family housing stock
o Use underutilized city assets for affordable housing
Community and economic development:
o Invest ARPA throughout Evanston, not just downtown
o Build nontraditional anchors in underdeveloped areas
o Community broadband – one-time deep investment
o Investments in underserved areas in Evanston with community voice
o Target empty spaces for use by small businesses and arts groups
Early childhood care and education (crucial support for businesses and employment):
o Capital dollars for early childhood which were postponed to support PPE, could be local employment
o Bridge gap on cost of early childhood education and ensure high quality
o Scholarships to train early childhood teachers because there is a shortage, and this is necessary to have people work
Business and employment support:
o Encourage local hiring
o Digital access and training for small businesses
o Build short term certification
o Create mentorship pathways at work and in different workplaces/careers
o Support for more equitable hiring in Evanston
o Support incubators
o New businesses have trouble getting support – encouraging new business in wards that are underserved, involve youth
o Funds for delayed repairs for nonprofits and businesses due to covid
City communication and leadership:
o City website needs to be redone and more functional and accessible. Change lens to what is the community looking for
o City as model for how we want businesses and nonprofits to operate:
Local hiring preferences
Deconstruction to support environmental goals
Use underused city assets for affordable housing
Systemic approach: What are the barriers to employment and to growing local business? Page 21 of 248a.Page 39 of 346
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o Childcare
o Access to and money for training
o Understanding labor needs for small business
o Digital services and access
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Employment support:
o Employment opportunities through nonprofit collaborations. Paid employment opportunities. Employers come to the table to disc uss their needs
in partnering with nonprofits. Put supports in place – employers don’t have the toolkit to know how to employ people with disabilities.
o Employment opportunities for those with criminal records. Attorneys to assist with expungement.
o Offer incentives to employers for those who hire those with criminal record and IDD
o Transportation to Evanston or outside of Evanston for those who work elsewhere
o Community case managers to help coordinate these things across agencies
o Intergenerational workforce program
o Create Mayors Older Adults Employment program
o Financial supports for businesses owned by older adults
Digital divide:
o Amp up broadband support.
o Center community member needs regarding devices. Buy from local companies
o Amping up digital literacy and navigators. Crossover collaborations with high school students.
Housing:
o Housing subsidies for seniors and individuals with disabilities
o Respite housing for caregivers
o Purchase housing for adults. Tiny housing like ETHS Geometry in Construction program.
Mental health and health:
Updated wellness center at Levy Center
Hire community social workers at Levy Center
Treatments for those with mental illness and support them in workforce. More funding to reduce senior social isolation to support Uniper and the
arts/humanities organizations that offer Evanston programming.
More funds for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater/Prime Time Players (theater/older adults) and publicizing more so people know about it.
Mental health services for older adults
Support businesses and other sectors in becoming more age friendly and dementia friendly.
Provide swimming pool at levy center. Therapeutic. Insurance can sustain. Page 22 of 248a.Page 40 of 346
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Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21
Support for homeless:
o Permanent emergency 24-hour 7-day shelter gender inclusive
o Public bathrooms- permanent – models from Portland
o Shelter units for larger families
o Investing in getting community buy-in for permanent shelter
Rental support:
o Workforce development program attached to rental subsidy
o Permanent rental subsidies for long term affordable housing
o Partner with property owners to figure out what supports they need to be affordable
o Building on Connections transitional program to extend past 2 years
o Voucher program for families with children
o Investing in and enforcing fair housing requirements, ending discrimination against housing vouchers
o Rental vouchers, rental vouchers, rental vouchers
o Expansion of housing allies’ efforts, helping landlords get more involved and committed, Connections guarantees 3-mos rent/damage funds
Housing options:
o More youth centered housing, especially for young men
o Support along the continuum of housing vulnerability
o Larger living spaces for larger families
o Financial literacy for youth
o Cleveland housing program: Section 8 to home ownership
o Ensuring availability of transitional housing for women and children located in Evanston
o Funding for ADUs
o Capital investment to purchase things now such as shelter, tiny houses, etc.
Support services:
o Coordinating services and wrap around services for mental health, legal support, addictions support, etc.
o Immigrant services: create programs that don’t require social security numbers
o Universal credit check process
o Expand City TBAR (?) program that city has for to support D65 and D202 families from current two years to all 13 years of school, expand slots
from 20 (since 300 kids in schools identified as homeless)
o Community refrigerators and pantries: ways to promote access
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ARPA Youth Townhall, 9/21/21
Employment/workforce:
o Access to jobs for youth:
Youth need training around how to apply for a job, support around filling out the application process, and help looking for a job.
Create a more structured easy way to apply for a job for youth.
Youth Job Center offer more training programs for youth.
Job fair to train youth how to secure a job
More work-based opportunities for youth
Mentorship programs combined with helping neighbors (e.g., snow shoveling, planting trees around Evanston)
o Adult job fair, with resources like youth job fairs
o Give grants to small and black businesses to create more jobs.
o Tuition reimbursement for all jobs in Evanston.
o Offer more mentoring for people in the community.
Support for immigrants and refugees:
o Support for Latinx community but also for others, such as Haitian community
o Curriculum and other learning opportunities about history
o Programs such as Students Without Borders to make people welcome
o Improve outreach to immigrants
o Provide translation and translation services
o Divert funds from police dealing with undocumented families to services supporting them
o Funds for older undocumented people
o Build a judgment free immigrant center for immigrants and undocumented people
Resources for youth and school aged kids:
o Students in need of more mental health resources: Awareness & workshops
o Diverse social workers (more people that look like them)
o Affordable programs like Y.O.U. and YMCA
o Programs for kids with disabilities
o Better nutritional and food programs
o Before and after care
o More tutoring opportunities, mentoring program between older and younger kids
o College planning help
o Sex education
o STEM activities and programs
o Skate park: place to congregate without getting yelled at Page 24 of 248a.Page 42 of 346
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o Community athletics, casual based on age
Health:
o Ensure that all have affordable health and dental care
o More attention to holistic healthcare for all (vision, dental, mental, and physical)
o More fresh markets, especially near Oakton school
o More mental health resources, especially for kids and youth, including raising awareness and workshops
Housing:
o More attention to housing crisis for renters and buyers
Environment:
o Use the funds for CARP projects
o Garden/nature activities accessible to all
Spaces for gardening, dance classes, performing arts activities
Activities that bring awareness on climate crisis
Youth Voices Survey
Feedback was gathered in the form of a Google Survey in order to collect input from our Youth community members. Participants were between the
ages of 14-23 years old.
This survey went live on September 22nd, and closed on September 29th.
Distribution among different partners:
o EC2C Student Advocates
o EC2C Volunteer Fair
o Community Service Director of ETHS
o Shared via email and text message by City Staff in the Youth/Young Adult Division
A total of 58 participants filled out this survey
What would make life better in Evanston for babies – five-year-olds?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Parks and recreation:
o Cleaner parks, less trash on streets and on playgrounds. Safe, clean, accessible parks with walking trails for strollers, and have thes e parks in
locations close to populated areas
o Make sure the upkeep of these areas is good and frequent
o Updated playgrounds! Fenced in playgrounds for toddlers. Indoor winter activities
o Clean parks and more community attitude for them to grow up around
o An outdoor/indoor playground and swimming pool Page 25 of 248a.Page 43 of 346
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o More baby parks and activities they can do. Recreational spaces that are baby-friendly
o Free access to tot sports equipment
o Recreational programs/activities for those ages, such as art classes or swimming lessons
More libraries throughout the city, with more programs for young children
Housing: A major part of growing up healthy is stable housing. To live with some certainty of your fiscal future, and for a lot of people that is not
possible because of The predatory Evanston real estate market. When parents have to worry about rent raising due to gentrification, they have much
less time to care for their infants, as well as much less money to provide for their children.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Early childhood care and education:
o Affordable, high-quality childcare for parents
o Universal pre-K
o Hire kids from the ETHS child development classes to work at after school programs. Just have the teacher suggest it and give out applications
and there will be a better staff to student ratio.
Parent/family support:
o Support for food, and utilities so parents don’t have to be working all the time and spend time with their kids so that the kids won’t become
delinquents
o Programs to donate clothes, diapers, and baby food for families impacted by COVID-19 and food insecurities.
o Free diapers
o A city toy fund, for children who cannot afford them
Programs for parents:
o Preschool and socializing
o single parent parenting education
o social groups for parents,
o Support services for crisis situations
What would make life better in Evanston for K-5 kids?
INFRASTRUCTURE
5th ward school/ neighborhood schools for everybody
Safe, clean accessible offscreen areas
More libraries throughout the city, with programming for kids grades k-5
Affordable/free childcare options
Housing: Affordable housing and the possibility of buying a home for people working minimum wage jobs. A home is crucial to a healthy family.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Childcare and afterschool activities: Page 26 of 248a.Page 44 of 346
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o Affordable or free childcare options
o Robust and affordable after-school program with diverse programming
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
o Activities to socialize while being safe from Covid
o Give them more opportunities outside of school.
o Programs for troubled kids to have good role models
o Hire kids from the child development classes to work at after school programs. There will be a better staff to student ratio.
o Offer free enrichment programming during school year
o More study centers and help with their homework after school.
Mental help programs, including Peer Support programs
Giving them a better understanding about our community and how we can stay safe and keep others safe and welcomed.
Introduce kids to green living and the correct positive morals for our community, “love thy neighbor” it overall should show a positive response
throughout the community for years to come influencing individuals to return to such a strong and well-founded community
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
More hands-on learning opportunities
More resources for parents to aid their children in remote learning will be useful
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Science programs and more higher paying job opportunities in Evanston
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
Giving subsidies to various schools for programs and opportunities would help get kids more involved and aid in developing an open mindset and more
active lifestyle.
What would make life better in Evanston for 6-8th grade students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
More libraries throughout the city, with programs for students their age
Revitalize downtown and make it more appealing or youngsters
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Role models for behavior and community respect.
Afterschool activities:
o Affordable after-school activities / opportunities
o Recreational activities that are engaging Page 27 of 248a.Page 45 of 346
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o Get them to socialize, be outside and disconnect from technology
o Having more after school programs (academic, athletic, etc.) can help students become more developed for high school.
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
Assistance with high school prep with high school mentors
Service for troubled kids and service opportunities.
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More emotional support/therapeutic options. Offering therapy to everyone
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Early financial literacy. How to be smart about money.
Better school tech
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Education about LBTQ
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments, including after school study center
Donating to help with homelessness and pushing legislature for climate change, taxing high emission companies, and establishing laws. This helps
everyone.
What would make life better in Evanston for high school age students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Police training that teaches non- violent techniques to de-escalate situations without putting force on young kids.
More areas where young people can congregate to interact in a safe environment
o Could be in Robert Crown
o Having more block or art fairs and more to do in downtown Evanston
Community Gardens that supply food for the community and where students can either work or volunteer
Transportation:
o Better school transportation
o Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mentorship and personal development:
o Training on how to be active members of the community.
o Having them learn about better ways to solve problems in our community so they can spread the word. Teach them at a young age how to be
involved in the community.
o Programs for drug prevention, gang violence Page 28 of 248a.Page 46 of 346
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o programs to help with career searches and mentors.
o Program for assessment of healthy relationships
Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
Mental Health:
o Taking mental health seriously, offering more therapeutic support for teenagers with mental illness.
o Treat mental illness and disorders as you would any other chronic illness. Don’t assign homework outside of missing class work, teenagers
already have too much going on.
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
College and career preparation:
More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Better preparation for post-secondary education, like a required class that teaches about Learning life skills, financial literacy, taxes, how to
get a job, etc.
o High school internships where they have to work and also shadow workers. Collaborate with local businesses for this.
o College preparation classes and mentorship
Studying and Tutoring:
o More accessible study areas and more tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
o An after-school study center
o There are very few places around Evanston to meet up to do projects in or to get tutoring help from a non-school staff member.
Better funding for teacher and staff wages. Feeling disconnect from your education because of teacher and staff lack of morale is not only harming the
children’s education, but also the teachers
College scholarships and rent subsidies:
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
What would make life better in Evanston for young adults (ages 18-26)?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Affordable Housing
Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mental health:
o More mental health services / Mental health education
o More community programs and workshops would help young adults with interacting and regaining social confidence after being online for so
long
More programs to volunteer with organizations and get involved.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT / CAREER DEVELOPMENT Page 29 of 248a.Page 47 of 346
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Career and college:
o More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Job opportunity programs, resume writing, mentors, community service projects, healthy relationships educational programs
o Opportunity fairs along with job fairs
o College preparation classes and mentorship
o Have more resources for young adults to learn life skills (or raise awareness to those resources)
o Courses/training on Financial literacy and taxes
Raise the minimum wage. many students are trying to make ends meet paying for collage as well as a place to stay and food.
College scholarships and rent subsidies
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
Any more ideas you think would help the community?
More look on poverty and safety.
Giving contracts and subsidies to companies that are founded in Evanston and largely employ Evanstonians and the tying to give as much job
opportunities to small businesses in Evanston instead of multi-billion-dollar corporations that really do not do anything for our community
Prioritize pedestrian/bike infrastructure over cars to increase safety and encourage people to walk places instead of driving. This can be added to our
environment efforts
Scholarship programs: Give out a scholarship based on an essay prompt. It doesn’t have to be for much. Some scholarships are only $200.
Instituting more environmentally friendly ways to get power would be beneficial to the community overall. Anything to save or conserve energy would
be a step in the right direction in terms of trying to control global warming.
A food bank
While these funds are great, please don’t forget about the housing/ “reparations” bill, which has time and time again been pr oven to be underfunded
and discriminatory. We need to have a foundation for children, if you were looking for people to say a park or general recreation I wouldn’t disagree.
But I believe that would be skipping a major step, trying to promote financial security in every household. This is key to growing up and becoming an
adult. Without financial security people are caught in a survival mindset, struggle to put food on the table. Leaving their and our community’s children
vulnerable. Cracking down on gentrification and setting up a secure housing program is a good step. But it also cannot be considered reparations, and
should not even be considered a housing program. It is a selective and discriminatory loan. What we need is something real. Something that will
create sustainability. We must not underwhelm the importance of housing.
Support the fire department
Accountability regarding this feedback Page 30 of 248a.Page 48 of 346
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Evanston Early Childhood Education Council, 7/23/21
Operational support for both full-time, part-time, and home-based child-care programs: $500,000
The losses to operational support for early childhood education during the Covid-19 pandemic in early childhood has been devastating. Decreases in
enrollment, loss of fees which cover costs and reductions in CCAP assistance has had a significant impact on operational losses. It has only gotten
more difficult to meet the bottom line of program operations. Some centers and home- based child-care homes, especially part day programs, have
closed or are in danger of permanently shutting down. The country has the potential to permanently lose millions of early childcare slots. Evanston
and the State of Illinois is a part of that larger number. Our earliest learners and their future success in education must be made a priority.
Examples:
o IWSE lost 35k per month of CCAP revenue due to Covid-19 enrollment
o Cherry Preschool anticipates 62% enrollment for 2021 due to Covid-19
o Mandated changes in DCFS regulations caused substantial financial losses
Recouping money spent on capital and structural improvements to help align early childhood facilities with new COVID requirements: $300,000
Many Early Childhood full and part-time Centers have had to put repairs on hold and divert those dollars to pay for PPE, sanitization and other Covid
related items. We are also experiencing very high water and electricity bills due to the cleaning and sanitizing, zooming, and connecting with parents
during the pandemic. A grant to cover repairs costs that should have been done in 2020 and higher utility bills would be helpful in stabilizing Centers.
Some only need a small number of repairs; others are more substantial. All of the Centers will need help with the higher costs of providing care and
education while enrolling fewer children. A grant system similar to the CDBG, without prevailing wage would also employ small Evanston contractors.
Examples:
o Learning Bridge deferred 40k of capital improvements due to expenditures on PPE and air purification
o Toddler Town spent 12k (Loan) on air purifiers retrofits for HVAC
o Cherry Pre School deferred 15k on structural repairs and painting
Financial support for staff educational credentialing, training, and career advancement: $250,000
The income for early childhood education workers without a degree is typically at minimum wage. Opportunities for career advancement is
dependent upon the worker’s ability to financially access an educational degree. Many workers cannot afford the tuition OR th e ability to leave
employment when needed for fieldwork. Financial support will enable workers the ability to pursue training and education. Workers will gain
confidence and enhance professionalism of the early childhood education workforce. Examples:
o Launch partnership with National Louis University and Oakton Community College to support teacher advancement within centers
o Stipends and Scholarships for our staff will greatly enhance our workforce and continuity of care for our most vulnerable
o Having a local community scholarship fund would greatly increase staff opportunity for credentialing and advancement
o Teacher shortages have created hiring challenges for qualified staff due to salary/rate-based disparities in early childhood.
Financial support for mental health, behavioral health, disability, and OT/PT services: $125,000
Many early childhood education programs do not have the financial capacity to support the needs of children with mental health, behavioral health,
and disability concerns. Occupational and physical therapy services for programs operating outside of school district 65 are unaffordable for most
families and early childhood programs. Children receiving services through the school district are often bussed from one program to another twice a Page 31 of 248a.Page 49 of 346
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day. Services need to be provided in the most “least restricted environment.” This means that access to needed services for children are not
dependent upon their families. Examples:
o Due to Covid and increased stress and trauma on families, mental health services have been in great demand without adequate funding
o Many mental health professionals are leaving for private practice increasing costs for services
o Disability services are very limited through Early Intervention and more funds are needed to support this population
Emergency support for families and scholarship dollars to support the continuity of care: $100,000
Families experience circumstances such as loss of employment, loss of childcare subsidy assistance, or medical needs that imp act their ability to pay
the childcare tuition. Continuity of care is crucial for children to grow and develop a strong foundation and readiness for kindergarten. Financial assistance
for emergencies or scholarships can decrease the stress of families (typically lower income) and the trauma these families experience when the
educational support system for their child and themselves are kept in place. Examples:
o Financial aid for families who are struggling to meet payments or qualify for assistance (underemployment, unemployment, job instability)
o Emergency funds to help families in crisis circumstances: homelessness, loss of job, death in family, etc.
Staff equity stipends/bonus for pandemic work since July 2020: $500,000
The country has relied on Early Childhood staff (in full day programs, home based childcares, and part day programs) to provide an essential service
throughout the pandemic so that people could get back to work. While others were able to work from the safety of their homes, early childhood staff
provided direct, hands-on care to our most vulnerable individuals. Due to the very limited resources of childcare programs, staff were not
compensated commensurate with the risk they have been asked to take. In many cases, staff salaries were reduced during the pandemic and any
future increases minimal to protect the viability of the programs. Direct funding provided to programs for one-time contributions to retirement
accounts, bonuses or one-time investments in salaries is critical to sustaining the workforce and mitigating staff turnover.
o Early Childhood staff have been working in dangerous and highly stressful work environments since June of 2020.
o Children are still unvaccinated and place our workforce in life threatening and dangerous circumstances.
o Many of our staff are in the “most vulnerable” category and have pre-existing conditions affected by Covid-19
o Our services allowed and continue to support parents to get back to work and be able to concentrate on their school age children
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Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls
Prepared by City of Evanston Staff
Below are the responses from community members to the questions that were presented at each town hall / roundtable, broken down by category. Some of
the comments may not fall into an ARPA-related category, but staff felt it important to capture every comment for the City Council to review. There were
approximately 313 participants total.
1. Public Health
a. ARPA funds should go to health care, childcare, affordable housing, equity, and police. Police should do less policing and the City should expend
more resources on mental health instead.
b. Some of the ARPA funds should be used for youth programs in schools, tutoring programs (due to youth impacted negatively by COVID-19 being
out of school).
c. Social workers should be hired to work with EPD
d. City Council has cut the budget for social services for youth over the years. EPD now intervenes in youth matters where counseling and therapy are
necessary. Community members want specific youth services / counseling / therapy rather than using EPD resources for this.
e. Largest priority for ARPA funding should be in areas of public health concerns.
f. Mental health programs should be at the forefront of ARPA funding.
g. COVID impacted disproportionately low income and people of color, and ARPA should be used to alleviate the negative impact.
i. City Council should be examining how ARPA can be used to help senior citizens.
j. Increase public health and social service programming to deter violence in the city
l. Since the community does not know and understand fully the impact of mental health concerns for the school children and youth, City Council
should set aside funding for programming that will address these concerns.
m. Funding should be set aside for healthcare needs of community members who do not have access to services.
o. Mental health professionals should be hired with ARPA funds to work with police officers
p. Funding should support an increase in the number of public health professionals working at the City.
q. Council should allocate funding to support individuals experiencing homelessness, especially women and children and those negatively impacted by
COVID
r. Free and income based mental health services should be offered for families and children
s. Mental health services generally should be free or income based.
t. Coverage for substance abuse issues and invest more in social workers
u. Whatever funding is left-over from ARPA and not already allocated should be allocated to public health matters.
v. Funding should be used to assist individuals with medical bills.
w. Substance abuse issues with young people require support programs and funding.
2. Economic Impacts
a. Paid internships should be funded for people with disabilities that will teach job readiness, and encourage paid internships for adults with disabilities
b. Arts community has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Musicians were completely out of work during the last year. The Council should Page 33 of 248a.Page 51 of 346
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examine strategies to revive and support arts organizations in Evanston
c. Support for arts organizations, musicians, artists who have not been able to work during COVID
d. Substantial part of ARPA should be given to Family Focus. Family Focus is looking to expand and repair the building at Foster School. They have $1m
set aside from the State of Illinois. Evanston can help foster plans and create a hub for non-profits that are accessible to 5th ward residents.
e. Family Focus is a hub in the 5th ward and important structure, several not-for-profits and organizations but it needs some serious repairs
f. Thank you for bringing the city government to the people. It is important to build back better and invest in the future, especially in arts (businesses
benefit from arts). I would like to see a tourism site created by Evanston that focuses on arts and culture, a calendar that lists every single event and
venue on items going on in Evanston. The City should try to promote tourism and people coming from out of town
g. Investments need to generate economic growth and the community needs to hold ourselves accountable and be transparent about how we think it
will encourage growth when we start spending the funds
h. Use funding in the areas of the city disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. were not economically impacted by COVID-19. - The City should help
the residents who were the most economically impacted - people who lost jobs - people who could not afford childcare (if we could do this through
Family Focus that would be great, and we should put money towards Family Focus)
i. Stop funding grants to restaurants. Their failure rate is too great in general, and to use ARPA funding would be wasteful.t.
j. Restaurants should pay more than minimum wage (and weren’t paying workers well before the pandemic) and we should not use money for
restaurants.
k. “New normal”, need to work on workforce development - new ways of working - making sure to support workforce development of this new normal
l. Economic development should be the City’s top priority.t
m. Council should make sure 8th and 5th ward will benefit from funding and other areas heavily impacted by COVID
n. Supporting communities of color, local businesses who have not returned, loss of business near the theater and need for a new theater
o. How can we encourage merchants to come back, enticements; continue to engage the community on the front end with ideas and implementation
as well as the final decision - who makes the decision - what role does the community get to play?
p. Front line workers, how can we better support them?
q. Downtown Evanston, what will replace the businesses that have left and what can serve as an anchor for the City pertinent for all residents? A plan
is needed.
r. Learned more about local businesses during the pandemic and wanting to see local businesses come back possibly through small grants - connection
between community and businesses
s. Workforce development, what can we do to train the youths for jobs and repairs in our city? ARPA funding should be used in training components
when it comes to the trades. This will allow opportunity for youth outreach to get them trained in the trades.
t. How can we promote economic development, what can the City invest in?
u. Generate more economic revenue and activity it will help with the City finances
v. Economic development for small businesses, sustaining not for profits, helping not for profits
w. Need to make sure funding is spent on areas that will be turned over and multiply dollars in the city
x. Job security is a problem in the community. Use ARPA funds to sustain businesses to create job security.
y. Investments in projects that bring sustaining growth, job training
z. Track individual’s progression through economic development services
aa. Tracking the return on investment in programs
bb. Investment in businesses related to sustainability Page 34 of 248a.Page 52 of 346
25
cc. Many businesses are closed and need support. Other facilities (e.g.,Canal Shores Golf Course) stayed open whole time and took more wear and tear
dd. Something for people in need of job training or assistance returning to work
ee. Collaboration with Oakton for job training in Evanston for youth, homeless, other folks in need; collaborate with other social services
ff. Oakton community college location in Evanston should receive funding
gg. Northlight would be a great asset for City, but using it for capital construction on the building would not be appropriate in the infrastructure
categories
hh. The City did not appear to truly be economically impacted from COVID-19.
ii. Financial assistance for families who are struggling financially
jj. Help Local businesses through grants or programming.
3. Premium Pay
a. Request for jobs training, premium pay
b. Downtown and essential workers should receive ARPA funding and support (i.e., premium pay).
c. Fund for essential workers brought up - broader than just City essential workers
d. Childcare, essential workers, especially low-income essential workers
4. Revenue
a. Use the money first to cover the City’s deficit, and support existing programs before undertaking new projects
b. Use some of the money to offset the budget for funds lost due to free beach tokens for 3 days
c. Cure deficit before spending more money
d. Revenue--align ourselves with forward, progressive thinking organizations and look at our revenue streams
e. Putting money into City revenue holes should not be a priority
f. Don’t use money to pay for any debt
5. Water
a. Water--important that we have our water system insured that in can increase capacity and make every effort to extend our services around
northern Illinois
b. Lead water pipes has been an issue in the past - one-time opportunity to upgrade these
c. Lead pipelines, importance of providing employment opportunities and enhancing safety
6. Sewer
a. Sewers--should be repaired Page 35 of 248a.Page 53 of 346
26
7. Broadband
a. Digital divide, make sure to solve the problem of broadband - how can we fix the digital divide in Evanston?
b. Robert Crown should provide free digital access and services for businesses and community
c. Broadband--5G relegated to big 3 communication companies--City of Evanston should look into if 5G should be a utility for the entire city (a digital
divide would no longer be an issue in Evanston). We have a digital superhighway running through the City. Other businesses are implementing 5G
throughout the country and improving business.
d. Cell phone towers along the lake should be constructed. Accessibility for those along the lake cannot get service
e. Broadband and hot spots needed throughout the City.
f. Desire to provide more broadband--may not be the best way to reach seniors
g. Broadband to make it into a public utility, closing the digital divide
h. Assessment of areas of the City that are unreliable with broadband, make sure youth and seniors have access to broadband; Youth need access
for education, seniors need to stay connected and keep from getting isolated
i. Highest priority is wireless broadband citywide - digital divide really showed during COVID
j. Permanent broadband not temporary broadband
k. Lots of people did not know how to navigate technology when kids were at school, and ARPA funds should be used to provide programming
that assists parents in children’s education at home.
l. Internet and equipment used for the internet should be funded through ARPA funds.
8. Housing
a. Use funds for small landlords who have not received rent in two years
b. Help for affordable housing landowners, not luxury units
c. Interfaith Action--forced to scale back on emergency shelter--people living in parking garages. Need for a permanent 24/7 year-round shelter is
made abundantly clear. Need for public restrooms in downtown Evanston. Likes the COVID-19 plan speaking to this.
d. ADU--out of reach for many Evanston residents, but use funds for ADUs to help create generational wealth
e. Assistance for renters and landlords; big risk at ending of the eviction moratorium
f. affordable housing
g. Housing: fix site acquisition and rehab, tenant based rental management and development of permanent housing for people who need assistance
h. Affordable housing should be funded through ARPA
i. Affordable housing, projects are only sustained for 15 years, community land trust might be a better option
j. Housing affordability makes it difficult to stay in Evanston, displacement of people of color
k. Housing: big need in affordable housing and making it sustainable, what can we do in purchasing properties or that the land and buildings remain
affordable?
l. Affordable housing for lower class and for middle class
m. Affordable housing is needed and should be provided with ARPA funding.
n. Do not like CDBG by area, want it to be by need
o. Rent control ordinance should be created
p. Providing resource information for low-income housing, in Spanish Page 36 of 248a.Page 54 of 346
27
9. General Infrastructure
a. Water parks, pools for the youth in parks should be created
b. Sidewalks, infrastructure in bad shape. Will this be addressed? Money allocated to infrastructure of sidewalks
c. Use funding to repair and create sidewalks (where there aren’t any). Areas where sidewalks are kept up and areas where they are not,
intergenerational wealth and well-kept buildings have kept up sidewalks, those that are not intergenerational wealth and not well-kept buildings are
not maintained or kept up. How do these funds impact long term the places where the sidewalks are in disrepair? not in shape
d. Use for sidewalks / roads / bike lanes
e. Reduce rideshare fees and see where this can be curtailed.
f. Infrastructure--scooter / vespa racks in neighborhood paid lots. It would reduce congestion.
g. Upgrade train platforms, viaducts
h. Parks and field upgrades to encourage healthy living and healthy engagement
i. Infrastructure, not for profit wants to build school building in 2nd ward because they are all bussed to schools in different areas, they would have the
opportunity for more after school time - would be a long-term investment
j. Infrastructure: what needs to be addressed in terms of what could be done now? It will be more expensive in the future to put off infrastructure
needs.
k. Consider the complete impacts of COVID - places not used and places overused in infrastructure project decisions
l. Fifth ward school brought up
m. Public water park
n. Robert crown, make it free? Do a better job of advertising
o. More street lighting, very dangerous not enough lighting,
p. Adult education, English as a second language practical (concentrate on colloquial dialogue)
q. Community center for Latinos where they can get information and assistance
r. Technology classes, computer classes, basic and simple
s. Hub for Latino businesses (incubator?)
t. Programs for senior citizens, they were the most affected and they do not have programs available for them, boredom/ isolation?
10. Childcare
a. Most programs are not self-sustaining on their own, for example childcare. Funds should be used to help sustain.
b. Funds should be used for childcare and training.
c. Invest and consider daycare options for parents.
d. Childcare, as well as child health care needs funding: Early childhood education providers are underpaid and 0-5 is the most impactful time during a
person's lives but we are not paying enough attention to that time period of it
e. Increase availability of childcare and preschool; probably not sustained through this, but again something to get it started
f. Respond to needs of people who lost loved ones, jobs, childcare, responding to those who have been hurt the hardest
g. Offering summer camps for children, bilingual summer camps for children
h. Supporting young people especially those that suffered academically, tutoring/ after school programs Page 37 of 248a.Page 55 of 346
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11. Other
a. Use funds to help elderly people repair their homes (basements, windows)
b. Do not spend $43 million just around Robert Crown
c. ARPA funds should be used to reduce property taxes
d. Northwestern should make commitment to help sustain new programs that we might need
e. Homeowners are paying the taxes of Northwestern; businesses paying for the repairs of areas but not doing it (for example hospital alleys)
f. Stall and offset the tax rate
g. Reconsider the non-profit building of Northwestern. The sorority / frat housing “council of” or “society of” buildings are shells during the school year
and often empty during the summer. Those are property lots that could otherwise generate property tax revenue
h. Collaboration between the city and the educational system to reverse the bleed of families that cannot afford to live here, help, and focus on
families with intersectional vulnerabilities
i. Who has hurt the most, where has the most negative impact fallen - do we have data on this, data the city doesn't have that chamber or others
might have? Need to respond in equitable way
j. Climate issues, CARP implementation
k. Reframing police and fire under public safety - going to them to see what they need to do their work effectively and fairly
l. Concern about use of first responders, trained as police but smaller issues could be handled by someone other than first responders
m. Better use of city finances and city infrastructure, would like more money on public health, help people thrive in general
n. Sustainability, and its impact in housing and for seniors
o. Ideas that we need to make sure these items are sustainable
p. residents and nonprofit support,
q. Outside consults for how to spend the funds
r. food security
s. Overall capacity building
t. Seniors and families living paycheck to paycheck
u. Violence prevention around schools/ ways to eliminate violence especially gun violence
v. Funds for the public library
w. Latino librarians have been doing incredible outreach
x. Consider not fining people who cannot afford the fines, different revenue streams
y. No new programs, but to support current NFP who already support the community
z. They want to know how to take advantage of programs
aa. Cleaning the bikeways
bb. More funds for schools, especially those with special need families
cc. More programs or invest in current programs
dd. Stickers for permit parking should be offset
dd. Strengthen the relationship with the police offers, lots of Latinos do not trust police
ee. Support the Latino nonprofits
gg. Public overview of the budget in Spanish with more specific categories and indicate where the funds are going
hh. Universal basic income $400, not giving money to large corporations Page 38 of 248a.Page 56 of 346
29
ii. Do not bring large corporations but support local businesses give them more contracts
jj. Crime near schools
12. Involvement --How Would You Like to Be Engaged in this Process?
a. Talented and skilled community--wants a committee of community members to be involved in this ARPA process and allocation.
b. Transparency to show residents its thoughtful and intentional about long term benefit of investments--holding City of Evanston accountable
c. Thanks for the town hall. Have a website where we can share ARPA ideas to broaden the rest of our thoughts.
d. Wants friendlier meeting times / dates and continue virtual meeting
e. Prioritizing money in ways that care for people
f. Upset about the post COVID-19 plan, did not include input from the community, was not built with them in mind
g. More people should have a seat at the table for engagement. By the time City Council meets it is too late. Re-design the way comments work, block
clubs. Equity--reach out and make sure all voices are heard.
h. COVID provided new opportunities for engagement, enjoy this layout (town hall / roundtable format) and being able to converse in this forum
i. Lift up boards and commissions that are already in existence, create surveys to engage.?
j. This forum (zoom) doesn't reach people who the money will be spent on - not everyone can join the zoom, canvassing can we reach people through
canvassing, not just asking for public input but thinking about how to meaningfully engage them in the process, co-designing process of policy; how
to hold the city accountable, how do we give back to people for their time
k. Surveys might be good option for feedback and then coming to a forum to think about thoughts before meeting
l. Virtual v in person meeting, pleased that the city is reaching out to the Hispanic population, would like to see us reach out to all parts of the
community more
m. What can we do to get the youths' opinions and create programs for them and by them? Create a plan to engage youth.
n. Neighborhood plans over the years:, “west side planning” that incorporated workforce training, we should re-examine that and identify the best
places that we can that were in that plan
o. Lots of committees, boards, commissions in the City - how can we leverage these and ask them to come up with their own priorities and submit them
to City staff letting them submit the proposals based on those conversations?
p. Engage the citizens, even those who are not old enough to vote, connection, resilience and then engagement
q. Community town halls, more access and information to keep residents connected to the City
r. If not engaged in communities we are passionate about, then we may not be represented in the decisions - youth, essential workers, business
owners, seniors are all important groups to engage
s. How can we be informed in the process, what measures will be taken?
t. Would like the process to be more transparent, compliments to Mayor and new City Council for more community impact
u. Alders: more, community meetings would be helpful ways to engage all Evanstonians who can’t get to meetings?
v. Community members They don’t want to put ARPA funds $ into City departments and not know how it is spent, they--want to understand the
budget and want communication
w. City to cooperate more with nonprofits who are helping in community, do not feel the city is working in collaboration with them
x. Nonprofits that are supporting Latino community should receive resources or funding
y. Ensure the city is assessing and communicating the needs of the Latin x community, what research are you pulling about needs? based Page 39 of 248a.Page 57 of 346
30
z. Equity framework should be the plan on review of funds
aa. Communicate back to the community so they know they were heard about how the ARPA funds will be distributed based upon town hall
comments.
bb. Want city council members to come to the community and be more accessible, not only translation but also cultural appropriateness
cc. Recommending replicating Chicago, city officials to do surveys and talk individually with people
dd. Make the City website more accessible
ee. Lot of people have been Evanston residents here for a while and have finally heard for the first time they have a voice, excited that the City
hosted town halls and in Spanish. are here
ff. For the city to go into the community and knock on doors is very important this is a small percentage in the room
gg. Very happy that we are here and promote it so more people attend
*Note: Not everyone made comments and many comments came from groups with only one representative from that group. This chart is a rough estimate of t he
number of times a category was discussed compared to the total number of people. This is by no means an accurate account of h ow all community members feel
regarding the categories. More information is required for a statistically significant sample size. * Page 40 of 248a.Page 58 of 346
31
Roundtable Attendees
Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Biss
Alison Leipsiger
Emma Carter
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Kelley Gandurski
Sharon Johnson
Nathan Norman
ECF Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tosha Wilson
Tiffini Holmes
CNE Carol Teske
COFI Jess Rojo
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Maricar Ramos Page 41 of 248a.Page 59 of 346
32
Bettye Cohns
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Kay Israelite
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
Impact Behavioral Partners Christopher Knoper
MEAC Neal Gambow
Tana Francellno
National Able Dominic
NorthShore Health Systems Brandon Buchanan
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Yazari Gutierrez
Stacey Moragne
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Deanna Howlett
Audrey Thompson
Andy Rapoport
ECF Sol Anderson
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
The Aux Jacqui White Page 42 of 248a.Page 60 of 346
33
Tosha Wilson
CNE Sheila Merry
COFI Jesse Rojo
Chanelle Brown
Rocio Mancera
Lachisa
Gil Pena
Cynthia Lara
Eloisa
Children’s Advocacy Center Lara Priester
District 65 Jennifer Bergner
Tania Margonza
Katee (Family Center)
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Maricar Ramos
EPL Jan Bojda
Elascha Madison
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
McGaw YMCA Katie Tucker Trippi
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Rainbows for All Children Stephanie Garrity
Laura Lindroth
YJC Amanda Marks
Y.O.U. Craig Lynch
? J Bowen
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21 Organization Representative Page 43 of 248a.Page 61 of 346
34
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Kelley Gandurski
Alison Leipsiger
Genaro Hernandez
Yazari Gutierrez
Clerk Stephanie Mendoza (translating)
ECF Karli Butler
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
COFI Jesse Roo
Rocio Mancera
Chanelle Brown
Nazaria
Marla Blas
Cynthia Lara
Maria Nava
Dominga Vicencio
Eloisa
Demi
D65 Natalia Moreno Polomkasis
EPL Mariana Bojorquez
Evanston Latinos Alejandra Ibanez
Rebeca Mendoza
Evanston Scholars Serena Robertson
FLAP Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velaquez
Literacy Works Christine Kenney
United Catholic Youth
Ministries/St. Nicholas
James Holzhauer-Chuckas
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
ECF Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Actors Gymnasium Murphy Monroe
Art Encounter Lea Pinsky Page 44 of 248a.Page 62 of 346
35
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Art Center Ellie Hazlett
Evanston Arts Council Toby Sachs
Evanston History Center Eden Juron Pearlman
Evanston Live Meleika Gardner
Evanston Made Lisa Degliantoni
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Margaret Gergen
Frances Willard House Association Lori Osborne
ITA Maris Harrington
Metropolitan Family Services Samer Hussein
Mudlark Theater Daisy Copeland
Mitchell Museum Josee Starr
Northlight Theater Leann Kim Tonke
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Shorefront Dino Robinson
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Independent artist and curator Fran Joy
Skillz Physical Therapy Aime Maranan
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Paul Zalmezak
Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson
Sarah Flax
Emma Carter
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny del Valle Valdez
The Aux Tiffini Holmes
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Chamber/ECF Bryant Wallace
Evanston Live TV Meleika Gardner
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Demisha Lee
Evanston Woman/Latinx Business
Council
Linda del Bosque
FLAP Jackie Villaneuva
Michelle Velazquez Page 45 of 248a.Page 63 of 346
36
Learning Bridge Early Education Center Lindsay Percival
Literacy Works Christine Kenny
Melanie Sampson
McGaw YMCA Katie Trippi
Reba Early Learning Center Darcy Carter
Soul and Smoke Heather Bublick
Rebecca Bladen
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Andy Rapoport
Katie Klemola
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Bethel New Life Brenda Phillips
Center for Enriched Living Nick Baird
Melissa Juarez Ehlers
Center for Independent Futures Ann Sickon
COFI Jesse Rojo
Evanston Public Library Jill Skwerski
Bridget Petrites
Foster Seniors & Deltas Eva Coly
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
ITA Jenni Rook
Levy Center Foundation Judy Newton
Literacy Works Melanie Sampson
Reva Early Learning/EC2C Bettye Cohns
Skillz Physical Therapy Nsisong Ekanem
Aime Maranan
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21 Page 46 of 248a.Page 64 of 346
37
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Sarah Flax
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
Yazari Gutierrez
Audrey Thompson
Nathan Norman
Genaro Hernandez
Lachisa Barton
James Bowen
Kristin Meyer
ECF Sol Anderson
Becca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Alliance to End Homelessness in
Suburban Cook County
Katie Spoden
Center for Independent Futures Dick Malone
Connections for the Homeless Betty Bogg
Nia Tavoularis
CPAH Rob Anthony
District 65 Allie Harned
Jennifer Bergner
Evanston Cradle to Career Bettye Cohn
Kim Holmes-Ross
Evanston Development
Corporation
Robbie Markus
Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Ann Weatherhead
ETHS Taya Kinzie
Family Promise Tracy McKeithen
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
Interfaith Action of Evanston Anne Heinz
Sue Murphy
Eileen Wiviott (also Unitarian
Church)
McGaw YMCA Roland Fouche
Katie Trippi
Open Communities Jasemen Hatcher
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Reba Place Development
Corporation
Keith Banks
Richard Cahan Page 47 of 248a.Page 65 of 346
38
Page 48 of 248
a.Page 66 of 346
1
ARPA FUNDING:
AN OPPORTUNITY
FOR EVANSTON’S
TRANSFORMATIONAL
RECOVERY AND
REBUILDING
Prepared by
Roberta Rakove, Suzanne Strassberger,
and Marybeth Schroeder
for the Page 49 of 248a.Page 67 of 346
2
MORE THAN 500 COMMUNITY VOICES
Evanston has an extraordinary opportunity. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) allocated a $43 million windfall to Evanston. There are few
restrictions, and funding can be allocated over a three-year time period. Often, allocation decisions for one-time funding opportunities, such as state capital
bills or the Tobacco Settlement, are based on political will and are subject to tight expenditure timelines.
Evanston's vibrant nonprofit organizations and more than 500 community members have come together to help Evanston choose a different approach.
Our goal was to build a vision of using ARPA funds for Evanston's recovery and rebuilding from the COVID pandemic grounded in clear, community-informed
directives. The City Council, the Mayor, and City Staff can use this work to move this vision into action with ARPA funds and future projects.
The work began in June when the City of Evanston, with the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston Cradle to Career, Northwestern University's Office of
Neighborhood and Community Relations, and with guidance from Evanston Early Childhood Council and Evanston Latinos, convened three Town Hall Meetings
– two in English (virtual and in-person) and the third in Spanish. Three-hundred thirteen Evanston residents participated.
From August through September, the Evanston Community Foundation, Mayor Daniel Biss, and the staff of the City of Evanston partnered to facilitate seven
Roundtables, each organized around a sector, a youth Townhall with 34 youth participants, and facilitators, and a survey of more than 55 ETHS students. Prior
to the Roundtables, the Evanston Early Childhood Council had convened their own group to set out priorities which are incorporated into this report.
It is a testimony to Evanston's community spirit that virtually none of the 169 people from 62 organizations (exclusive of City and ECF staff) participating in the
Roundtables advocated for their own individual or organizational priorities.
Participant input from the four Town Hall meetings and the seven Roundtables form the basis for this report. It is organized as follows:
Introduction
Criteria to use in the decision-making process
Cross-sector themes for change
A chart that compares the cross-sector themes with the priority topics covered in each of the seven Roundtables
Appendices including, a) project recommendations by sector, b) youth survey results, c) priorities put forward by the Evanston Early Childhood
Council, d) and a list of roundtable participants.
The commitment of the more than 500 community members who took time out of their very busy schedules to participate is a statement of what makes
Evanston strong: active members of its community, both those who live there and those who work there. It is important to note that there are still
opportunities for listening to incorporate important voices. These include the faith community, healthcare, environmental groups, and business groups like the
Chamber of Commerce and the Black Business Consortium of Evanston/North Shore. We urge City officials and staff, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and
others planning future projects to make use of the information here that came from the incredible resource that is our Evanston community.
Page 50 of 248a.Page 68 of 346
3
ARPA Evanston Funding Criteria
Roundtable participants want the overall spending plan to reflect core values of the Evanston community. They had strong ideas about how the project
selection process and what criteria should be used to evaluate proposed projects and spending.
1. Community Voice: Center the voices of individuals and communities most impacted by project creation, providing adequate time, outreach, and
transparency in decision-making through meaningful engagement of community members. Both the project evaluation process and the funded projects
should include community members from targeted areas.
2. Equity: Projects should demonstrate a commitment to equity in Evanston.
a. Funding should be focused and demonstrate impact on Black and Latino communities.
b. Projects should address language and cultural barriers.
c. Projects should focus on communities most negatively impacted by Covid-19.
d. Grassroots and community-based organizations should be provided the tools to apply.
e. Project evaluators should reflect diverse communities.
3. Selection process: Funding decisions should be made with a clear, transparent process that is collaborative rather than competitive, building on
community connections and networks. The process should welcome some risk and funding of grassroots organizations and projects.
4. Sustainability: Projects should demonstrate sustainability or long-term impact from this one-time infusion of funds.
5. Strategic Use of Resources: Funding decisions should take into consideration the availability of alternative or complementary funding from the Federal
government, state government, or philanthropy. The flexibility of the ARPA funds welcomes creativity and innovation.
6. Collaboration and Partnership: Projects should enable and build upon community, organizational, and cross-sector collaboration.
7. Employment and Economic Impact: Preference should be given to projects that will hire locally, provide youth employment and employment for persons
with disabilities, and utilize local businesses.
8. Outcomes: Projects should have clear measurable outcomes.
9. Balance: Projects should be balanced among meeting immediate needs, capital projects, and systems change.
Page 51 of 248a.Page 69 of 346
4
Cross-sector Themes
While each roundtable focused on a specific sector, overarching themes, concerns, and ideas appeared in multiple discussions and the town halls.
Four common areas stood out as foundational: housing, childcare, investment in Black and Latino communities, and mental health and trauma.
1. Housing: The necessity to address the continuum of affordable housing challenges from homelessness to affordable rentals to supportive housing to
achievable homeownership was cited as a fundamental prerequisite for solving a broad range of issues. Evanston has significant assets in this area with
existing collaboratives and community-based organizations.
2. Childcare: Childcare, including affordable early childhood and after school care, emerged as a critical issue for Evanston to thrive as a diverse, economically
prosperous, and family-supportive city. The strength of Evanston’s Early Childhood Education Council and the broad range of programs in Evanston were
perceived as community assets.
3. Investment in Black and Latino communities: Every roundtable group strongly supported diversity and equity as core values for Evanston and central to
Evanston’s identity. Targeting the use of ARPA funds to overall investment in Black and Latino communities was widely voiced.
4. Mental Health and Trauma: Accessibility to affordable and culturally competent mental health services was raised as a long-term unmet need and key to
recovering from the pandemic.
5. The Digital Divide: Access to broadband, digital device ownership, and training in utilizing digital resources is viewed as essential to provide access to
multiple resources. This is perceived to be a critical equity issue. Broadband is specifically included as an allowable expense in ARPA.
6. Destination City: Evanston has unique assets that, with some additional investment and strategic planning, could enhance its local economy as a
destination city, creating employment opportunities and developing strong local existing businesses. The large artistic creative community in Evanston and
the many unique small businesses and restaurants were seen as solid foundations for this concept.
7. Employment: Employment was a concern for both employers, many of whom are having difficulty finding employees for several categories of work and
individuals seeking jobs and training.
8. Capital challenges: Capital investment in the infrastructure of early childhood programs, nonprofits, affordable housing, homelessness, and some small
businesses were cited as appropriate use for one-time funding. Many organizations had to divert capital funds to respond to COVID and are left without
resources to make regular improvements, meet new demands, and implement safety measures related to the pandemic.
9. City and community relationship: The ARPA funding discussion highlights the opportunity for the City of Evanston to work more strategically with
community partners. In particular, there was an emphasis on utilizing community-based resources well and not duplicating roles or services between the
City of Evanston and nonprofit organizations. Additional issues include staffing, revamping the City’s website, community outreach, linguistic and cultural
competency, and institutionalizing meaningful community input into the City budgeting and planning processes. Page 52 of 248a.Page 70 of 346
5
Themes Raised by Sectors
Common themes for the use of ARPA funds were raised across the eight Roundtables that were conducted, as well as in the presentation from the early
childhood community, the youth survey, and the Town halls that the City of Evanston conducted. The chart below illustrates in which discussions these
overarching themes were raised.
ROUNDTABLES
Workforce
Development/
Emerging
Adults
School
Age
Children
Immigrant/
Undocumented
Arts/
Humanities
Economic/
Community
Development
Seniors/
Individuals
with
Disabilities
Housing/
Homelessness
Early
Childhood
Adult
Town
Halls
Youth
Townhall
Housing X x x X x x x x X
Childcare X x x X x x x X
Investment in
Black, Latinx,
Immigrant
Communities
X x x x X x x x x X
Mental
Health/Trauma
x x x x x x x x
Digital Divide X x x X x x x
Destination City X x
Employment X x X x x x x x x
Capital
Challenges
X x x x x x
City/Community
Relationship
x X X x x X
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APPENDICES
o Roundtable Notes: Sector Specific Project Ideas and Initiatives (pages 7-12)
o Youth Townhall and Survey Notes (pages 13-19)
o Early Childhood Council Recommendations (pages 20-21)
o Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls (pages 22-30)
o Roundtable Participants (pages 30-36)
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Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Support for small business:
o Social enterprises, especially for grassroots/marginalized folks
o Loans for small businesses, particularly for youth
o Business incubators
o Coaching support for small business, community-based
o Cohort model in which childcare is free for ambassadors, coaches, small business creators
Parent & family ambassador program: Paid positions for trusted individuals to connect people to resources, to what they need, and what is available
Space:
o The Aux, space for entrepreneurs of color to launch business
o Family Focus building: potential hub for nonprofits and organizations. Need to grow that kind of resource in 5th, 2nd, 8th wards
o Shared resources for nonprofits and businesses
Career pathways:
o Communication and education for middle and high schoolers and families about potential careers, opportunities, training, need ed support
o Direct services for young people at high school to ensure that every young person at ETHS has clear path and plan and connection to living
wage and training
o Integrating workforce development and economic development because community needs these workers
o Connecting employers and social services – supply and demand of workers
Cara Collective in Chicago, inclusive hiring resource
Early childhood workforce initiative: Address recruiting and retention through education, support, training
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Mental health:
o Trauma informed training for educators and staff of youth and family programs
o More and more accessible mental health resources for young people
o Specific mental health supports for kids under 10 who have been dealing with pandemic that they don’t understand
o Mental health first aid training
Youth and family voice and leadership:
o Create ways for young people and families to participate in decision-making and leadership
o Spaces for youth to talk together, including LBGTQ youth
o Paid parent, youth, and community ambassadors to improve communication and connection between city, community resources, and families
Resources for youth and families:
o Transportation to facilitate after school and out of school programs
o Broadband for all Page 56 of 248a.Page 74 of 346
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o More STEM education and opportunities
o More available and affordable childcare
o Teen center and community gathering places, where kids can hang in unstructured way and be safe and whole family might be engaged. Have
services like tutoring, enrichment, sport, mental health.
o Latino community disconnected from schools and resources. Need trusted communicators and connections
o More accessible and available tutoring
o Community social workers and resource navigators
Resources for Black and brown communities:
o Startup cost to help Evanstonians develop own businesses, especially in Black and brown community
o Leadership development for Black and brown community
o Provide intentional funding for solidarity between Black and Latino populations
Support for nonprofit organizations:
o Sustainability long term support for organizations and businesses
o Stabilization program in place during recovery period for youth and families
o Coming together for ideas can be used to find additional resources and share resources to continue to collaborate
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21
Support for organizations and community to increase linguistic and cultural competence to better serve immigrant communities:
o Bicultural bilingual lawyer staff
o Education for allies (e.g., language training for folks working with populations)
o Support organizations working with Latino population to hire more bilingual bicultural folks
o Support for early childhood overall and to connect with Latino families
o $$$ to research and report Latino history in Evanston
o Community education on immigration status
Housing:
o Housing supports to keep families, especially Latinos, in Evanston
o Economic development and housing programs for those who don’t fit into limited state and federal criteria
o (e.g., qualification for business licensing, homelessness)
o City housing program to buy houses to do loans for ITIN and immigrant families, so they don’t have to go to bank
Literacy education:
o Adult literacy, especially ESL (single greatest factor of kids’ success is mother’s literacy level). Evanston could potentially later access state
library money once a program/programs are established here
o Access to early childhood education combined with adult literacy program at EC centers
City of Evanston hiring: Page 57 of 248a.Page 75 of 346
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o $$$ to hire more bilingual/bicultural staff in parks
o City actually be open to Latino staff
o Health workers for the city: this is recovery money; emphasis should be on health department, particularly bilingual/bicultural
o Train individuals to be public health workers, again the ambassador model, a community health force for covid, diabetes, etc. This is a once in
a lifetime to make Evanston healthier
Mental health and health:
o More mental health centers and resources (took a year to find therapist for my child) and workers, particularly for Latinos, with Spanish
speakers and affordability
o Better health tracking by Latinos as well as by race
Scholarships for undocumented students while they access college
City commitment to language access policy and budget commitment (not necessarily with ARPA funds but as integral to work)
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Evanston as tourism destination:
o Branding program for Evanston and Evanston arts
o Development of citywide events to attract folks (e.g., Evanston Made First Saturdays)
Arts czar or coordinator at City of Evanston:
o Advocate for arts
o Encourage and build collaboration in sector and with other sectors
o Rebuild cultural arts grants to have enough funds to make meaningful grants
1% for arts:
o Mark 1% of ARPA fund for arts
o Potentially use Arts Council to distribute
Museum/arts building:
o Create central arts/museum building to house Shorefront, Evanston Made, women’s history
o Build with community input and create public/private partnership for funding
o See Theaster Gates building in Chicago
o Be innovative with use of City owned empty lots and buildings. Convert to studios, performance spaces.
Collaborative support for the arts:
o Collective impact effort for the arts and humanities
o Create scholarship pool for all organizations with administrator for all
o Endowment building for arts organizations
o Resources to help arts and humanities collect data needed for grant applications
Mental health: Page 58 of 248a.Page 76 of 346
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o Train artists in trauma and to collaborate with social services, police, etc. to be part of positive mental health effort
o Develop mental health effort with arts engagement particularly focused on impact of covid for young people, students, older adults
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Housing:
o McGaw YMCA renovation/improvement of SRO
o Build and preserve multi-family housing stock
o Use underutilized city assets for affordable housing
Community and economic development:
o Invest ARPA throughout Evanston, not just downtown
o Build nontraditional anchors in underdeveloped areas
o Community broadband – one-time deep investment
o Investments in underserved areas in Evanston with community voice
o Target empty spaces for use by small businesses and arts groups
Early childhood care and education (crucial support for businesses and employment):
o Capital dollars for early childhood which were postponed to support PPE, could be local employment
o Bridge gap on cost of early childhood education and ensure high quality
o Scholarships to train early childhood teachers because there is a shortage, and this is necessary to have people work
Business and employment support:
o Encourage local hiring
o Digital access and training for small businesses
o Build short term certification
o Create mentorship pathways at work and in different workplaces/careers
o Support for more equitable hiring in Evanston
o Support incubators
o New businesses have trouble getting support – encouraging new business in wards that are underserved, involve youth
o Funds for delayed repairs for nonprofits and businesses due to covid
City communication and leadership:
o City website needs to be redone and more functional and accessible. Change lens to what is the community looking for
o City as model for how we want businesses and nonprofits to operate:
Local hiring preferences
Deconstruction to support environmental goals
Use underused city assets for affordable housing
Systemic approach: What are the barriers to employment and to growing local business? Page 59 of 248a.Page 77 of 346
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o Childcare
o Access to and money for training
o Understanding labor needs for small business
o Digital services and access
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Employment support:
o Employment opportunities through nonprofit collaborations. Paid employment opportunities. Employers come to the table to disc uss their needs
in partnering with nonprofits. Put supports in place – employers don’t have the toolkit to know how to employ people with disabilities.
o Employment opportunities for those with criminal records. Attorneys to assist with expungement.
o Offer incentives to employers for those who hire those with criminal record and IDD
o Transportation to Evanston or outside of Evanston for those who work elsewhere
o Community case managers to help coordinate these things across agencies
o Intergenerational workforce program
o Create Mayors Older Adults Employment program
o Financial supports for businesses owned by older adults
Digital divide:
o Amp up broadband support.
o Center community member needs regarding devices. Buy from local companies
o Amping up digital literacy and navigators. Crossover collaborations with high school students.
Housing:
o Housing subsidies for seniors and individuals with disabilities
o Respite housing for caregivers
o Purchase housing for adults. Tiny housing like ETHS Geometry in Construction program.
Mental health and health:
Updated wellness center at Levy Center
Hire community social workers at Levy Center
Treatments for those with mental illness and support them in workforce. More funding to reduce senior social isolation to support Uniper and the
arts/humanities organizations that offer Evanston programming.
More funds for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater/Prime Time Players (theater/older adults) and publicizing more so people know about it.
Mental health services for older adults
Support businesses and other sectors in becoming more age friendly and dementia friendly.
Provide swimming pool at levy center. Therapeutic. Insurance can sustain. Page 60 of 248a.Page 78 of 346
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Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21
Support for homeless:
o Permanent emergency 24-hour 7-day shelter gender inclusive
o Public bathrooms- permanent – models from Portland
o Shelter units for larger families
o Investing in getting community buy-in for permanent shelter
Rental support:
o Workforce development program attached to rental subsidy
o Permanent rental subsidies for long term affordable housing
o Partner with property owners to figure out what supports they need to be affordable
o Building on Connections transitional program to extend past 2 years
o Voucher program for families with children
o Investing in and enforcing fair housing requirements, ending discrimination against housing vouchers
o Rental vouchers, rental vouchers, rental vouchers
o Expansion of housing allies’ efforts, helping landlords get more involved and committed, Connections guarantees 3-mos rent/damage funds
Housing options:
o More youth centered housing, especially for young men
o Support along the continuum of housing vulnerability
o Larger living spaces for larger families
o Financial literacy for youth
o Cleveland housing program: Section 8 to home ownership
o Ensuring availability of transitional housing for women and children located in Evanston
o Funding for ADUs
o Capital investment to purchase things now such as shelter, tiny houses, etc.
Support services:
o Coordinating services and wrap around services for mental health, legal support, addictions support, etc.
o Immigrant services: create programs that don’t require social security numbers
o Universal credit check process
o Expand City TBAR (?) program that city has for to support D65 and D202 families from current two years to all 13 years of school, expand slots
from 20 (since 300 kids in schools identified as homeless)
o Community refrigerators and pantries: ways to promote access
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ARPA Youth Townhall, 9/21/21
Employment/workforce:
o Access to jobs for youth:
Youth need training around how to apply for a job, support around filling out the application process, and help looking for a job.
Create a more structured easy way to apply for a job for youth.
Youth Job Center offer more training programs for youth.
Job fair to train youth how to secure a job
More work-based opportunities for youth
Mentorship programs combined with helping neighbors (e.g., snow shoveling, planting trees around Evanston)
o Adult job fair, with resources like youth job fairs
o Give grants to small and black businesses to create more jobs.
o Tuition reimbursement for all jobs in Evanston.
o Offer more mentoring for people in the community.
Support for immigrants and refugees:
o Support for Latinx community but also for others, such as Haitian community
o Curriculum and other learning opportunities about history
o Programs such as Students Without Borders to make people welcome
o Improve outreach to immigrants
o Provide translation and translation services
o Divert funds from police dealing with undocumented families to services supporting them
o Funds for older undocumented people
o Build a judgment free immigrant center for immigrants and undocumented people
Resources for youth and school aged kids:
o Students in need of more mental health resources: Awareness & workshops
o Diverse social workers (more people that look like them)
o Affordable programs like Y.O.U. and YMCA
o Programs for kids with disabilities
o Better nutritional and food programs
o Before and after care
o More tutoring opportunities, mentoring program between older and younger kids
o College planning help
o Sex education
o STEM activities and programs
o Skate park: place to congregate without getting yelled at Page 62 of 248a.Page 80 of 346
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o Community athletics, casual based on age
Health:
o Ensure that all have affordable health and dental care
o More attention to holistic healthcare for all (vision, dental, mental, and physical)
o More fresh markets, especially near Oakton school
o More mental health resources, especially for kids and youth, including raising awareness and workshops
Housing:
o More attention to housing crisis for renters and buyers
Environment:
o Use the funds for CARP projects
o Garden/nature activities accessible to all
Spaces for gardening, dance classes, performing arts activities
Activities that bring awareness on climate crisis
Youth Voices Survey
Feedback was gathered in the form of a Google Survey in order to collect input from our Youth community members. Participants were between the
ages of 14-23 years old.
This survey went live on September 22nd, and closed on September 29th.
Distribution among different partners:
o EC2C Student Advocates
o EC2C Volunteer Fair
o Community Service Director of ETHS
o Shared via email and text message by City Staff in the Youth/Young Adult Division
A total of 58 participants filled out this survey
What would make life better in Evanston for babies – five-year-olds?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Parks and recreation:
o Cleaner parks, less trash on streets and on playgrounds. Safe, clean, accessible parks with walking trails for strollers, and have thes e parks in
locations close to populated areas
o Make sure the upkeep of these areas is good and frequent
o Updated playgrounds! Fenced in playgrounds for toddlers. Indoor winter activities
o Clean parks and more community attitude for them to grow up around
o An outdoor/indoor playground and swimming pool Page 63 of 248a.Page 81 of 346
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o More baby parks and activities they can do. Recreational spaces that are baby-friendly
o Free access to tot sports equipment
o Recreational programs/activities for those ages, such as art classes or swimming lessons
More libraries throughout the city, with more programs for young children
Housing: A major part of growing up healthy is stable housing. To live with some certainty of your fiscal future, and for a lot of people that is not
possible because of The predatory Evanston real estate market. When parents have to worry about rent raising due to gentrification, they have much
less time to care for their infants, as well as much less money to provide for their children.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Early childhood care and education:
o Affordable, high-quality childcare for parents
o Universal pre-K
o Hire kids from the ETHS child development classes to work at after school programs. Just have the teacher suggest it and give out applications
and there will be a better staff to student ratio.
Parent/family support:
o Support for food, and utilities so parents don’t have to be working all the time and spend time with their kids so that the kids won’t become
delinquents
o Programs to donate clothes, diapers, and baby food for families impacted by COVID-19 and food insecurities.
o Free diapers
o A city toy fund, for children who cannot afford them
Programs for parents:
o Preschool and socializing
o single parent parenting education
o social groups for parents,
o Support services for crisis situations
What would make life better in Evanston for K-5 kids?
INFRASTRUCTURE
5th ward school/ neighborhood schools for everybody
Safe, clean accessible offscreen areas
More libraries throughout the city, with programming for kids grades k-5
Affordable/free childcare options
Housing: Affordable housing and the possibility of buying a home for people working minimum wage jobs. A home is crucial to a healthy family.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Childcare and afterschool activities: Page 64 of 248a.Page 82 of 346
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o Affordable or free childcare options
o Robust and affordable after-school program with diverse programming
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
o Activities to socialize while being safe from Covid
o Give them more opportunities outside of school.
o Programs for troubled kids to have good role models
o Hire kids from the child development classes to work at after school programs. There will be a better staff to student ratio.
o Offer free enrichment programming during school year
o More study centers and help with their homework after school.
Mental help programs, including Peer Support programs
Giving them a better understanding about our community and how we can stay safe and keep others safe and welcomed.
Introduce kids to green living and the correct positive morals for our community, “love thy neighbor” it overall should show a positive response
throughout the community for years to come influencing individuals to return to such a strong and well-founded community
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
More hands-on learning opportunities
More resources for parents to aid their children in remote learning will be useful
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Science programs and more higher paying job opportunities in Evanston
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
Giving subsidies to various schools for programs and opportunities would help get kids more involved and aid in developing an open mindset and more
active lifestyle.
What would make life better in Evanston for 6-8th grade students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
More libraries throughout the city, with programs for students their age
Revitalize downtown and make it more appealing or youngsters
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Role models for behavior and community respect.
Afterschool activities:
o Affordable after-school activities / opportunities
o Recreational activities that are engaging Page 65 of 248a.Page 83 of 346
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o Get them to socialize, be outside and disconnect from technology
o Having more after school programs (academic, athletic, etc.) can help students become more developed for high school.
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
Assistance with high school prep with high school mentors
Service for troubled kids and service opportunities.
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More emotional support/therapeutic options. Offering therapy to everyone
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Early financial literacy. How to be smart about money.
Better school tech
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Education about LBTQ
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments, including after school study center
Donating to help with homelessness and pushing legislature for climate change, taxing high emission companies, and establishing laws. This helps
everyone.
What would make life better in Evanston for high school age students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Police training that teaches non- violent techniques to de-escalate situations without putting force on young kids.
More areas where young people can congregate to interact in a safe environment
o Could be in Robert Crown
o Having more block or art fairs and more to do in downtown Evanston
Community Gardens that supply food for the community and where students can either work or volunteer
Transportation:
o Better school transportation
o Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mentorship and personal development:
o Training on how to be active members of the community.
o Having them learn about better ways to solve problems in our community so they can spread the word. Teach them at a young age how to be
involved in the community.
o Programs for drug prevention, gang violence Page 66 of 248a.Page 84 of 346
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o programs to help with career searches and mentors.
o Program for assessment of healthy relationships
Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
Mental Health:
o Taking mental health seriously, offering more therapeutic support for teenagers with mental illness.
o Treat mental illness and disorders as you would any other chronic illness. Don’t assign homework outside of missing class work, teenagers
already have too much going on.
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
College and career preparation:
More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Better preparation for post-secondary education, like a required class that teaches about Learning life skills, financial literacy, taxes, how to
get a job, etc.
o High school internships where they have to work and also shadow workers. Collaborate with local businesses for this.
o College preparation classes and mentorship
Studying and Tutoring:
o More accessible study areas and more tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
o An after-school study center
o There are very few places around Evanston to meet up to do projects in or to get tutoring help from a non-school staff member.
Better funding for teacher and staff wages. Feeling disconnect from your education because of teacher and staff lack of morale is not only harming the
children’s education, but also the teachers
College scholarships and rent subsidies:
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
What would make life better in Evanston for young adults (ages 18-26)?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Affordable Housing
Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mental health:
o More mental health services / Mental health education
o More community programs and workshops would help young adults with interacting and regaining social confidence after being online for so
long
More programs to volunteer with organizations and get involved.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT / CAREER DEVELOPMENT Page 67 of 248a.Page 85 of 346
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Career and college:
o More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Job opportunity programs, resume writing, mentors, community service projects, healthy relationships educational programs
o Opportunity fairs along with job fairs
o College preparation classes and mentorship
o Have more resources for young adults to learn life skills (or raise awareness to those resources)
o Courses/training on Financial literacy and taxes
Raise the minimum wage. many students are trying to make ends meet paying for collage as well as a place to stay and food.
College scholarships and rent subsidies
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
Any more ideas you think would help the community?
More look on poverty and safety.
Giving contracts and subsidies to companies that are founded in Evanston and largely employ Evanstonians and the tying to give as much job
opportunities to small businesses in Evanston instead of multi-billion-dollar corporations that really do not do anything for our community
Prioritize pedestrian/bike infrastructure over cars to increase safety and encourage people to walk places instead of driving. This can be added to our
environment efforts
Scholarship programs: Give out a scholarship based on an essay prompt. It doesn’t have to be for much. Some scholarships are only $200.
Instituting more environmentally friendly ways to get power would be beneficial to the community overall. Anything to save or conserve energy would
be a step in the right direction in terms of trying to control global warming.
A food bank
While these funds are great, please don’t forget about the housing/ “reparations” bill, which has time and time again been pr oven to be underfunded
and discriminatory. We need to have a foundation for children, if you were looking for people to say a park or general recreation I wouldn’t disagree.
But I believe that would be skipping a major step, trying to promote financial security in every household. This is key to growing up and becoming an
adult. Without financial security people are caught in a survival mindset, struggle to put food on the table. Leaving their and our community’s children
vulnerable. Cracking down on gentrification and setting up a secure housing program is a good step. But it also cannot be considered reparations, and
should not even be considered a housing program. It is a selective and discriminatory loan. What we need is something real. Something that will
create sustainability. We must not underwhelm the importance of housing.
Support the fire department
Accountability regarding this feedback Page 68 of 248a.Page 86 of 346
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Evanston Early Childhood Education Council, 7/23/21
Operational support for both full-time, part-time, and home-based child-care programs: $500,000
The losses to operational support for early childhood education during the Covid-19 pandemic in early childhood has been devastating. Decreases in
enrollment, loss of fees which cover costs and reductions in CCAP assistance has had a significant impact on operational losses. It has only gotten
more difficult to meet the bottom line of program operations. Some centers and home- based child-care homes, especially part day programs, have
closed or are in danger of permanently shutting down. The country has the potential to permanently lose millions of early childcare slots. Evanston
and the State of Illinois is a part of that larger number. Our earliest learners and their future success in education must be made a priority.
Examples:
o IWSE lost 35k per month of CCAP revenue due to Covid-19 enrollment
o Cherry Preschool anticipates 62% enrollment for 2021 due to Covid-19
o Mandated changes in DCFS regulations caused substantial financial losses
Recouping money spent on capital and structural improvements to help align early childhood facilities with new COVID requirements: $300,000
Many Early Childhood full and part-time Centers have had to put repairs on hold and divert those dollars to pay for PPE, sanitization and other Covid
related items. We are also experiencing very high water and electricity bills due to the cleaning and sanitizing, zooming, and connecting with parents
during the pandemic. A grant to cover repairs costs that should have been done in 2020 and higher utility bills would be helpful in stabilizing Centers.
Some only need a small number of repairs; others are more substantial. All of the Centers will need help with the higher costs of providing care and
education while enrolling fewer children. A grant system similar to the CDBG, without prevailing wage would also employ small Evanston contractors.
Examples:
o Learning Bridge deferred 40k of capital improvements due to expenditures on PPE and air purification
o Toddler Town spent 12k (Loan) on air purifiers retrofits for HVAC
o Cherry Pre School deferred 15k on structural repairs and painting
Financial support for staff educational credentialing, training, and career advancement: $250,000
The income for early childhood education workers without a degree is typically at minimum wage. Opportunities for career advancement is
dependent upon the worker’s ability to financially access an educational degree. Many workers cannot afford the tuition OR th e ability to leave
employment when needed for fieldwork. Financial support will enable workers the ability to pursue training and education. Workers will gain
confidence and enhance professionalism of the early childhood education workforce. Examples:
o Launch partnership with National Louis University and Oakton Community College to support teacher advancement within centers
o Stipends and Scholarships for our staff will greatly enhance our workforce and continuity of care for our most vulnerable
o Having a local community scholarship fund would greatly increase staff opportunity for credentialing and advancement
o Teacher shortages have created hiring challenges for qualified staff due to salary/rate-based disparities in early childhood.
Financial support for mental health, behavioral health, disability, and OT/PT services: $125,000
Many early childhood education programs do not have the financial capacity to support the needs of children with mental health, behavioral health,
and disability concerns. Occupational and physical therapy services for programs operating outside of school district 65 are unaffordable for most
families and early childhood programs. Children receiving services through the school district are often bussed from one program to another twice a Page 69 of 248a.Page 87 of 346
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day. Services need to be provided in the most “least restricted environment.” This means that access to needed services for children are not
dependent upon their families. Examples:
o Due to Covid and increased stress and trauma on families, mental health services have been in great demand without adequate funding
o Many mental health professionals are leaving for private practice increasing costs for services
o Disability services are very limited through Early Intervention and more funds are needed to support this population
Emergency support for families and scholarship dollars to support the continuity of care: $100,000
Families experience circumstances such as loss of employment, loss of childcare subsidy assistance, or medical needs that imp act their ability to pay
the childcare tuition. Continuity of care is crucial for children to grow and develop a strong foundation and readiness for kindergarten. Financial assistance
for emergencies or scholarships can decrease the stress of families (typically lower income) and the trauma these families experience when the
educational support system for their child and themselves are kept in place. Examples:
o Financial aid for families who are struggling to meet payments or qualify for assistance (underemployment, unemployment, job instability)
o Emergency funds to help families in crisis circumstances: homelessness, loss of job, death in family, etc.
Staff equity stipends/bonus for pandemic work since July 2020: $500,000
The country has relied on Early Childhood staff (in full day programs, home based childcares, and part day programs) to provide an essential service
throughout the pandemic so that people could get back to work. While others were able to work from the safety of their homes, early childhood staff
provided direct, hands-on care to our most vulnerable individuals. Due to the very limited resources of childcare programs, staff were not
compensated commensurate with the risk they have been asked to take. In many cases, staff salaries were reduced during the pandemic and any
future increases minimal to protect the viability of the programs. Direct funding provided to programs for one-time contributions to retirement
accounts, bonuses or one-time investments in salaries is critical to sustaining the workforce and mitigating staff turnover.
o Early Childhood staff have been working in dangerous and highly stressful work environments since June of 2020.
o Children are still unvaccinated and place our workforce in life threatening and dangerous circumstances.
o Many of our staff are in the “most vulnerable” category and have pre-existing conditions affected by Covid-19
o Our services allowed and continue to support parents to get back to work and be able to concentrate on their school age children
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Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls
Prepared by City of Evanston Staff
Below are the responses from community members to the questions that were presented at each town hall / roundtable, broken down by category. Some of
the comments may not fall into an ARPA-related category, but staff felt it important to capture every comment for the City Council to review. There were
approximately 313 participants total.
1. Public Health
a. ARPA funds should go to health care, childcare, affordable housing, equity, and police. Police should do less policing and the City should expend
more resources on mental health instead.
b. Some of the ARPA funds should be used for youth programs in schools, tutoring programs (due to youth impacted negatively by COVID-19 being
out of school).
c. Social workers should be hired to work with EPD
d. City Council has cut the budget for social services for youth over the years. EPD now intervenes in youth matters where counseling and therapy are
necessary. Community members want specific youth services / counseling / therapy rather than using EPD resources for this.
e. Largest priority for ARPA funding should be in areas of public health concerns.
f. Mental health programs should be at the forefront of ARPA funding.
g. COVID impacted disproportionately low income and people of color, and ARPA should be used to alleviate the negative impact.
i. City Council should be examining how ARPA can be used to help senior citizens.
j. Increase public health and social service programming to deter violence in the city
l. Since the community does not know and understand fully the impact of mental health concerns for the school children and youth, City Council
should set aside funding for programming that will address these concerns.
m. Funding should be set aside for healthcare needs of community members who do not have access to services.
o. Mental health professionals should be hired with ARPA funds to work with police officers
p. Funding should support an increase in the number of public health professionals working at the City.
q. Council should allocate funding to support individuals experiencing homelessness, especially women and children and those negatively impacted by
COVID
r. Free and income based mental health services should be offered for families and children
s. Mental health services generally should be free or income based.
t. Coverage for substance abuse issues and invest more in social workers
u. Whatever funding is left-over from ARPA and not already allocated should be allocated to public health matters.
v. Funding should be used to assist individuals with medical bills.
w. Substance abuse issues with young people require support programs and funding.
2. Economic Impacts
a. Paid internships should be funded for people with disabilities that will teach job readiness, and encourage paid internships for adults with disabilities
b. Arts community has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Musicians were completely out of work during the last year. The Council should Page 71 of 248a.Page 89 of 346
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examine strategies to revive and support arts organizations in Evanston
c. Support for arts organizations, musicians, artists who have not been able to work during COVID
d. Substantial part of ARPA should be given to Family Focus. Family Focus is looking to expand and repair the building at Foster School. They have $1m
set aside from the State of Illinois. Evanston can help foster plans and create a hub for non-profits that are accessible to 5th ward residents.
e. Family Focus is a hub in the 5th ward and important structure, several not-for-profits and organizations but it needs some serious repairs
f. Thank you for bringing the city government to the people. It is important to build back better and invest in the future, especially in arts (businesses
benefit from arts). I would like to see a tourism site created by Evanston that focuses on arts and culture, a calendar that lists every single event and
venue on items going on in Evanston. The City should try to promote tourism and people coming from out of town
g. Investments need to generate economic growth and the community needs to hold ourselves accountable and be transparent about how we think it
will encourage growth when we start spending the funds
h. Use funding in the areas of the city disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. were not economically impacted by COVID-19. - The City should help
the residents who were the most economically impacted - people who lost jobs - people who could not afford childcare (if we could do this through
Family Focus that would be great, and we should put money towards Family Focus)
i. Stop funding grants to restaurants. Their failure rate is too great in general, and to use ARPA funding would be wasteful.t.
j. Restaurants should pay more than minimum wage (and weren’t paying workers well before the pandemic) and we should not use money for
restaurants.
k. “New normal”, need to work on workforce development - new ways of working - making sure to support workforce development of this new normal
l. Economic development should be the City’s top priority.t
m. Council should make sure 8th and 5th ward will benefit from funding and other areas heavily impacted by COVID
n. Supporting communities of color, local businesses who have not returned, loss of business near the theater and need for a new theater
o. How can we encourage merchants to come back, enticements; continue to engage the community on the front end with ideas and implementation
as well as the final decision - who makes the decision - what role does the community get to play?
p. Front line workers, how can we better support them?
q. Downtown Evanston, what will replace the businesses that have left and what can serve as an anchor for the City pertinent for all residents? A plan
is needed.
r. Learned more about local businesses during the pandemic and wanting to see local businesses come back possibly through small grants - connection
between community and businesses
s. Workforce development, what can we do to train the youths for jobs and repairs in our city? ARPA funding should be used in training components
when it comes to the trades. This will allow opportunity for youth outreach to get them trained in the trades.
t. How can we promote economic development, what can the City invest in?
u. Generate more economic revenue and activity it will help with the City finances
v. Economic development for small businesses, sustaining not for profits, helping not for profits
w. Need to make sure funding is spent on areas that will be turned over and multiply dollars in the city
x. Job security is a problem in the community. Use ARPA funds to sustain businesses to create job security.
y. Investments in projects that bring sustaining growth, job training
z. Track individual’s progression through economic development services
aa. Tracking the return on investment in programs
bb. Investment in businesses related to sustainability Page 72 of 248a.Page 90 of 346
25
cc. Many businesses are closed and need support. Other facilities (e.g.,Canal Shores Golf Course) stayed open whole time and took more wear and tear
dd. Something for people in need of job training or assistance returning to work
ee. Collaboration with Oakton for job training in Evanston for youth, homeless, other folks in need; collaborate with other social services
ff. Oakton community college location in Evanston should receive funding
gg. Northlight would be a great asset for City, but using it for capital construction on the building would not be appropriate in the infrastructure
categories
hh. The City did not appear to truly be economically impacted from COVID-19.
ii. Financial assistance for families who are struggling financially
jj. Help Local businesses through grants or programming.
3. Premium Pay
a. Request for jobs training, premium pay
b. Downtown and essential workers should receive ARPA funding and support (i.e., premium pay).
c. Fund for essential workers brought up - broader than just City essential workers
d. Childcare, essential workers, especially low-income essential workers
4. Revenue
a. Use the money first to cover the City’s deficit, and support existing programs before undertaking new projects
b. Use some of the money to offset the budget for funds lost due to free beach tokens for 3 days
c. Cure deficit before spending more money
d. Revenue--align ourselves with forward, progressive thinking organizations and look at our revenue streams
e. Putting money into City revenue holes should not be a priority
f. Don’t use money to pay for any debt
5. Water
a. Water--important that we have our water system insured that in can increase capacity and make every effort to extend our services around
northern Illinois
b. Lead water pipes has been an issue in the past - one-time opportunity to upgrade these
c. Lead pipelines, importance of providing employment opportunities and enhancing safety
6. Sewer
a. Sewers--should be repaired Page 73 of 248a.Page 91 of 346
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7. Broadband
a. Digital divide, make sure to solve the problem of broadband - how can we fix the digital divide in Evanston?
b. Robert Crown should provide free digital access and services for businesses and community
c. Broadband--5G relegated to big 3 communication companies--City of Evanston should look into if 5G should be a utility for the entire city (a digital
divide would no longer be an issue in Evanston). We have a digital superhighway running through the City. Other businesses are implementing 5G
throughout the country and improving business.
d. Cell phone towers along the lake should be constructed. Accessibility for those along the lake cannot get service
e. Broadband and hot spots needed throughout the City.
f. Desire to provide more broadband--may not be the best way to reach seniors
g. Broadband to make it into a public utility, closing the digital divide
h. Assessment of areas of the City that are unreliable with broadband, make sure youth and seniors have access to broadband; Youth need access
for education, seniors need to stay connected and keep from getting isolated
i. Highest priority is wireless broadband citywide - digital divide really showed during COVID
j. Permanent broadband not temporary broadband
k. Lots of people did not know how to navigate technology when kids were at school, and ARPA funds should be used to provide programming
that assists parents in children’s education at home.
l. Internet and equipment used for the internet should be funded through ARPA funds.
8. Housing
a. Use funds for small landlords who have not received rent in two years
b. Help for affordable housing landowners, not luxury units
c. Interfaith Action--forced to scale back on emergency shelter--people living in parking garages. Need for a permanent 24/7 year-round shelter is
made abundantly clear. Need for public restrooms in downtown Evanston. Likes the COVID-19 plan speaking to this.
d. ADU--out of reach for many Evanston residents, but use funds for ADUs to help create generational wealth
e. Assistance for renters and landlords; big risk at ending of the eviction moratorium
f. affordable housing
g. Housing: fix site acquisition and rehab, tenant based rental management and development of permanent housing for people who need assistance
h. Affordable housing should be funded through ARPA
i. Affordable housing, projects are only sustained for 15 years, community land trust might be a better option
j. Housing affordability makes it difficult to stay in Evanston, displacement of people of color
k. Housing: big need in affordable housing and making it sustainable, what can we do in purchasing properties or that the land and buildings remain
affordable?
l. Affordable housing for lower class and for middle class
m. Affordable housing is needed and should be provided with ARPA funding.
n. Do not like CDBG by area, want it to be by need
o. Rent control ordinance should be created
p. Providing resource information for low-income housing, in Spanish Page 74 of 248a.Page 92 of 346
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9. General Infrastructure
a. Water parks, pools for the youth in parks should be created
b. Sidewalks, infrastructure in bad shape. Will this be addressed? Money allocated to infrastructure of sidewalks
c. Use funding to repair and create sidewalks (where there aren’t any). Areas where sidewalks are kept up and areas where they are not,
intergenerational wealth and well-kept buildings have kept up sidewalks, those that are not intergenerational wealth and not well-kept buildings are
not maintained or kept up. How do these funds impact long term the places where the sidewalks are in disrepair? not in shape
d. Use for sidewalks / roads / bike lanes
e. Reduce rideshare fees and see where this can be curtailed.
f. Infrastructure--scooter / vespa racks in neighborhood paid lots. It would reduce congestion.
g. Upgrade train platforms, viaducts
h. Parks and field upgrades to encourage healthy living and healthy engagement
i. Infrastructure, not for profit wants to build school building in 2nd ward because they are all bussed to schools in different areas, they would have the
opportunity for more after school time - would be a long-term investment
j. Infrastructure: what needs to be addressed in terms of what could be done now? It will be more expensive in the future to put off infrastructure
needs.
k. Consider the complete impacts of COVID - places not used and places overused in infrastructure project decisions
l. Fifth ward school brought up
m. Public water park
n. Robert crown, make it free? Do a better job of advertising
o. More street lighting, very dangerous not enough lighting,
p. Adult education, English as a second language practical (concentrate on colloquial dialogue)
q. Community center for Latinos where they can get information and assistance
r. Technology classes, computer classes, basic and simple
s. Hub for Latino businesses (incubator?)
t. Programs for senior citizens, they were the most affected and they do not have programs available for them, boredom/ isolation?
10. Childcare
a. Most programs are not self-sustaining on their own, for example childcare. Funds should be used to help sustain.
b. Funds should be used for childcare and training.
c. Invest and consider daycare options for parents.
d. Childcare, as well as child health care needs funding: Early childhood education providers are underpaid and 0-5 is the most impactful time during a
person's lives but we are not paying enough attention to that time period of it
e. Increase availability of childcare and preschool; probably not sustained through this, but again something to get it started
f. Respond to needs of people who lost loved ones, jobs, childcare, responding to those who have been hurt the hardest
g. Offering summer camps for children, bilingual summer camps for children
h. Supporting young people especially those that suffered academically, tutoring/ after school programs Page 75 of 248a.Page 93 of 346
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11. Other
a. Use funds to help elderly people repair their homes (basements, windows)
b. Do not spend $43 million just around Robert Crown
c. ARPA funds should be used to reduce property taxes
d. Northwestern should make commitment to help sustain new programs that we might need
e. Homeowners are paying the taxes of Northwestern; businesses paying for the repairs of areas but not doing it (for example hospital alleys)
f. Stall and offset the tax rate
g. Reconsider the non-profit building of Northwestern. The sorority / frat housing “council of” or “society of” buildings are shells during the school year
and often empty during the summer. Those are property lots that could otherwise generate property tax revenue
h. Collaboration between the city and the educational system to reverse the bleed of families that cannot afford to live here, help, and focus on
families with intersectional vulnerabilities
i. Who has hurt the most, where has the most negative impact fallen - do we have data on this, data the city doesn't have that chamber or others
might have? Need to respond in equitable way
j. Climate issues, CARP implementation
k. Reframing police and fire under public safety - going to them to see what they need to do their work effectively and fairly
l. Concern about use of first responders, trained as police but smaller issues could be handled by someone other than first responders
m. Better use of city finances and city infrastructure, would like more money on public health, help people thrive in general
n. Sustainability, and its impact in housing and for seniors
o. Ideas that we need to make sure these items are sustainable
p. residents and nonprofit support,
q. Outside consults for how to spend the funds
r. food security
s. Overall capacity building
t. Seniors and families living paycheck to paycheck
u. Violence prevention around schools/ ways to eliminate violence especially gun violence
v. Funds for the public library
w. Latino librarians have been doing incredible outreach
x. Consider not fining people who cannot afford the fines, different revenue streams
y. No new programs, but to support current NFP who already support the community
z. They want to know how to take advantage of programs
aa. Cleaning the bikeways
bb. More funds for schools, especially those with special need families
cc. More programs or invest in current programs
dd. Stickers for permit parking should be offset
dd. Strengthen the relationship with the police offers, lots of Latinos do not trust police
ee. Support the Latino nonprofits
gg. Public overview of the budget in Spanish with more specific categories and indicate where the funds are going
hh. Universal basic income $400, not giving money to large corporations Page 76 of 248a.Page 94 of 346
29
ii. Do not bring large corporations but support local businesses give them more contracts
jj. Crime near schools
12. Involvement --How Would You Like to Be Engaged in this Process?
a. Talented and skilled community--wants a committee of community members to be involved in this ARPA process and allocation.
b. Transparency to show residents its thoughtful and intentional about long term benefit of investments--holding City of Evanston accountable
c. Thanks for the town hall. Have a website where we can share ARPA ideas to broaden the rest of our thoughts.
d. Wants friendlier meeting times / dates and continue virtual meeting
e. Prioritizing money in ways that care for people
f. Upset about the post COVID-19 plan, did not include input from the community, was not built with them in mind
g. More people should have a seat at the table for engagement. By the time City Council meets it is too late. Re-design the way comments work, block
clubs. Equity--reach out and make sure all voices are heard.
h. COVID provided new opportunities for engagement, enjoy this layout (town hall / roundtable format) and being able to converse in this forum
i. Lift up boards and commissions that are already in existence, create surveys to engage.?
j. This forum (zoom) doesn't reach people who the money will be spent on - not everyone can join the zoom, canvassing can we reach people through
canvassing, not just asking for public input but thinking about how to meaningfully engage them in the process, co-designing process of policy; how
to hold the city accountable, how do we give back to people for their time
k. Surveys might be good option for feedback and then coming to a forum to think about thoughts before meeting
l. Virtual v in person meeting, pleased that the city is reaching out to the Hispanic population, would like to see us reach out to all parts of the
community more
m. What can we do to get the youths' opinions and create programs for them and by them? Create a plan to engage youth.
n. Neighborhood plans over the years:, “west side planning” that incorporated workforce training, we should re-examine that and identify the best
places that we can that were in that plan
o. Lots of committees, boards, commissions in the City - how can we leverage these and ask them to come up with their own priorities and submit them
to City staff letting them submit the proposals based on those conversations?
p. Engage the citizens, even those who are not old enough to vote, connection, resilience and then engagement
q. Community town halls, more access and information to keep residents connected to the City
r. If not engaged in communities we are passionate about, then we may not be represented in the decisions - youth, essential workers, business
owners, seniors are all important groups to engage
s. How can we be informed in the process, what measures will be taken?
t. Would like the process to be more transparent, compliments to Mayor and new City Council for more community impact
u. Alders: more, community meetings would be helpful ways to engage all Evanstonians who can’t get to meetings?
v. Community members They don’t want to put ARPA funds $ into City departments and not know how it is spent, they--want to understand the
budget and want communication
w. City to cooperate more with nonprofits who are helping in community, do not feel the city is working in collaboration with them
x. Nonprofits that are supporting Latino community should receive resources or funding
y. Ensure the city is assessing and communicating the needs of the Latin x community, what research are you pulling about needs? based Page 77 of 248a.Page 95 of 346
30
z. Equity framework should be the plan on review of funds
aa. Communicate back to the community so they know they were heard about how the ARPA funds will be distributed based upon town hall
comments.
bb. Want city council members to come to the community and be more accessible, not only translation but also cultural appropriateness
cc. Recommending replicating Chicago, city officials to do surveys and talk individually with people
dd. Make the City website more accessible
ee. Lot of people have been Evanston residents here for a while and have finally heard for the first time they have a voice, excited that the City
hosted town halls and in Spanish. are here
ff. For the city to go into the community and knock on doors is very important this is a small percentage in the room
gg. Very happy that we are here and promote it so more people attend
*Note: Not everyone made comments and many comments came from groups with only one representative from that group. This chart is a rough estimate of t he
number of times a category was discussed compared to the total number of people. This is by no means an accurate account of h ow all community members feel
regarding the categories. More information is required for a statistically significant sample size. * Page 78 of 248a.Page 96 of 346
31
Roundtable Attendees
Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Biss
Alison Leipsiger
Emma Carter
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Kelley Gandurski
Sharon Johnson
Nathan Norman
ECF Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tosha Wilson
Tiffini Holmes
CNE Carol Teske
COFI Jess Rojo
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Maricar Ramos Page 79 of 248a.Page 97 of 346
32
Bettye Cohns
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Kay Israelite
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
Impact Behavioral Partners Christopher Knoper
MEAC Neal Gambow
Tana Francellno
National Able Dominic
NorthShore Health Systems Brandon Buchanan
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Yazari Gutierrez
Stacey Moragne
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Deanna Howlett
Audrey Thompson
Andy Rapoport
ECF Sol Anderson
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
The Aux Jacqui White Page 80 of 248a.Page 98 of 346
33
Tosha Wilson
CNE Sheila Merry
COFI Jesse Rojo
Chanelle Brown
Rocio Mancera
Lachisa
Gil Pena
Cynthia Lara
Eloisa
Children’s Advocacy Center Lara Priester
District 65 Jennifer Bergner
Tania Margonza
Katee (Family Center)
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Maricar Ramos
EPL Jan Bojda
Elascha Madison
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
McGaw YMCA Katie Tucker Trippi
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Rainbows for All Children Stephanie Garrity
Laura Lindroth
YJC Amanda Marks
Y.O.U. Craig Lynch
? J Bowen
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21 Organization Representative Page 81 of 248a.Page 99 of 346
34
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Kelley Gandurski
Alison Leipsiger
Genaro Hernandez
Yazari Gutierrez
Clerk Stephanie Mendoza (translating)
ECF Karli Butler
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
COFI Jesse Roo
Rocio Mancera
Chanelle Brown
Nazaria
Marla Blas
Cynthia Lara
Maria Nava
Dominga Vicencio
Eloisa
Demi
D65 Natalia Moreno Polomkasis
EPL Mariana Bojorquez
Evanston Latinos Alejandra Ibanez
Rebeca Mendoza
Evanston Scholars Serena Robertson
FLAP Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velaquez
Literacy Works Christine Kenney
United Catholic Youth
Ministries/St. Nicholas
James Holzhauer-Chuckas
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
ECF Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Actors Gymnasium Murphy Monroe
Art Encounter Lea Pinsky Page 82 of 248a.Page 100 of 346
35
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Art Center Ellie Hazlett
Evanston Arts Council Toby Sachs
Evanston History Center Eden Juron Pearlman
Evanston Live Meleika Gardner
Evanston Made Lisa Degliantoni
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Margaret Gergen
Frances Willard House Association Lori Osborne
ITA Maris Harrington
Metropolitan Family Services Samer Hussein
Mudlark Theater Daisy Copeland
Mitchell Museum Josee Starr
Northlight Theater Leann Kim Tonke
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Shorefront Dino Robinson
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Independent artist and curator Fran Joy
Skillz Physical Therapy Aime Maranan
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Paul Zalmezak
Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson
Sarah Flax
Emma Carter
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny del Valle Valdez
The Aux Tiffini Holmes
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Chamber/ECF Bryant Wallace
Evanston Live TV Meleika Gardner
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Demisha Lee
Evanston Woman/Latinx Business
Council
Linda del Bosque
FLAP Jackie Villaneuva
Michelle Velazquez Page 83 of 248a.Page 101 of 346
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Learning Bridge Early Education Center Lindsay Percival
Literacy Works Christine Kenny
Melanie Sampson
McGaw YMCA Katie Trippi
Reba Early Learning Center Darcy Carter
Soul and Smoke Heather Bublick
Rebecca Bladen
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Andy Rapoport
Katie Klemola
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Bethel New Life Brenda Phillips
Center for Enriched Living Nick Baird
Melissa Juarez Ehlers
Center for Independent Futures Ann Sickon
COFI Jesse Rojo
Evanston Public Library Jill Skwerski
Bridget Petrites
Foster Seniors & Deltas Eva Coly
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
ITA Jenni Rook
Levy Center Foundation Judy Newton
Literacy Works Melanie Sampson
Reva Early Learning/EC2C Bettye Cohns
Skillz Physical Therapy Nsisong Ekanem
Aime Maranan
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21 Page 84 of 248a.Page 102 of 346
37
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Sarah Flax
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
Yazari Gutierrez
Audrey Thompson
Nathan Norman
Genaro Hernandez
Lachisa Barton
James Bowen
Kristin Meyer
ECF Sol Anderson
Becca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Alliance to End Homelessness in
Suburban Cook County
Katie Spoden
Center for Independent Futures Dick Malone
Connections for the Homeless Betty Bogg
Nia Tavoularis
CPAH Rob Anthony
District 65 Allie Harned
Jennifer Bergner
Evanston Cradle to Career Bettye Cohn
Kim Holmes-Ross
Evanston Development
Corporation
Robbie Markus
Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Ann Weatherhead
ETHS Taya Kinzie
Family Promise Tracy McKeithen
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
Interfaith Action of Evanston Anne Heinz
Sue Murphy
Eileen Wiviott (also Unitarian
Church)
McGaw YMCA Roland Fouche
Katie Trippi
Open Communities Jasemen Hatcher
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Reba Place Development
Corporation
Keith Banks
Richard Cahan Page 85 of 248a.Page 103 of 346
38
Page 86 of 248
a.Page 104 of 346
1
FINANCIAMIENTO DE
LA ARPA:
UNA OPORTUNIDAD
PARA LA
RECUPERACIÓN Y
RECONSTRUCCIÓN
TRANSFORMADORA
DE EVANSTON
Preparado por
Roberta Rakove, Suzanne Strassberger
y Marybeth Schroeder
para Page 87 of 248a.Page 105 of 346
2
MÁS DE 500 VOCES COMUNITARIAS
Evanston tiene una oportunidad extraordinaria. La Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense de 2021 (ARPA, por sus siglas en inglés) asignó beneficios
imprevistos de $43 millones a Evanston. Hay pocas restricciones y el financiamiento se puede asignar durante un período de tres años. A menudo, las
decisiones de asignación de oportunidades de financiamiento de una sola emisión, como proyectos de ley de capital estatal o el Acuerdo sobre el Tabaco, se
basan en la voluntad política y están sujetas a plazos de gasto ajustados.
Organizaciones sin fines de lucro dinámicas de Evanston y más de 500 miembros de la comunidad se han unido para ayudar a Evanston a elegir un enfoque
diferente.
Nuestra meta era construir una visión de usar los fondos de la ARPA para la recuperación y reconstrucción de Evanston tras la pandemia de la COVID basada en
directivas claras e informadas por la comunidad. El Ayuntamiento, el alcalde y el personal de la ciudad pueden utilizar este trabajo para llevar esta visión a la
acción con fondos de la ARPA y proyectos futuros.
El trabajo comenzó en junio cuando la ciudad de Evanston, con la Fundación Comunitaria de Evanston (ECF, por sus siglas en inglés), Evanston Cradle to Career
y la Oficina de Relaciones Vecinales y Comunitarias de la Universidad Northwestern, además de la orientación del Consejo de la Primera Infancia de Evanston y
de los latinos de Evanston, convocaron tres reuniones de cabildos: dos en inglés (virtual y presencial) y la tercera en español. Participaron trescientos trece
residentes de Evanston.
Entre agosto y septiembre, la Fundación Comunitaria de Evanston, el alcalde Daniel Biss y el personal de la ciudad de Evanston se asociaron para facilitar siete
mesas redondas, cada una de ellas organizada en torno a un sector, un cabildo de jóvenes con 34 participantes y facilitadores y una encuesta a más de 55
estudiantes de Evanston Township High Schoolp (ETHS). Antes de las mesas redondas, el Consejo de la Primera Infancia de Evanston había convocado a su
propio grupo para establecer prioridades que se incorporan en este informe.
Es un testimonio del espíritu comunitario de Evanston el hecho de que prácticamente ninguna de las 169 personas de 62 organizaciones (excluido el personal
de la ciudad y de la Evanston Community Foundation [ECF]) que participaron en las mesas redondas defendiera sus prioridades i ndividuales u organizativas
particulares.
Los aportes de los participantes en las cuatro reuniones de cabildos y en las siete mesas redondas constituyen la base de este informe. Está organizado d e la
siguiente manera:
Introducción.
Criterios que se usarán en el proceso de toma de decisiones.
Temas intersectoriales para el cambio.
Un cuadro que compara los temas intersectoriales con los temas prioritarios tratados en cada una de las siete mesas redondas.
Apéndices que incluyen a) recomendaciones de proyectos por sectores; b) resultados de la encuesta a los jóvenes; c) priorida des planteadas por el
Consejo de la Primera Infancia de Evanston; y d) una lista de participantes de las mesas redondas. Page 88 of 248a.Page 106 of 346
3
El compromiso de los más de 500 miembros de la comunidad que sacaron tiempo de sus apretadas agendas para participar es una declaración de lo que hace
fuerte a Evanston: miembros activos de su comunidad, tanto los que viven como los que trabajan allí. Es importante señalar qu e todavía hay oportunidades
para escuchar la incorporación de voces importantes. Entre ellas se encuentran la comunidad religiosa, atención médica, grupos ecologistas y grupos
empresariales como la Cámara de Comercio y el Consorcio de Negocios de Propietarios Negros de Evanston/North Shore. Instamos a los funcionarios y al
personal de la ciudad, líderes cívicos, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y otras personas que planifiquen proyectos futuros a que hagan uso de la información
aquí obtenida del increíble recurso que es nuestra comunidad de Evanston.
Criterios de financiamiento de la ARPA en Evanston
Los participantes de las mesas redondas desean que el plan de gastos general refleje los valores fundamentales de la comunidad de Evanston. Tenían ideas
firmes sobre el proceso de selección de proyectos y los criterios que se deben usar para evaluar proyectos y gastos propuestos.
1. Voz comunitaria: centrar las voces de las personas y comunidades más afectadas por la creación de proyectos, al proporcionar tiempo adecuado,
divulgación y transparencia en la toma de decisiones a través de un compromiso significativo de los miembros de la comunidad. Tanto el proceso de
evaluación de los proyectos como los proyectos financiados deben incluir miembros de la comunidad de las zonas seleccionadas.
2. Equidad: los proyectos deben demostrar un compromiso con la equidad en Evanston.
a. El financiamiento debe ser focalizado y demostrar la repercusión en las comunidades negra y latina.
b. Los proyectos deben abordar barreras lingüísticas y culturales.
c. Los proyectos se deben enfocar en las comunidades más afectadas por la COVID-19.
d. Las organizaciones de base y comunitarias deben contar con las herramientas necesarias para presentar sus solicitudes.
e. Los evaluadores de los proyectos deben reflejar comunidades diversas.
3. Proceso de selección: las decisiones de financiamiento se deben tomar en un proceso claro y transparente que sea colaborativo en vez de competitivo y
aprovechar conexiones y redes de la comunidad. El proceso debe acoger algunos riesgos y el financiamiento de organizaciones y proyectos de base.
4. Sostenibilidad: los proyectos deben demostrar la sostenibilidad o la repercusión a largo plazo de esta inyección de fondos de una sola emisión.
5. Uso estratégico de los recursos: las decisiones de financiamiento deben tener en cuenta la disponibilidad de financiamiento alternativa o complementaria
del Gobierno federal, el Gobierno estatal o la filantropía. La flexibilidad de los fondos de la ARPA favorece la creatividad y la innovación.
6. Colaboración y asociación: los proyectos deben permitir y aprovechar la colaboración comunitaria, organizativa e intersectorial.
7. Empleo y repercusión económica: se debe dar preferencia a proyectos que contraten personal local, proporcionen empleo a jóvenes y a personas con
discapacidad y utilicen negocios locales. Page 89 of 248a.Page 107 of 346
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8. Resultados: los proyectos deben tener resultados claros y medibles.
9. Equilibrio: los proyectos deben estar equilibrados entre la satisfacción de las necesidades inmediatas, los proyectos de capital y el cambio de sistemas.
Temas intersectoriales
Aunque cada mesa redonda se centró en un sector específico, los temas, preocupaciones e ideas generales aparecieron en varios debates y en los cabildos.
Cuatro áreas comunes se destacaron como fundamentales: vivienda, cuidado infantil, inversión en las comunidades negras y latinas y salud mental y trauma.
1. Vivienda: la necesidad de abordar la continuidad de los retos de la vivienda asequible, desde personas sin hogar hasta alquileres asequ ibles, pasando por la
vivienda de apoyo y la propiedad de la vivienda asequible, se citó como un requisito previo fundamental para resolver una amplia gama de problemas.
Evanston cuenta con importantes activos en este ámbito gracias a las colaboraciones existentes y a las organizaciones comunitarias.
2. Cuidado infantil: el cuidado infantil, lo que incluye el cuidado asequible de la primera infancia y después de la escuela, surgió como una cuestión
fundamental para que Evanston florezca como una ciudad diversa, económicamente próspera y que apoya a las familias. La fortaleza del Consejo de
Educación de la Primera Infancia de Evanston y la amplia gama de programas en Evanston se percibieron como activos comunitarios.
3. Inversión en las comunidades negra y latina: todos los grupos de la mesa redonda apoyaron firmemente la diversidad y la equidad como valores
fundamentales para Evanston y centrales para su identidad. El uso de los fondos de la ARPA para la inversión general en las comunidades negras y latinas
se expresó ampliamente.
4. Salud mental y trauma: el acceso a servicios de salud mental asequibles y culturalmente competentes se planteó como una necesidad insatisfecha a largo
plazo y clave para recuperarse de la pandemia.
5. La brecha digital: acceso a banda ancha, posesión de dispositivos digitales y capacitación en la utilización de recursos digitales se consideran esenciales
para proporcionar acceso a múltiples recursos. Esto se percibe como un asunto fundamental de equidad. La banda ancha se incluye específicamente como
un gasto permitido en la ARPA.
6. Ciudad de destino: Evanston cuenta con activos específicos que, con alguna inversión adicional y planificación estratégica, podrían mejorar su economía
local como ciudad de destino, lo que crea oportunidades de empleo y desarrolla negocios locales fuertes ya existentes. La gran comunidad artística
creativa de Evanston y las numerosas y singulares pequeñas empresas y restaurantes se consideraron bases sólidas para este concepto. Page 90 of 248a.Page 108 of 346
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7. Empleo: el empleo era una preocupación tanto para los empresarios, muchos de los cuales tienen dificultades para encontrar empleados para varias
categorías de trabajo, como para las personas que buscan trabajo y capacitación.
8. Retos del capital: la inversión de capital en la infraestructura de los programas para la primera infancia, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, viviendas
asequibles, personas sin hogar y algunas pequeñas empresas se citaron como uso apropiado del financiamiento de una sola emisión. Muchas
organizaciones tuvieron que desviar fondos de capital para responder a la COVID y se quedaron sin recursos para hacer mejoras regulares, satisfacer
nuevas demandas e implementar medidas de seguridad relacionadas con la pandemia.
9. Relación entre la ciudad y la comunidad: el debate sobre el financiamiento de la ARPA pone de manifiesto la oportunidad de que la ciudad de Evanston
trabaje de forma más estratégica con los socios comunitarios. En particular, se hizo hincapié en utilizar bien los recursos de la comunidad y no duplicar
funciones o servicios entre la ciudad de Evanston y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Otros asuntos incluyen dotación de personal, renovación del sitio web
de la ciudad, divulgación en la comunidad, competencia lingüística y cultural y la institucionalización de los aportes signif icativos de la comunidad en los
procesos de formulación de presupuestos y planificación de la ciudad. Page 91 of 248a.Page 109 of 346
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Temas planteados por los sectores
Los temas comunes para el uso de los fondos de la ARPA se plantearon en las ocho mesas redondas que se llevaron a cabo, así como en la presentación de la
comunidad de la primera infancia, la encuesta de los jóvenes y los cabildos que realizó la ciudad de Evanston. El siguiente cuadro ilustra en qué debates se
plantearon estos temas generales.
MESAS REDONDAS
Desarrollo
de la fuerza
laboral/adu
ltos
emergentes
Niño
s en
edad
escol
ar
Inmigrantes/indocume
ntados
Arte/humanid
ades
Desarrollo
económico/comun
itario
Personas
mayores/pers
onas con
discapacidad
Vivienda/f
alta de
vivienda
Prime
ra
infanc
ia
Cabild
os de
adulto
s
Cabil
do de
jóven
es
Vivienda X x x X x x x x X
Cuidado
infantil
X x x X x x x X
Inversión en
comunidades
negras, latinas
e inmigrantes
X x x x X x x x x X
Salud
mental/traum
a
x x x x x x x x
Brecha digital X x x X x x x
Ciudad de
destino
X x
Empleo X x X x x x x x x
Retos del
capital
X x x x x x Page 92 of 248a.Page 110 of 346
7
Relación
ciudad/comun
idad
x X X x x X
Page 93 of 248a.Page 111 of 346
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APÉNDICES
o Notas de la mesa redonda: ideas e iniciativas de proyectos específicos del sector (páginas 7-12)
o Notas de la encuesta y el cabildo de jóvenes (páginas 13-19)
o Recomendaciones del Consejo de Primera Infancia (páginas 20-21)
o Comentarios de la comunidad en los cabildos de la ARPA (páginas 22-30)
o Participantes de la mesa redonda (páginas 30-36)
Page 94 of 248a.Page 112 of 346
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Mesa redonda: Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y adultos emergentes, 13/AGO/2021
Apoyo a las pequeñas empresas:
o Empresas sociales, especialmente para grupos de base/marginados.
o Préstamos para pequeñas empresas, especialmente para jóvenes.
o Incubadoras de empresas.
o Orientación para pequeñas empresas comunitarias.
o Modelo de cohorte en el que el cuidado infantil es gratuito para comisionados, orientadores y creadores de pequeñas empresas.
Programa de comisionados para padres y familias: puestos remunerados para que personas de confianza conecten personas con recursos, con lo que
necesitan y con lo que está disponible.
Espacio:
o The Aux, espacio para que los emprendedores de color pongan en marcha sus negocios.
o Edificio de Family Focus: centro potencial para organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Necesidad de aumentar este tipo de recursos en los distritos
5.º, 2.º y 8.º.
o Recursos compartidos para organizaciones sin fines de lucro y empresas.
Carreras profesionales:
o Comunicación y educación para estudiantes de la escuela intermedia y secundaria y las familias sobre posibles carreras, oportunidades,
capacitación y apoyo necesario.
o Servicios directos para jóvenes de escuela secundaria para procurar que cada joven de ETHS tenga un camino y un plan claros y una conexión
con un salario digno y capacitación.
o Integrar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y el desarrollo económico porque la comunidad necesita a estos trabajadores.
o Conectar empleadores y servicios sociales: oferta y demanda de trabajadores.
Cara Collective en Chicago, recurso de contratación inclusiva.
Iniciativa de fuerza laboral en la primera infancia: abordar la contratación y la retención a través de educación, apoyo y capacitación.
Mesa redonda: Niños en edad escolar, 17/AGO/2021
Salud mental:
o Capacitación que toma en cuenta el trauma para educadores y personal de programas para jóvenes y familias.
o Recursos de salud mental cada vez más accesibles para los jóvenes.
o Apoyos específicos de salud mental para niños menores de 10 años que se enfrentan a una pandemia que no entienden.
o Capacitación en primeros auxilios de salud mental.
Voz y liderazgo de jóvenes y familias:
o Crear vías para que los jóvenes y las familias participen en la toma de decisiones y el liderazgo.
o Espacios para que los jóvenes hablen entre ellos, incluidos los que son lesbianas, bisexuales, gais, transexuales y queer (LBGTQ). Page 95 of 248a.Page 113 of 346
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o Comisionados remunerados que sean padres, jóvenes y comunidad para mejorar la comunicación y conexión entre la ciudad, recursos
comunitarios y familias.
Recursos para jóvenes y familias:
o Transporte para facilitar los programas extracurriculares y fuera de la escuela.
o Banda ancha para todos.
o Más educación y oportunidades en Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Más cuidado infantil disponible y asequible.
o Centro para adolescentes y lugares de reunión para la comunidad, donde los niños puedan pasar el rato de manera no estructurada y estar
seguros y toda la familia pueda participar. Tener servicios como tutoría, refuerzo, deporte y salud mental.
o La comunidad latina está desvinculada de las escuelas y de los recursos. Necesitan comunicadores y conexiones de confianza.
o Tutoría más accesible y disponible.
o Trabajadores sociales y orientadores de recursos comunitarios.
Recursos para comunidades de negros y morenos:
o Costo de inicio para ayudar a los habitantes de Evanston a desarrollar sus propios negocios, especialmente en comunidades de negros y
morenos.
o Desarrollo de liderazgo para comunidades de negros y morenos.
o Proporcionar financiamiento intencionado para la solidaridad entre las poblaciones negra y latina.
Apoyo a organizaciones sin fines de lucro:
o Apoyo a la sostenibilidad a largo plazo para organizaciones y empresas.
o Programa de estabilización durante el período de recuperación para jóvenes y familias.
o Reunir ideas puede servir para encontrar recursos adicionales y compartir recursos para seguir colaborando.
Mesa redonda: Población inmigrante e indocumentada, 18/AGO/2021
Apoyo a organizaciones y comunidades para aumentar la competencia lingüística y cultural para prestar un mejor servicio a comunidades de
inmigrantes:
o Personal de abogados biculturales y bilingües.
o Educación para los aliados (p. ej., capacitación lingüística para personas que trabajan con poblaciones).
o Apoyar a organizaciones que trabajan con la población latina para que contraten a más personas biculturales y bilingües.
o Apoyo para la primera infancia en general y para relacionarse con familias latinas.
o $$$ para investigar e informar sobre la historia de los latinos en Evanston.
o Educación comunitaria sobre la situación de la inmigración.
Vivienda:
o Apoyo de vivienda para mantener a las familias, especialmente a los latinos, en Evanston.
o Programas de desarrollo económico y de vivienda para aquellos que no encajan en los limitados criterios estatales y federales Page 96 of 248a.Page 114 of 346
11
o (p. ej., calificación para la concesión de licencias de negocios, falta de vivienda, etc.).
o Programa de vivienda de la ciudad para comprar casas para otorgar préstamos a familias con Número Internacional de Contribuyente (ITIN,
por sus siglas en inglés) e inmigrantes, para que no tengan que ir al banco.
Alfabetización:
o Alfabetización de adultos, especialmente del inglés como segunda lengua (ESL, por sus siglas en inglés) (el mayor factor de éxito de los niños
es el nivel de alfabetización de la madre). Evanston podría acceder más tarde al dinero de la biblioteca estatal una vez que se establezcan uno
o varios programas.
o Acceso a la educación de la primera infancia combinada con el programa de alfabetización de adultos en los centros de la primera infancia (EC,
por sus siglas en inglés).
Contratación en la ciudad de Evanston:
o $$$ para contratar más personal bilingüe/bicultural en los parques.
o La ciudad debe estar abierta al personal latino.
o Trabajadores de la salud para la ciudad: se trata de dinero de recuperación; se debe hacer hincapié en el departamento de salud,
particularmente bilingüe/bicultural.
o Capacitar a las personas para que sean trabajadores de salud pública, de nuevo el modelo del comisionado, una fuerza de salud comunitaria
para covid, diabetes, etc. Esta es una oportunidad única para hacer que Evanston sea más saludable.
Salud mental y salud:
o Más centros y recursos de salud mental (me tomó un año encontrar un terapeuta para mi hijo) y trabajadores, particularmente para latinos,
con hispanohablantes y asequibles.
o Mejor seguimiento de la salud por parte de los latinos, así como por raza.
Becas para estudiantes indocumentados mientras acceden a la educación universitaria.
Compromiso de la ciudad con la política de acceso al idioma y compromiso presupuestario (no necesariamente con fondos de la ARPA, sino como
parte integral del trabajo).
Mesa redonda: Artes y humanidades, 19/AGO/2021
Evanston como destino turístico:
o Programa de creación de marca para Evanston y el arte de Evanston.
o Desarrollo de eventos en toda la ciudad para atraer gente (p. ej., Evanston Made First Saturdays).
Zar del arte o coordinador en la ciudad de Evanston:
o Defensor del arte.
o Fomentar y construir la colaboración en el sector y con otros sectores.
o Reconstruir las subvenciones a las artes culturales para disponer de fondos suficientes para conceder subvenciones significativas.
1 % para el arte:
o Destinar el 1 % del fondo de la ARPA al arte. Page 97 of 248a.Page 115 of 346
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o Utilizar potencialmente el Consejo del Arte para hacer la distribución.
Edificio de arte/museo:
o Crear un edificio central de arte/museo para albergar Shorefront, Evanston Made, la historia de la mujer.
o Construir con el aporte de la comunidad y crear una asociación pública/privada para el financiamiento.
o Ver el edificio Theaster Gates en Chicago.
o Innovar en el uso de terrenos y edificios vacíos de la ciudad. Convertirlos en estudios y espacios de representaciones artísticas.
Apoyo al arte mediante la colaboración:
o Esfuerzo de repercusión colectiva para las artes y humanidades.
o Crear un fondo de becas para todas las organizaciones con un administrador para todos.
o Creación de fondos para organizaciones artísticas.
o Recursos para ayudar a las artes y las humanidades a recopilar los datos necesarios para las solicitudes de subvención.
Salud mental:
o Capacitar a los artistas en materia de trauma y colaborar con los servicios sociales, policía, etc., para que formen parte de un esfuerzo positivo
en materia de salud mental.
o Desarrollar el esfuerzo en materia de salud mental con el compromiso del arte, especialmente centrado en la repercusión de la COVID para
jóvenes, estudiantes y adultos mayores.
Mesa redonda: Desarrollo económico y comunitario, 24/AGO/2021
Vivienda:
o Renovación de la McGaw YMCA/mejora de la Oficina de Recursos Escolares (SRO, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Construir y conservar el conjunto de viviendas multifamiliares.
o Utilizar los activos de la ciudad subutilizados para viviendas asequibles.
Desarrollo comunitario y económico:
o Invertir fondos de la ARPA en todo Evanston, no solo en Downtown Evanston.
o Construir anclajes no tradicionales en zonas subdesarrolladas.
o Banda ancha para la comunidad: inversión única y en profundidad.
o Inversiones en zonas desatendidas de Evanston con la voz de la comunidad.
o Destinar los espacios vacíos para el uso de pequeñas empresas y grupos artísticos.
Cuidado y educación de la primera infancia (apoyo crucial para las empresas y el empleo):
o Los fondos de capital para la primera infancia que se pospusieron para financiar el equipo de protección personal (EPP) podrían ser para el
empleo local.
o Reducir el costo de la educación de la primera infancia y garantizar una alta calidad.
o Becas para la capacitación de docentes de la primera infancia, ya que hay escasez, y esto es necesario para que la gente trabaje.
Apoyo a empresas y al empleo: Page 98 of 248a.Page 116 of 346
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o Fomentar la contratación local.
o Acceso digital y capacitación para pequeñas empresas.
o Crear certificaciones a corto plazo.
o Crear vías de tutoría en el trabajo y en diferentes lugares de trabajo/carreras.
o Apoyo a la contratación más equitativa en Evanston.
o Apoyar incubadoras.
o Las nuevas empresas tienen problemas para obtener apoyo: fomentar nuevos negocios en los distritos que están desatendidos, involucrar a
los jóvenes.
o Fondos para reparaciones retrasadas para organizaciones sin fines de lucro y negocios debido a la COVID.
Comunicación y liderazgo de la ciudad:
o El sitio web de la ciudad necesita ser rehecho, ser más funcional y accesible. Cambiar la óptica hacia lo que busca la comunidad.
o La ciudad como modelo de cómo queremos que funcionen las empresas y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro:
Preferencias de contratación local.
Deconstrucción para apoyar metas medioambientales.
Utilizar los activos de la ciudad subutilizados para viviendas asequibles.
Enfoque sistémico: ¿Cuáles son los obstáculos al empleo y al crecimiento de las empresas locales?
o Cuidado infantil.
o Acceso y dinero para la capacitación.
o Comprender las necesidades de mano de obra de las pequeñas empresas.
o Servicios digitales y acceso.
Mesa redonda: Personas mayores y personas con discapacidades, 25/AGO/2021
Apoyo al empleo:
o Oportunidades laborales a través de colaboraciones sin fines de lucro. Oportunidades de empleo remunerado. Los empleadores vi enen a la mesa
para discutir sus necesidades en la asociación con las organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Poner apoyos en práctica, los empleadores no tienen el kit
de herramientas para saber cómo emplear personas con discapacidad.
o Oportunidades de empleo para personas con antecedentes penales. Abogados que ayuden a limpiar antecedentes penales.
o Ofrecer incentivos a los empleadores que contraten a personas con antecedentes penales y discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD, por
sus siglas en inglés).
o Transporte a Evanston o fuera de Evanston para los que trabajen en otro lugar.
o Gerentes de caso comunitarios para ayudar a coordinar estas cosas entre las agencias.
o Programa de fuerza laboral intergeneracional.
o Creación del programa de empleo municipal para personas mayores.
o Apoyo financiero para empresas de adultos mayores.
Brecha digital: Page 99 of 248a.Page 117 of 346
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o Ampliar el soporte de banda ancha.
o Centrar las necesidades de los miembros de la comunidad en cuanto a dispositivos. Comprar a compañías locales.
o Mejorar la alfabetización digital y los navegadores. Colaboraciones cruzadas con estudiantes de secundaria.
Vivienda:
o Subvenciones a la vivienda para personas mayores y personas con discapacidad.
o Viviendas de relevo para cuidadores.
o Compra de viviendas para adultos. Viviendas diminutas como en el programa de Geometría en Construcción de ETHS.
Salud mental y salud:
Actualización del centro de bienestar en el Levy Center.
Contratar trabajadores sociales comunitarios en el Levy Center.
Tratamientos para personas con enfermedades mentales y apoyo en la fuerza laboral. Más fondos para reducir el aislamiento social de las
personas mayores para apoyar a Uniper y a las organizaciones de arte/humanidades que ofrecen programación en Evanston.
Más fondos para Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre/Prime Time Players (teatro/adultos mayores) y más publicidad para que la gente se entere.
Servicios de salud mental para adultos mayores.
Apoyar a empresas y otros sectores para que sean más amigables con las personas mayores y las personas con demencia.
Proveer de una piscina al Levy Center. Terapéutico. El seguro puede financiarlo.
Mesa redonda: Vivienda y falta de vivienda, 13/SEP/2021
Apoyo para personas sin hogar:
o Refugio permanente de emergencia las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana de género inclusivo.
o Baños públicos, permanentes, modelos de Portland.
o Unidades de refugio para familias numerosas.
o Invertir en conseguir la aceptación de la comunidad para un refugio permanente.
Apoyo para el alquiler:
o Programa de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral vinculado a la subvención del alquiler.
o Subvenciones de alquiler permanentes para viviendas asequibles a largo plazo.
o Asociarse con los propietarios para averiguar qué apoyos necesitan para ser asequibles.
o El programa de transición Building on Connections se extenderá más allá de los 2 años.
o Programa de vales para familias con niños.
o Invertir y hacer cumplir los requisitos de vivienda justa, acabar con la discriminación de los vales de vivienda.
o Vales de alquiler, vales de alquiler, vales de alquiler.
o Ampliación de los esfuerzos de los aliados en materia de vivienda, ayudando a los propietarios a involucrarse y comprometerse más,
Connections garantiza 3 meses de fondos para alquileres y daños.
Opciones de vivienda:
o Más viviendas centradas en los jóvenes, especialmente para hombres jóvenes. Page 100 of 248a.Page 118 of 346
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o Apoyo a lo largo del proceso de vulnerabilidad de la vivienda.
o Espacios más amplios para las familias numerosas.
o Educación financiera para jóvenes.
o Programa de vivienda de Cleveland: de la sección 8 a la propiedad de la vivienda.
o Garantizar la disponibilidad de viviendas de transición para mujeres y niños en Evanston.
o Financiamiento para unidades de vivienda accesorias (ADU, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Inversión de capital para comprar cosas en este momento, como refugios, casas pequeñas, etc.
Servicios de apoyo:
o Coordinar servicios y cubrir servicios de salud mental, apoyo legal, ayuda a las adicciones, etc.
o Servicios para inmigrantes: crear programas que no requieran números del seguro social.
o Proceso de verificación de crédito universal.
o Ampliar el programa City TBAR (?) que tiene la ciudad para apoyar a las familias de D65 y D202 de los dos años actuales a los 13 años de
escuela, ampliar las plazas de 20 (hasta ahora 300 niños en las escuelas identificados como sin hogar).
o Refrigeradores y despensas comunitarias: formas de promover el acceso.
Cabildo de jóvenes de la ARPA, 21/SEP/2021
Empleo/fuerza laboral:
o Acceso al empleo para jóvenes:
Los jóvenes necesitan capacitación sobre cómo solicitar un trabajo, apoyo para llevar a cabo el proceso de solicitud y ayuda para buscar un
trabajo.
Crear una forma más estructurada y fácil de solicitar un trabajo para los jóvenes.
El Centro de Empleo Juvenil ofrece más programas de capacitación para los jóvenes.
Feria de empleo para capacitar a los jóvenes sobre cómo conseguir un trabajo.
Más oportunidades de trabajo para los jóvenes.
Programas de tutoría combinados con ayuda de vecinos (p. ej., quitar la nieve, plantar árboles alrededor de Evanston, etc.).
o Feria de empleo para adultos, con recursos como los de las ferias de empleo para jóvenes.
o Conceder subvenciones a las pequeñas empresas y a las de propietarios negros para que creen más puestos de trabajo.
o Reembolso de matrícula para todos los trabajos en Evanston.
o Ofrecer más tutorías para las personas de la comunidad.
Apoyo a inmigrantes y refugiados:
o Apoyo a la comunidad latina, pero también a otras, como la comunidad haitiana.
o Planes de estudio y otras oportunidades de aprendizaje sobre la historia.
o Programas como Estudiantes sin Fronteras para que la gente sea bienvenida. Page 101 of 248a.Page 119 of 346
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o Mejorar el acercamiento a los inmigrantes.
o Proporcionar traducción y servicios de traducción.
o Desviar fondos de la policía que se ocupa de las familias indocumentadas a los servicios que las apoyan.
o Fondos para personas mayores indocumentadas.
o Construir un centro de inmigrantes libre de juicios para inmigrantes e indocumentados.
Recursos para jóvenes y niños en edad escolar:
o Estudiantes que necesitan más recursos de salud mental: concienciación y talleres.
o Trabajadores sociales diversos (más personas que se parezcan a ellos).
o Programas asequibles como Y.O.U. y YMCA.
o Programas para niños con discapacidades.
o Mejores programas de nutrición y alimentación.
o Cuidado antes y después.
o Más oportunidades de tutoría, programa de tutoría entre niños mayores y menores.
o Ayuda para la planificación universitaria.
o Educación sexual.
o Actividades y programas de STEM.
o Parque de patinaje: lugar para reunirse sin que le griten.
o Atletismo comunitario, informal según la edad.
Salud:
o Garantizar que todos tengan atención médica y dental asequible.
o Más interés en la atención médica integral para todos (visual, dental, mental y física).
o Más mercados frescos, especialmente cerca de la escuela de Oakton.
o Más recursos de salud mental, especialmente para niños y jóvenes, lo que incluye concienciación y talleres.
Vivienda:
o Más atención a la crisis de la vivienda para inquilinos y compradores.
Medioambiente:
o Utilizar los fondos para proyectos del Plan de Acción Climática y Resiliencia (CARP, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Actividades de jardinería/naturaleza accesibles para todos.
Espacios para jardinería, clases de baile, actividades de artes escénicas.
Actividades de sensibilización sobre la crisis climática.
Encuesta La Voz de los Jóvenes
Los comentarios se recopilaron en el formulario de una encuesta de Google con el fin de recoger las opiniones de los miembros de nuestra comunidad
de jóvenes. Los participantes tenían entre 14 y 23 años. Page 102 of 248a.Page 120 of 346
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Esta encuesta se puso en marcha el 22 de septiembre y se cerró el 29 de septiembre.
Distribución entre los diferentes socios:
o Estudiantes defensores de Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C).
o Feria del voluntariado de EC2C.
o Director de Servicios Comunitarios de ETHS.
o Compartida por correo electrónico y mensaje de texto por el personal municipal de la División de Jóvenes/Adultos Jóvenes
Un total de 58 participantes respondieron esta encuesta.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los bebés y niños hasta cinco años?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Parques y actividades recreativas:
o Parques más limpios, menos basura en las calles y en los parques infantiles. Parques seguros, limpios y accesibles, con senderos para los
cochecitos, y que estos parques estén en lugares cercanos a las zonas pobladas.
o Asegurarse de que el mantenimiento de estas zonas sea bueno y frecuente.
o ¡Parques infantiles actualizados! Zonas de juego cercadas para niños pequeños. Actividades de invierno en espacios interiores.
o Parques limpios y más actitud comunitaria para que crezcan alrededor de ellos.
o Un parque infantil exterior/interior y una piscina.
o Más parques para bebés y actividades que puedan realizar. Espacios recreativos adecuados para los bebés.
o Acceso gratuito a equipos deportivos para niños.
o Programas/actividades recreativas para esas edades, como clases de arte o de natación.
Más bibliotecas en toda la ciudad, con más programas para niños pequeños.
Vivienda: una parte importante del crecimiento saludable es una vivienda estable. Vivir con cierta seguridad de su futuro fis cal, y para mucha gente
eso no es posible debido al depredador mercado inmobiliario de Evanston. Cuando los padres tienen que preocuparse por el aumento del alquiler
debido al aburguesamiento, tienen mucho menos tiempo para cuidar a sus hijos, así como mucho menos dinero para mantenerlos.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Atención y educación de la primera infancia:
o Cuidado infantil asequible y de alta calidad para los padres.
o Prekínder universal.
o Contratar chicos de las clases de desarrollo infantil de la ETHS para que trabajen en programas extracurriculares. Basta con que los maestros
lo propongan y repartan las solicitudes para que haya una mejor proporción entre personal y estudiantes.
Apoyo a padres/familias:
o Apoyo para alimentación y servicios públicos para que los padres no tengan que estar trabajando todo el tiempo y puedan pasar tiempo con
sus hijos para que los niños no se conviertan en delincuentes.
o Programas de donación de ropa, pañales y alimentos para bebés para familias afectadas por la COVID-19 y la inseguridad alimentaria.
o Pañales gratuitos. Page 103 of 248a.Page 121 of 346
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o Un fondo de juguetes de la ciudad para niños que no pueden pagarlos.
Programas para padres:
o Preescolar y socialización.
o Educación para padres solteros.
o Grupos sociales para padres.
o Servicios de apoyo para situaciones de crisis.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los niños desde kínder hasta 5.º grado (K-5)?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Escuela del 5.º distrito/escuelas de vecindario para todos.
Zonas seguras, limpias y accesibles fuera de la pantalla.
Más bibliotecas en toda la ciudad, con programación para niños de K-5.º.
Opciones de cuidado infantil asequibles/gratuitos.
Vivienda: viviendas asequibles y la posibilidad de comprar una casa para personas que trabajan en empleos de salario mínimo. Un hogar es crucial
para una familia sana.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Cuidado infantil y actividades extracurriculares:
o Opciones de cuidado infantil asequibles o gratuitas.
o Programa extracurricular robusto y asequible con una programación variada.
o Actividades extracurriculares que sean “compatibles con COVID” o que alivien el estrés del aislamiento y el estudio desde casa.
o Actividades para socializar mientras están a salvo de la COVID.
o Darles más oportunidades fuera de la escuela.
o Programas para que los niños con problemas tengan buenos modelos que seguir.
o Contratar chicos de las clases de desarrollo infantil para que trabajen en programas extracurriculares. Habrá una mejor proporción de
personal por estudiante.
o Ofrecer programas gratuitos de refuerzo durante el año escolar.
o Más centros de estudio y ayuda con las tareas para la casa después de la escuela.
Programas de ayuda mental, incluidos los programas de apoyo entre compañeros.
Brindarles una mejor comprensión sobre nuestra comunidad y cómo podemos permanecer seguros y mantene r a los demás seguros y protegidos.
Introducir a los niños en la vida ecológica y en la moral positiva correcta para nuestra comunidad, “ama a tu prójimo”, en general debe mostrar una
respuesta positiva en toda la comunidad en los años venideros e influir en las personas para que vuelvan a una comunidad fuerte y bien fundada.
ESCUELA Y EDUCACIÓN
Más oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico.
Serán útiles más recursos para que los padres ayuden a sus hijos en el aprendizaje a distancia. Page 104 of 248a.Page 122 of 346
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Educación sexual en la escuela: enseñar a los niños sobre el consentimiento.
Salud mental:
o Más ayuda en la escuela.
o Tomar en serio la intimidación y el acoso, ya que las burlas y el acoso repetidos pueden causar traumas graves en algunos niños.
Programas de Ciencias y más oportunidades de trabajo mejor pagadas en Evanston.
Mejores almuerzos escolares, más asequibles o gratuitos, pero de buena calidad.
Tutoría para ayuda adicional con la escuela y las tareas.
Dar subvenciones a varias escuelas para programas y oportunidades ayudaría a que los niños se involucraran más y ayudaría a desarrollar una
mentalidad abierta y un estilo de vida más activo.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los estudiantes de 6.º a 8.º grados?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Más bibliotecas en toda la ciudad, con programas para estudiantes de su edad.
Revitalizar Downtown Evanston y hacerlo más atractivo para los jóvenes.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Modelos de comportamiento y respeto a la comunidad.
Actividades extracurriculares:
o Actividades/oportunidades extracurriculares asequibles.
o Actividades recreativas que sean atractivas.
o Que les permita socializar, estar al aire libre y desconectarse de la tecnología.
o Tener más programas extracurriculares (académicos, deportivos, etc.) puede ayudar a los estudiantes a estar mejor desarrollados para la
escuela secundaria.
o Actividades extracurriculares que sean “compatibles con COVID” o que alivien el estrés del aislamiento y el estudio desde cas a.
ESCUELA Y EDUCACIÓN
Asistencia en la preparación para la escuela secundaria con mentores de la escuela secundaria.
Servicio para niños con problemas y oportunidades de servicio.
Educación sexual en la escuela: enseñar a los niños sobre el consentimiento.
Salud mental:
o Más apoyo emocional/opciones terapéuticas. Ofrecer terapia a todos.
o Más ayuda en la escuela.
o Tomar en serio la intimidación y el acoso, ya que las burlas y el acoso repetidos pueden causar traumas graves en algunos niños.
Alfabetización financiera temprana. Cómo ser inteligente con el dinero.
Mejor tecnología escolar.
Mejores almuerzos escolares, más asequibles o gratuitos, pero de buena calidad.
Educación sobre LBTQ. Page 105 of 248a.Page 123 of 346
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Tutoría para ayuda adicional con la escuela y las tareas, lo que incluye un centro de estudio para después de la escuela.
Donar para ayudar a personas sin hogar y presionar a la legislatura para el cambio climático: gravar a las compañías de altas emisiones y establecer
leyes. Esto ayuda a todos.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Capacitación policial que enseñe técnicas no violentas para apaciguar situaciones sin aplicar la fuerza a los jóvenes.
Más zonas donde los jóvenes puedan reunirse para interactuar en un entorno seguro.
o Podría ser en Robert Crown.
o Tener más ferias de arte y otras cosas para hacer en Downtown Evanston.
Huertos comunitarios que suministren alimentos a la comunidad y donde los estudiantes puedan trabajar o ser voluntarios.
Transporte:
o Mejorar el transporte escolar.
o Transporte seguro, bien interconectado y en buen estado.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Tutoría y desarrollo personal:
o Capacitación sobre cómo ser miembros activos de la comunidad.
o Que aprendan sobre las mejores formas de resolver problemas de nuestra comunidad para que puedan difundirlos. Enseñarles cómo
participar en la comunidad a una edad temprana.
o Programas para prevención de drogas, violencia entre pandillas.
o Programas de ayuda para la búsqueda de carreras y mentores.
o Programa de evaluación de relaciones saludables.
Actividades extracurriculares que sean “compatibles con COVID” o que alivien el estrés del aislamiento y el estudio desde casa.
Salud mental:
o Tomar en serio la salud mental y ofrecer más apoyo terapéutico a los adolescentes con enfermedades mentales.
o Tratar las enfermedades y trastornos mentales como cualquier otra enfermedad crónica. No asignar tareas para la casa fuera del trabajo de
clase pendiente; los adolescentes ya tienen demasiadas cosas que hacer.
ESCUELA Y EDUCACIÓN
Preparación universitaria y profesional:
Más tutoría y orientación para comenzar su futura carrera.
o Mejor preparación para la educación postsecundaria, como una clase obligatoria que enseñe sobre aprendizaje de habilidades para la vida,
conocimientos financieros, impuestos, cómo conseguir un trabajo, etc.
o Prácticas en la escuela secundaria en las que tengan que trabajar y también acompañar a los trabajadores. Colaborar con las empresas locales
para esto.
o Clases de preparación para la educación universitaria y tutoría. Page 106 of 248a.Page 124 of 346
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Estudio y tutoría:
o Zonas de estudio más accesibles y más tutorías para ayuda adicional con la escuela y las tareas.
o Un centro de estudios extracurricular.
o Hay muy pocos lugares alrededor de Evanston para reunirse a hacer proyectos o para obtener ayuda de tutoría de un miembro del personal
no escolar.
Mejor financiamiento para los salarios de los maestros y del personal. Sentirse desconectado de su educación debido a la falta de moral de los
maestros y del personal no solo perjudica la educación de los niños, sino también a los maestros.
Becas universitarias y subsidios para el alquiler:
Para incentivar a los jóvenes a cursar educación universitaria aunque no tengan medios económicos.
Para aliviar la crisis de la vivienda y ayudar a los residentes de Evanston que se ven afectados por la pandemia y no pueden pagar el alquiler.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los adultos jóvenes (de 18 a 26 años)?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Vivienda asequible.
Transporte seguro, bien interconectado y en buen estado.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Salud mental:
o Más servicios de salud mental/educación en salud mental.
o Más programas y talleres comunitarios ayudarían a los adultos jóvenes a relacionarse y a recuperar la confianza social después de haber
estado en línea durante tanto tiempo.
Más programas de voluntariado en organizaciones y participación.
DESARROLLO DE LA FUERZA LABORAL/DESARROLLO PROFESIONAL
Carrera y universidad:
o Más tutoría y orientación para comenzar su futura carrera.
o Programas de oportunidades de empleo, redacción de currículos, mentores, proyectos de servicio a la comunidad, programas educativos de
relaciones saludables, etc.
o Ferias de oportunidades junto con ferias de empleo.
o Clases de preparación para la educación universitaria y tutoría.
o Disponer de más recursos para que los jóvenes adultos aprendan habilidades para la vida (o dar a conocer esos recursos).
o Cursos/capacitación sobre conocimientos financieros e impuestos.
Aumentar el salario mínimo, muchos estudiantes intentan llegar a fin de mes con el pago de la institución universitaria, así como un lugar donde vivir y
comer.
Becas universitarias y subsidios para el alquiler.
Para incentivar a los jóvenes a cursar educación universitaria aunque no tengan medios económicos.
Para aliviar la crisis de la vivienda y ayudar a los residentes de Evanston que se ven afectados por la pandemia y no pueden pagar el alquiler. Page 107 of 248a.Page 125 of 346
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¿Alguna otra idea que considere que ayudaría a la comunidad?
Más interés sobre pobreza y seguridad.
Otorgar contratos y subsidios a compañías que se fundan en Evanston y que emplean en gran medida a sus habitantes, y tratar de dar la mayor
cantidad de oportunidades de trabajo a las pequeñas empresas de Evanston en vez de a corporaciones multimillonarias que realmente no hacen nada
por nuestra comunidad.
Dar prioridad a infraestructuras para peatones/bicicletas sobre los automóviles para aumentar la seguridad y alentar a la gente a ir a pie a los sitios en
vez de en automóvil. Esto puede añadirse a nuestros esfuerzos en materia de medioambiente.
Programas de becas: otorgar una beca basada en un ensayo. No tiene que ser por mucho. Algunas becas son de solo $200.
Instituir formas más ecológicas de obtener energía sería beneficioso para la comunidad en general. Cualquier cosa que ahorre o conserve energía sería
un paso en la dirección correcta para intentar controlar el calentamiento global.
Un banco de alimentos.
Si bien estos fondos son estupendos, por favor, no se olviden del proyecto de ley de vivienda/“r eparaciones”, que una y otra vez ha demostrado estar
mal financiado y ser discriminatorio. Necesitamos tener una fundación para los niños, si se buscara que la gente dijera un parque o recreación en
general no estaría en desacuerdo. Pero creo que eso sería saltarse un paso importante, tratar de promover la seguridad financiera en todos los
hogares. Esto es clave para crecer y convertirse en adulto. Sin seguridad financiera, la gente se ve atrapada en una mentalidad de supervivencia,
luchando por poner comida en la mesa. Dejando a sus hijos y a los de nuestra comunidad vulnerables. Tomar medidas contra el aburguesamiento y
establecer un programa de vivienda segura es un buen paso. Pero tampoco se pueden considerar reparaciones, y ni siquiera se d ebe considerar un
programa de vivienda. Es un préstamo selectivo y discriminatorio. Lo que necesitamos es algo real. Algo que genere sostenibil idad. No debemos restar
importancia a la vivienda.
Apoyar al departamento de bomberos.
Rendición de cuentas sobre estos comentarios.
Consejo de Educación de la Primera Infancia de Evanston, 23/JUL/2021
Apoyo operativo para programas de cuidado de niños a tiempo completo, a tiempo parcial y en el hogar: $500 000.
Las pérdidas de apoyo operativo para la educación infantil durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en la primera infancia han sido devastadoras.
Disminución de las inscripciones, pérdida de las cuotas que cubren los costos y reducción de ayudas del Programa de Asistencia al Cuidado Infantil
(CCAP, por sus siglas en inglés) han tenido una repercusión significativa en las pérdidas operativas. Cada vez es más difícil cubrir los gastos de
funcionamiento de los programas. Algunos centros y hogares de cuidado de niños, especialmente los programas de media jornada, han cerrado o
están en peligro de cerrar definitivamente. El país tiene la posibilidad de perder permanentemente millones de plazas de cuidado infantil en la
primera infancia. Evanston y el estado de Illinois forman parte de esa cifra mayor. Nuestros estudiantes de la primera infancia y su futuro éxito en la
educación deben ser una prioridad.
Ejemplos: Page 108 of 248a.Page 126 of 346
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o La Sociedad de Bienestar Infantil de Evanston (IWSE, por sus siglas en inglés) perdió 35 000 por mes de ingresos de
CCAP debido a la inscripción debido a la COVID-19.
o El preescolar Cherry anticipa un 62 % de inscripciones para 2021 debido a la COVID-19.
o Los cambios obligatorios en las regulaciones del Departamento de Servicios para Niños y Familias (DCFS, por sus siglas en inglés) causaron
pérdidas financieras sustanciales.
Recuperar el dinero gastado en mejoras de capital y estructurales para ayudar a alinear las instalaciones de la primera infancia con los nuevos
requisitos por COVID: $300 000.
Muchos Centros de la Primera Infancia de tiempo completo y parcial han tenido que poner las reparaciones en espera y desviar esos dólares para
pagar EPP, desinfección y otros artículos relacionados con la COVID. También estamos experimentando facturas de agua y electricidad muy elevadas
debido a limpieza y desinfección, Zoom y conexión con los padres durante la pandemia. Una subvención para cubrir costos de reparaciones que se
debieron hacer en 2020 y de las facturas más altas de los servicios públicos sería útil para estabilizar los centros. Algunos solo necesitan un pequeño
número de reparaciones; otras son más importantes. Todos los centros necesitarán ayuda para hacer frente a los costos mayores de bri ndar atención
y educación mientras se inscriben menos niños. Un sistema de subvención similar a la subvención en bloque para el desarrollo de la comunidad
(CDBG, por sus siglas en inglés) sin salario predominante, también emplearía a pequeños contratistas de Evanston. Ejemplos:
o Learning Bridge aplazó 40 000 de mejoras de capital debido a los gastos en EPP y purificación de aire.
o Toddler Town gastó 12 000 (préstamo) en la modernización de los purificadores de aire para calefacción, ventilación y aire
acondicionado (HVAC, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Cherry Pre School aplazó 15 000 en reparaciones estructurales y pintura.
Apoyo financiero para la obtención de credenciales educativas, capacitación y promoción profesional del personal: $250 000.
Los ingresos de los trabajadores de la educación de la primera infancia sin titulación suelen ser el salario mínimo. Las oportunidades de promoción
profesional dependen de la capacidad del trabajador para acceder económicamente a un título educativo. Muchos trabajadores no pueden
permitirse el pago de la matrícula ni la posibilidad de dejar el empleo cuando es necesario para el trabajo de campo. El apoyo financiero permitirá a
los trabajadores la capacidad de seguir la capacitación y la educación. Los trabajadores ganarán confianza y mejorarán el profesionalismo de la fuerza
laboral de la educación de la primera infancia. Ejemplos:
o Iniciar una asociación con la Universidad National Louis y el Colegio Comunitario de Oakton para apoyar la promoción de los maestros en
los centros.
o Los estipendios y las becas para nuestro personal mejorarán en gran medida nuestra fuerza laboral y la continuidad de la atención para los
más vulnerables.
o Contar con un fondo de becas de la comunidad local aumentaría en gran medida las oportunidades del personal para obtener credenciales
y avanzar.
o La escasez de maestros ha creado problemas de contratación de personal calificado debido a las disparidades salariales y tarifarias en la
primera infancia.
Apoyo financiero para servicios de salud mental, salud del comportamiento, discapacidad y terapia ocupacional/fisioterapia (O T/PT, por sus siglas en
inglés): $125 000.
Muchos programas de educación de la primera infancia no tienen la capacidad financiera para apoyar las necesidades de los niñ os con problemas de
salud mental, salud del comportamiento y discapacidad. Los servicios de terapia ocupacional y fisioterapia para los programas que operan fuera del
distrito escolar 65 son inasequibles para la mayoría de las familias y los programas de educación de la primera infancia. Los niños que reciben Page 109 of 248a.Page 127 of 346
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servicios a través del distrito escolar, a menudo, los transportan en autobús de un programa a otro dos veces al día. Los servicios deben prestarse en
el “entorno menos restringido”. Esto significa que el acceso a los servicios necesarios para los niños no depende de sus familias. Ejemplos:
o Debido a la COVID y al aumento del estrés y el trauma en las familias, los servicios de salud mental han tenido una gran demanda sin un
financiamiento adecuado.
o Muchos profesionales de la salud mental se están marchando a la práctica privada, lo que aumenta los costos de los servicios.
o Los servicios para discapacitados son muy limitados a través de la intervención temprana y se necesitan más fondos para apoyar a esta
población.
Apoyo de emergencia para las familias y becas para apoyar la continuidad de la atención: $100 000.
Las familias experimentan circunstancias como pérdida de empleo, pérdida de ayuda de subvención para cuidado infantil o necesidades médicas que
afectan su capacidad para pagar la matrícula del cuidado infantil. La continuidad del cuidado es crucial para que los niños crezcan y desarrollen una
base sólida y estén preparados para kínder. La ayuda financiera para emergencias o becas puede disminuir el estrés de las fam ilias (normalmente de
bajos ingresos) y el trauma que estas familias experimentan cuando se mantiene el sistema de apoyo educativo para su hijo y para ellos mismos.
Ejemplos:
o Ayuda financiera para familias que tienen dificultades para hacer frente a los pagos o que reúnen los requisitos para recibir asistencia
(subempleo, desempleo o inestabilidad laboral).
o Fondos de emergencia para ayudar a familias en circunstancias de crisis: falta de vivienda, pérdida de trabajo, muerte en la familia, e tc.
Estipendios/bonos de equidad para el personal por el trabajo en la pandemia desde julio de 2020: $500 000.
El país ha confiado en el personal de la primera infancia (en programas de jornada completa, cuidado infantil a domicilio y programas de media
jornada) para prestar un servicio esencial durante la pandemia, de modo que la gente pudiera volver a trabajar. Mientras otros pudieron trabajar
desde la seguridad de sus hogares, el personal de la primera infancia proporcionó atención directa y práctica a nuestras pers onas más vulnerables.
Debido a los limitados recursos de los programas de cuidado infantil, el personal no recibió una compensación acorde con el riesgo que se le pidió
que asumiera. En muchos casos, los salarios del personal se redujeron durante la pandemia y cualquier aumento futuro fue míni mo para proteger la
viabilidad de los programas. El financiamiento directo proporcionado a programas de aportes de una sola emisión a cuentas de jubilación,
bonificaciones o inversiones de una sola emisión en los salarios es fundamental para mantener la fuerza laboral y mitigar la rotación de personal.
o El personal de la primera infancia ha estado trabajando en ambientes de trabajo peligrosos y altamente estresantes desde
junio de 2020.
o Los niños siguen sin estar vacunados y colocan a nuestra fuerza laboral en circunstancias peligrosas y que amenazan
su vida.
o Muchos de nuestros empleados están en la categoría “más vulnerable” y tienen condiciones preexistentes afectadas por la
COVID-19.
o Nuestros servicios permitieron y siguen apoyando a los padres para que vuelvan al trabajo y puedan concentrarse en sus hijos en
edad escolar.
Page 110 of 248a.Page 128 of 346
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Comentarios de la comunidad en los cabildos de la ARPA
Preparado por el personal de la ciudad de Evanston
A continuación se presentan las respuestas de los miembros de la comunidad a las preguntas que se presentaron en cada cabildo/mesa redonda,
desglosadas por categorías. Es posible que algunos de los comentarios no entren en una categoría relacionada con la ARPA, pero el personal consideró
importante recoger todos los comentarios para que el Ayuntamiento los revise. Hubo aproximadamente 313 participantes en total.
1. Salud pública
a. Los fondos de la ARPA se deben destinar a atención médica, cuidado infantil, vivienda asequible, equidad y policía. La policía debe hacer menos
trabajo policial y la ciudad debe dedicar más recursos a la salud mental.
b. Algunos de los fondos de la ARPA se deben usar para programas juveniles en las escuelas, programas de tutoría (debido a que los jóvenes
afectados negativamente por la COVID-19 están fuera de la escuela).
c. Se deben contratar trabajadores sociales para trabajar con el Departamento de Policía de Evanston (EPD, por sus siglas en inglés).
d. El Ayuntamiento ha recortado el presupuesto de servicios sociales para jóvenes a lo largo de los años. El EPD ahora interviene en asuntos de la
juventud en los que es necesario asesoramiento y terapia. Los miembros de la comunidad quieren servicios específicos para los jóvenes,
asesoramiento o terapia en vez de utilizar los recursos del EPD para esto.
e. La mayor prioridad para el financiamiento de la ARPA debe ser en las áreas de salud pública.
f. Los programas de salud mental deben estar en primera línea del financiamiento de la ARPA.
g. La COVID afectó de manera desproporcionada a las personas de bajos ingresos y de color, y la ARPA se debe usar para aliviar el efecto negativo.
i. El Ayuntamiento debe examinar cómo se puede utilizar la ARPA para ayudar a personas mayores.
j. Aumentar la programación de servicios sociales y de salud pública para disuadir la violencia en la ciudad.
l. Dado que la comunidad no conoce ni comprende plenamente la repercusión de los problemas de salud mental de los niños y jóvenes en edad
escolar, el Ayuntamiento debe reservar fondos para una programación que aborde estos problemas.
m. Se deben reservar fondos para las necesidades de salud de los miembros de la comunidad que no tienen acceso a servicios.
o. Se deben contratar profesionales de salud mental con fondos de la ARPA para trabajar con los agentes de policía.
p. El financiamiento debe apoyar un aumento del número de profesionales de salud pública que trabajan en la ciudad.
q. El Ayuntamiento debe asignar fondos para apoyar a personas que experimentan falta de hogar, especialmente mujeres y niños y los afectados por
la COVID.
r. Se deben ofrecer servicios de salud mental gratuitos y basados en los ingresos para familias y niños.
s. Los servicios de salud mental en general deben ser gratuitos o basados en los ingresos.
t. Cobertura para los problemas de abuso de sustancias e invertir más en trabajadores sociales.
u. Los fondos que sobren de la ARPA y no estén ya asignados se deben destinar a asuntos de salud pública.
v. El financiamiento se debe utilizar para ayudar a las personas con las facturas médicas.
w. Los problemas de abuso de sustancias en los jóvenes requieren programas de apoyo y financiamiento.
2. Repercusión económica
a. Se deben financiar prácticas remuneradas para personas con discapacidad que enseñen a prepararse para el trabajo, y fomentar las prácticas Page 111 of 248a.Page 129 of 346
26
remuneradas para adultos con discapacidad.
b. La comunidad artística se ha visto desproporcionadamente afectada por la COVID-19. Los músicos se quedaron completamente sin trabajo durante
el año pasado. El Ayuntamiento debe estudiar estrategias para reactivar y apoyar a las organizaciones artísticas de Evanston.
c. Apoyo a organizaciones artísticas, músicos, artistas que no han podido trabajar durante la COVID.
d. Una parte sustancial de la ARPA debe darse a Family Focus. Family Focus quiere ampliar y reparar el edificio de la escuela Foster. Tienen $1 millón
reservado por el estado de Illinois. Evanston puede ayudar a fomentar planes y crear un centro para las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que sean
accesibles a los residentes del distrito 5.º.
e. Family Focus es un centro en el distrito 5.º y una estructura importante, varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro y organizaciones, pero necesita
algunas reparaciones mayores.
f. Gracias por acercar el Gobierno de la ciudad a la gente. Es importante reconstruir mejor e invertir en el futuro, especialmente en el arte (los
negocios se benefician del arte). Me gustaría ver un sitio de turismo creado por Evanston que se centre en arte y cultura, un calendario que enumere
cada uno de los eventos y lugares en los que se celebre en Evanston. La ciudad debe tratar de promover el turismo y acercar personas que vienen de
fuera de la ciudad.
g. Las inversiones tienen que generar crecimiento económico y la comunidad tiene que rendir cuentas y ser transparente sobre cómo pensamos que va
a fomentar el crecimiento cuando empecemos a gastar los fondos.
h. Utilizar los fondos en las zonas de la ciudad que se vieron afectadas de forma desproporcionada por la COVID-19, que no se vieron afectadas
económicamente por la COVID-19. La ciudad debe ayudar a los residentes más afectados económicamente, es decir, a las personas que perdieron
sus empleos y a las que no pueden permitirse el cuidado infantil (si pudiéramos hacerlo a través de Family Focus, sería estupendo, y deberíamos
destinar el dinero a Family Focus).
i. Dejar de financiar subvenciones a restaurantes. Su tasa de fracaso es demasiado grande en general y utilizar el financiamiento de la ARPA sería un
despilfarro.
j. Los restaurantes deben pagar más que el salario mínimo (y no estaban pagando bien a los trabajadores antes de la pandemia) y no deberíamos
utilizar el dinero para los restaurantes.
k. “Nueva normalidad”, hay que trabajar en el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, nuevas formas de trabajar, asegurándose de apoyar el desarrollo de la
fuerza laboral de esta nueva normalidad.
l. El desarrollo económico debe ser la máxima prioridad de la ciudad.
m. El Ayuntamiento debe asegurarse de que los distritos 8.º y 5.º se beneficien del financiamiento y otras zonas fuertemente afectadas por la COVID.
n. Apoyar a las comunidades de color, los negocios locales que no han regresado, la pérdida de negocios cerca del teatro y la necesidad de un nuevo
teatro.
o. Cómo podemos animar a los comerciantes a volver, incentivos; seguir involucrando a la comunidad en la fase inicial con ideas e implementación, así
como en la decisión final, quién toma la decisión, ¿qué papel tiene la comunidad?
p. Trabajadores de primera línea, ¿cómo podemos apoyarlos mejor?
q. Downtown Evanston, ¿qué sustituirá a los negocios que han cerrado y qué puede servir de ancla para la ciudad pertinente para todos los residentes?
Se necesita un plan.
r. Aprendió más sobre empresas locales durante la pandemia y quiere ver que los negocios locales vuelvan, posiblemente a través de pequeñas
subvenciones, conexión entre la comunidad y las empresas.
s. Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, ¿qué podemos hacer para capacitar a los jóvenes para trabajos y reparaciones en nuestra ciudad? El financiamiento
de la ARPA se debe usar en componentes de capacitación cuando se trata de oficios. Esto dará la oportunidad de llegar a los jóvenes para que se Page 112 of 248a.Page 130 of 346
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formen en los oficios.
t. ¿Cómo podemos promover el desarrollo económico, en qué puede invertir la ciudad?
u. Generar más ingresos económicos y actividad ayudará a las finanzas de la ciudad.
v. Desarrollo económico para las pequeñas empresas, sostenimiento y ayuda de las sin fines de lucro.
w. Hay que asegurarse de que los fondos se gastan en áreas que se van a volcar y multiplicar los dólares en la ciudad.
x. La seguridad laboral es un problema en la comunidad. Utilizar los fondos de la ARPA para sostener empresas y crear seguridad laboral.
y. Invertir en proyectos que aporten crecimiento sostenido, capacitación laboral.
z. Seguimiento de la progresión de la persona a través de servicios de desarrollo económico.
aa. Seguimiento del retorno de la inversión en programas.
bb. Inversión en negocios relacionados con la sostenibilidad.
cc. Muchos negocios están cerrados y necesitan apoyo. Otras instalaciones (p. ej., el campo de golf de Canal Shores) permanecieron abiertas todo el
tiempo y sufrieron más desgaste.
dd. Algo para las personas que necesitan capacitación laboral o ayuda para volver a trabajar.
ee. Colaboración con Oakton para la capacitación laboral en Evanston para jóvenes, personas sin hogar y otras personas necesitadas; colaboración con
otros servicios sociales.
ff. La sede del colegio comunitario de Oakton en Evanston debe recibir financiamiento.
gg. Northlight sería un gran activo para la ciudad, pero utilizarlo para la construcción de capital en el edificio no sería apropiado en las categorías de
infraestructura.
hh. La ciudad no parece verse realmente afectada económicamente por la COVID-19.
ii. Asistencia financiera para familias con dificultades económicas.
jj. Ayudar a negocios locales mediante subvenciones o programación.
3. Pago de prima
a. Solicitud de capacitación laboral, pago de primas.
b. Los trabajadores de Downtown Evanston y los trabajadores esenciales deben recibir financiamiento y apoyo de la ARPA (es decir, pago de primas).
c. Se planteó un fondo para los trabajadores esenciales, más amplio que los trabajadores esenciales de la ciudad.
d. Cuidado infantil, trabajadores esenciales, especialmente trabajadores esenciales con bajos ingresos.
4. Ingresos
a. Utilizar el dinero primero para cubrir el déficit de la ciudad y respaldar los programas existentes antes de emprender nuevos proyectos.
b. Utilizar parte del dinero para compensar la pérdida de fondos del presupuesto debido a la gratuidad de las fichas de playa durante 3 días.
c. Sanear el déficit antes de gastar más dinero.
d. Ingresos: alinearnos con organizaciones de pensamiento progresista y examinar nuestros flujos de ingresos.
e. Poner dinero en los vacíos de ingresos de la ciudad no debe ser una prioridad.
f. No utilizar el dinero para pagar ninguna deuda. Page 113 of 248a.Page 131 of 346
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5. Agua
a. Agua: es importante que tengamos nuestro sistema de agua asegurado para poder aumentar la capacidad y hacer todo lo posible para ampliar
nuestros servicios en el norte de Illinois.
b. Las tuberías de agua de plomo han sido un problema en el pasado, una oportunidad única para actualizarlas.
c. Tuberías de plomo, la importancia de proporcionar oportunidades de empleo y mejorar la seguridad.
6. Alcantarillado
a. Alcantarillado: debe repararse.
7. Banda ancha
a. Brecha digital, asegurarse de resolver el problema de la banda ancha: ¿cómo podemos solucionar la brecha digital en Evanston?
b. Robert Crown debe proporcionar acceso y servicios digitales gratuitos para los negocios y la comunidad.
c. Banda ancha: 5G relegada a las 3 grandes compañías de comunicación. La ciudad de Evanston debe estudiar si el 5G tendría que ser un servicio
para toda la ciudad (la brecha digital dejaría de ser un problema en Evanston). Tenemos una superautopista digital que atraviesa la ciudad. Otros
negocios están implementando el 5G en todo el país y mejorando la actividad comercial.
d. Se deben construir torres de telefonía móvil a lo largo del lago. Accesibilidad para aquellos a lo largo del lago que no pueden obtener el servicio.
e. Se necesita banda ancha y puntos de acceso en toda la ciudad.
f. Deseo de proporcionar más banda ancha, puede que no sea la mejor manera de llegar a las personas mayores.
g. La banda ancha debe convertirse en un servicio público, lo que cierra la brecha digital.
h. Evaluación de las zonas de la ciudad en las que la banda ancha no es fiable, asegurarse de que los jóvenes y las personas mayores tengan acceso;
los jóvenes lo necesitan para la educación, las personas mayores necesitan estar conectadas y no quedar aisladas.
i. La mayor prioridad es la banda ancha inalámbrica en toda la ciudad; la brecha digital se puso de manifiesto durante la COVID.
j. Banda ancha permanente, no temporal.
k. Mucha gente no sabía cómo navegar por la tecnología cuando los niños estaban en la escuela, y los fondos de la ARPA se deben usar para
proporcionar una programación que ayude a los padres en la educación de los niños en casa.
l. Internet y los equipos utilizados para internet se deben financiar con fondos de la ARPA.
8. Vivienda
a. Utilizar los fondos para los pequeños propietarios que no han recibido alquileres en dos años.
b. Ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas asequibles, no a las unidades de lujo.
c. Interfaith Action: se ve obligada a reducir el número de refugios de emergencia, personas que viven en estacionamientos. Necesidad de un refugio
permanente las 24 horas del día durante todo el año se hace evidente. Necesidad de baños públicos en Downtown Evanston. Le gusta que el plan de
la COVID-19 hable de esto.
d. Unidad de vivienda accesoria (ADU, por sus siglas en inglés): fuera del alcance de muchos residentes de Evanston, pero utilizar los fondos para ADU
para ayudar a crear riqueza generacional.
e. Asistencia a los inquilinos y propietarios; gran riesgo al terminar la moratoria de desalojo. Page 114 of 248a.Page 132 of 346
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f. Viviendas asequibles.
g. Vivienda: adquisición y rehabilitación de sitios fijos, gestión de alquileres basada en el inquilino y desarrollo de viviendas permanentes para personas
que necesitan asistencia.
h. La vivienda asequible se debe financiar a través de la ARPA.
i. Viviendas asequibles, los proyectos solo se mantienen durante 15 años, el fideicomiso de tierras comunitarias podría ser una mejor opción.
j. La asequibilidad de la vivienda dificulta la permanencia en Evanston, desplazamiento de personas de color.
k. Vivienda: gran necesidad de vivienda asequible y de hacerla sostenible, ¿qué podemos hacer para comprar propiedades o que el terreno y los
edificios sigan siendo asequibles?
l. Viviendas asequibles para la clase baja y la clase media.
m. La vivienda asequible es necesaria y debe proporcionarse con el financiamiento de la ARPA.
n. No me gusta el CDBG por zona, quiero que sea por necesidad.
o. Debe crearse una ordenanza de control de alquileres.
p. Proporcionar información de recursos para vivienda de bajos ingresos en español.
9. Infraestructura general
a. Se deben crear parques acuáticos, piscinas para los jóvenes en los parques.
b. Aceras, infraestructura en mal estado. ¿Se abordará este asunto? Dinero asignado a la infraestructura de aceras.
c. Utilizar los fondos para reparar y hacer aceras (donde no las hay). Zonas en las que las aceras se mantienen y zonas en las que no, la riqueza
intergeneracional y los edificios bien conservados han mantenido las aceras, las que no son de riqueza intergeneracional y los edificios no están bien
conservados no se mantienen ni se conservan. ¿Cómo estos fondos afectan a largo plazo los lugares donde las aceras están en m al estado? No están
en condiciones.
d. Utilizar para aceras, carreteras, carriles para bicicletas.
e. Reducir las tarifas de los viajes compartidos y ver dónde se puede reducir.
f. Infraestructura: estacionamientos para patinetes/vespas en los lotes de pago del vecindario. Reduciría la congestión.
g. Mejorar los andenes de los trenes, viaductos.
h. Mejorar parques y campos para fomentar una vida sana y una participación saludable.
i. Infraestructura: organizaciones sin fines de lucro quieren construir un edificio escolar en el Distrito 2, ya que todos se transportan en autobús a las
escuelas en diferentes zonas, y tendrían la oportunidad de pasar más tiempo después de la escuela, sería una inversión a largo plazo.
j. Infraestructura: ¿qué hay que abordar en términos de lo que se podría hacer ahora? Será más costoso en el futuro posponer las necesidades de
infraestructura.
k. Considerar la repercusión completa de la COVID, lugares no utilizados y lugares sobreutilizados en las decisiones de proyectos de infraestructura.
l. Se ha mencionado la escuela del quinto distrito.
m. Parque acuático público.
n. Robert Crown, ¿hacerlo gratuito? Hacer un mejor trabajo de publicidad.
o. Más alumbrado público, muy peligroso no hay suficiente iluminación.
p. Educación de adultos, prácticas de inglés como segunda lengua (concentrarse en el diálogo coloquial).
q. Centro comunitario para latinos donde puedan obtener información y asistencia. Page 115 of 248a.Page 133 of 346
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r. Clases de tecnología, clases de informática, básicas y sencillas.
s. Centro para negocios de la comunidad latina (¿incubadora?)
t. Programas para la tercera edad, son los más afectados y no tienen programas disponibles para ellos, ¿aburrimiento/aislamiento?
10. Cuidado infantil
a. La mayoría de los programas no son autosuficientes por sí mismos, por ejemplo el cuidado infantil. Los fondos se deben usar para ayudar a
mantenerlos.
b. Los fondos se deben usar para cuidado infantil y capacitación.
c. Invertir y considerar opciones de cuidado de niños para los padres.
d. El cuidado infantil, al igual que la atención médica infantil, necesita financiamiento: los proveedores de educación de la primera infancia son mal
pagados y la etapa de 0 a 5 años es la más impactante durante la vida de una persona, pero no estamos prestando suficiente atención a ese
período.
e. Aumentar la disponibilidad de centros de cuidado infantil y preescolares; probablemente no se sostenga a través de esto, pero de nuevo, algo
para empezar.
f. Responder a las necesidades de las personas que han perdido a sus seres queridos, empleos, cuidado infantil, responder a los que han sido más
perjudicados.
g. Ofrecer campamentos de verano para niños, campamentos de verano bilingües para niños.
h. Apoyar a los jóvenes, especialmente a los que han sufrido en el plano académico, con programas de tutoría y actividades extracurriculares.
11. Otro
a. Utilizar los fondos para ayudar a las personas mayores a reparar sus casas (sótanos, ventanas, etc.).
b. No gastar $43 millones solo en torno a Robert Crown.
c. Los fondos de la ARPA se deben usar para reducir los impuestos sobre la propiedad.
d. Universidad Northwestern debe comprometerse a ayudar a mantener los nuevos programas que podamos necesitar.
e. Los propietarios de viviendas están pagando los impuestos de Universidad Northwestern; los negocios están pagando las reparaciones de las
áreas pero no lo están haciendo (por ejemplo los callejones del hospital).
f. Detener y compensar la tasa de impuestos.
g. Reconsiderar el edificio sin fines de lucro de Universidad Northwestern. Los edificios del “consejo de” o “sociedad de” las
hermandades/fraternidades son cascarones durante el año escolar y a menudo están vacíos durante el verano. Esos son los lotes de propiedad que
de otro modo podrían generar ingresos por impuesto a la propiedad.
h. La colaboración entre la ciudad y el sistema educativo para revertir el desangramiento de las familias que no pueden permitirse el lujo de vivir
aquí, ayuda, y se centran en las familias con vulnerabilidades interseccionales.
i. ¿Quiénes son los más perjudicados, dónde ha caído la mayor repercusión negativa? ¿Tenemos datos sobre esto, datos que la ciudad no tiene y que
la cámara u otros podrían tener? Necesidad de responder de manera equitativa.
j. Asuntos climáticos, implementación del CARP.
k. Reencuadrar a la policía y a los bomberos en el marco de la seguridad pública, acudir a ellos para ver qué necesitan para hacer su trabajo de Page 116 of 248a.Page 134 of 346
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manera eficaz y justa.
l. Preocupación por el uso de los primeros auxilios, capacitados como policías, pero los asuntos menores podrían ser manejados por alguien que no
sea de primeros auxilios.
m. Un mejor uso de las finanzas de la ciudad y de las infraestructuras de la ciudad, desearía más dinero para la salud pública, ayudar a la gente a
prosperar en general.
n. Sostenibilidad y su repercusión en la vivienda y para las personas mayores.
o. Ideas que necesitamos para asegurarnos que estos elementos son sostenibles.
p. Residentes y el apoyo de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro.
q. Consultas externas sobre cómo gastar los fondos.
r. Seguridad alimentaria.
s. Creación de capacidades en general.
t. Las personas mayores y las familias que viven al día.
u. Prevención de la violencia en las escuelas/formas de eliminar la violencia, especialmente la violencia con armas de fuego.
v. Fondos para la biblioteca pública.
w. Los bibliotecarios latinos han realizado una labor de divulgación increíble.
x. Considerar la posibilidad de no multar a las personas que no pueden pagar las multas, diferentes fuentes de ingresos.
y. No hay nuevos programas, sino que hay que apoyar a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro (NFP, por sus siglas en inglés) actuales que ya
apoyan a la comunidad.
z. Quieren saber cómo aprovechar los programas.
aa. Limpieza de los carriles para bicicletas.
bb. Más fondos para las escuelas, especialmente las de familias con necesidades especiales.
cc. Más programas o invertir en los programas actuales.
dd. Las identificaciones para el permiso de estacionamiento se deben compensar.
dd. Fortalecer la relación con las propuestas de la policía, muchos latinos no confían en la policía.
ee. Apoyar organizaciones latinas sin fines de lucro.
gg. Resumen público del presupuesto en español con categorías más específicas e indicación del destino de los fondos.
hh. Ingreso básico universal $400, no dar dinero a las grandes corporaciones.
ii. No traer grandes corporaciones, sino apoyar negocios locales y darles más contratos.
jj. Crimen cerca de las escuelas.
12. Participación: ¿cómo le gustaría participar en este proceso?
a. Una comunidad talentosa y capacitada: quiere que un comité de miembros de la comunidad se involucre en este proceso y asignación de la ARPA.
b. Transparencia para mostrar a los residentes su opinión e intención sobre el beneficio a largo plazo de las inversiones, mantener la ciudad de
Evanston responsable.
c. Gracias por el cabildo. Tener un sitio web donde podamos compartir las ideas de la ARPA para ampliar el resto de nuestras opiniones.
d. Desea que los horarios/fechas de las reuniones sean más amigables y continuar con las reuniones virtuales.
e. Priorizar el dinero de manera que se atienda a las personas. Page 117 of 248a.Page 135 of 346
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f. Malestar por el plan posterior a la COVID-19, no incluyó los aportes de la comunidad, no se construyó pensando en ellos.
g. Más personas deben tener un asiento en la mesa para participar. Cuando el Ayuntamiento se reúne ya es demasiado tarde. Rediseñar el
funcionamiento de los comentarios, bloquear clubes. Equidad: llegar a todos y asegurarse de que se escuchan todas las voces.
h. La COVID proporcionó nuevas oportunidades de participación, disfrutar de este diseño (cabildo/formato de mesa redonda) y ser capaz de conversar
en este foro.
i. Levantar las juntas y comisiones que ya existen, crear encuestas para participar.
j. Este foro (Zoom) no llega a las personas en las que se gastará el dinero; no todo el mundo puede participar en el Zoom; podemos llegar a la gente a
través de encuestas; no solo pedir la opinión del público, sino pensar en cómo involucrarlos de manera significativa en el proceso, codiseñar el
proceso de la política; cómo hacer que la ciudad sea responsable, cómo devolver a la gente su tiempo.
k. Las encuestas podrían ser una buena opción para obtener opiniones y luego acudir a un foro para reflexionar antes de la reunión.
l. Reunión virtual versus presencial, me alegro de que la ciudad llegue a la población hispana, me gustaría que llegáramos más a todas las partes de la
comunidad.
m. ¿Qué podemos hacer para conocer la opinión de los jóvenes y crear programas para ellos y por ellos? Crear un plan para involucrar a los jóvenes.
n. Planes vecinales a lo largo de los años: "planificación del lado oeste" que incorporaba la capacitación de la fuerza laboral, debemos reexaminar eso e
identificar los mejores lugares que estaban en ese plan.
o. Muchos comités, juntas y comisiones de la ciudad: ¿cómo podemos aprovecharlos y pedirles que propongan sus propias prioridades y las expongan
al personal de la ciudad para que presenten las propuestas basadas en esas conversaciones?
p. Involucrar a los ciudadanos, incluso a los que no tienen edad para votar; conexión, resiliencia y luego compromiso.
q. Cabildos comunitarios, más acceso e información para mantener a los residentes conectados con la ciudad.
r. Si no nos comprometemos con las comunidades que nos apasionan, es posible que no estemos representados en las decisiones: jóvenes,
trabajadores esenciales, propietarios de negocios, personas mayores son todos grupos importantes a los que hay que comprometer.
s. ¿Cómo podemos estar informados en el proceso, qué medidas se tomarán?
t. Nos gustaría que el proceso fuera más transparente y que se felicitara al alcalde y al nuevo Ayuntamiento para lograr una mayor influencia en la
comunidad.
u. Concejales: más, ¿las reuniones comunitarias serían útiles para involucrar a todos los habitantes de Evanston que no pueden llegar a las reuniones?
v. Miembros de la comunidad no quieren poner los fondos de la ARPA en los departamentos de la ciudad y no saben cómo se gastan, quieren entender
el presupuesto y quieren comunicación.
w. La ciudad debe cooperar más con las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que ayudan a la comunidad, no sienten que la ciudad esté trabajando en
colaboración con ellas.
x. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que apoyan a la comunidad latina deben recibir recursos o financiamiento.
y. Asegurarse de que la ciudad está evaluando y comunicando las necesidades de la comunidad latina, ¿qué investigación está realizando sobre las
necesidades?
z. El marco de equidad debe constituir el plan de revisión de los fondos.
aa. Comunicar a la comunidad para que sepan que las escucharon sobre cómo se distribuirán los fondos de la ARPA basados en los comentarios del
cabildo.
bb. Desean que los miembros del Ayuntamiento vengan a la comunidad y sean más accesibles, no solo en cuanto a la traducción, sino también en
cuanto a la adecuación cultural.
cc. Recomendar la reproducción de la experiencia de Chicago, que los funcionarios de la ciudad hagan encuestas y hablen individualmente con la Page 118 of 248a.Page 136 of 346
33
gente.
dd. Hacer el sitio web de la ciudad más accesible.
ee. Muchas personas han sido residentes de Evanston por un tiempo y finalmente han escuchado por primera vez que tienen una voz, emociona que
la ciudad organizó cabildos, y en español; están aquí.
ff. Para la ciudad ir a la comunidad y tocar puertas es muy importante, este es un pequeño porcentaje en la sala.
gg. Muy contentos de que estemos aquí y lo promovamos para que asista más gente.
* Nota: No todos hicieron comentarios y muchos comentarios vinieron de grupos con un solo representante. Este gráfico es una estimación aproximada del número de
veces que se discutió una categoría en comparación con el número total de personas. Esto no es en absoluto una descripción ex acta de cómo se sienten todos los
miembros de la comunidad con respecto a las categorías. Se necesita más información para obtener una muestra estadísticamente significativa*. Page 119 of 248a.Page 137 of 346
34
Asistentes a las mesas redondas
Mesa redonda: Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y adultos emergentes, 13/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Biss
Alison Leipsiger
Emma Carter
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Kelley Gandurski
Sharon Johnson
Nathan Norman
ECF Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tosha Wilson
Tiffini Holmes
Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) Carol Teske
Community Organizing and Family
Issues (COFI)
Jess Rojo
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Maricar Ramos Page 120 of 248a.Page 138 of 346
35
Bettye Cohns
Almacén de reconstrucción de
Evanston
Aina Gutiérrez
Estudiantes de Evanston Kay Israelite
Niñas exploradoras Irasema González
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
Impact Behavioral Health Partners Christopher Knoper
Mayor’s Employer Advisory Council
(MEAC)
Neal Gambow
Tana Francellno
National Able Dominic
NorthShore Health Systems Brandon Buchanan
Mesa redonda: Niños en edad escolar, 17/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Yazari Gutiérrez
Stacey Moragne
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Deanna Howlett
Audrey Thompson
Andy Rapoport
ECF Sol Anderson
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Jacqui White Page 121 of 248a.Page 139 of 346
36
Tosha Wilson
Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) Sheila Merry
Community Organizing and Family
Issues (COFI)
Jesse Rojo
Chanelle Brown
Rocío Mancera
Lachisa
Gil Pena
Cynthia Lara
Eloísa
Children’s Advocacy Center Lara Priester
Distrito 65 Jennifer Bergner
Tania Margonza
Katee (centro familiar)
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Maricar Ramos
Evanston Public Library (EPL) Jan Bojda
Elascha Madison
Niñas exploradoras Irasema González
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
McGaw YMCA Katie Tucker Trippi
Proyecto Open Studio Sarah Laing
Rainbows for All Children Stephanie Garrity
Laura Lindroth
Youth Job Center (YJC) Amanda Marks
Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) Craig Lynch
? J. Bowen
Mesa redonda: Población inmigrante e indocumentada,
18/AGO/2021
Organización Representante Page 122 of 248a.Page 140 of 346
37
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Kelley Gandurski
Alison Leipsiger
Genaro Hernández
Yazari Gutiérrez
Secretaria Stephanie Mendoza
(traductora)
ECF Karli Butler
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Community Organizing and
Family Issues (COFI)
Jesse Roo
Rocío Mancera
Chanelle Brown
Nazaria
Marla Blas
Cynthia Lara
María Nava
Dominga Vicencio
Eloísa
Demi
D65 Natalia Moreno Polomkasis
Evanston Public Library (EPL) Mariana Bojórquez
Latinos de Evanston Alejandra Ibánez
Rebeca Mendoza
Estudiantes de Evanston Serena Robertson
Farmworker And Landscaper
Advocacy Project (FLAP)
Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velásquez
Literacy Works Christine Kenney
Ministerio de la Juventud
Católica Unida/St. Nicholas
James Holzhauer-Chuckas
Mesa redonda: Artes y humanidades, 19/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
ECF Karli Butler
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Actors Gymnasium Murphy Monroe
Art Encounter Lea Pinsky Page 123 of 248a.Page 141 of 346
38
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Centro de Arte de Evanston Ellie Hazlett
Consejo de Artes de Evanston Toby Sachs
Centro de Historia de Evanston Eden Juron Pearlman
Evanston Live Meleika Gardner
Evanston Made Lisa Degliantoni
Orquesta Sinfónica de Evanston Margaret Gergen
Asociación de la Casa Frances
Willard
Lori Osborne
Institute for Therapy through the
Arts (ITA)
Maris Harrington
Metropolitan Family Services Samer Hussein
Teatro Mudlark Daisy Copeland
Museo Mitchell Josee Starr
Teatro Northlight Leann Kim Tonke
Proyecto Open Studio Sarah Laing
Shorefront Dino Robinson
Coro Sounds Good Helen Gagel
Artista y curador independiente Fran Joy
Fisioterapia Skillz Aime Maranan
Mesa redonda: Desarrollo económico y comunitario,
24/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Paul Zalmezak
Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson
Sarah Flax
Emma Carter
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tiffini Holmes
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Cámara de Evanston/ECF Bryant Wallace
Evanston Live TV Meleika Gardner
Almacén de reconstrucción de
Evanston
Aina Gutiérrez
Estudiantes de Evanston Demisha Lee Page 124 of 248a.Page 142 of 346
39
Consejo Empresarial de la
mujer/latinos de Evanston
Linda del Bosque
Farmworker And Landscaper Advocacy
Project (FLAP)
Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velázquez
Centro de Educación Temprana
Learning Bridge
Lindsay Percival
Literacy Works Christine Kenny
Melanie Sampson
McGaw YMCA Katie Trippi
Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano Reba Darcy Carter
Soul and Smoke Heather Bublick
Rebecca Bladen
Mesa redonda: Personas mayores y personas con discapacidades,
25/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Andy Rapoport
Katie Klemola
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Bethel New Life Brenda Phillips
Centro para una vida enriquecida Nick Baird
Melissa Juarez Ehlers
Centro para un futuro
independiente
Ann Sickon
Community Organizing and Family
Issues (COFI)
Jesse Rojo
Evanston Public Library (EPL) Jill Skwerski
Bridget Petrites
Foster Seniors & Deltas Eva Coly
Impact Behavioral Health Partners Patti Capouch
Institute for Therapy through the
Arts (ITA)
Jenni Rook
Levy Center Foundation Judy Newton
Literacy Works Melanie Sampson
Aprendizaje temprano Reva/EC2C Bettye Cohns
Fisioterapia Skillz Nsisong Ekanem Page 125 of 248a.Page 143 of 346
40
Aime Maranan Coro Sounds Good Helen Gagel
Mesa redonda: Vivienda y falta de vivienda, 13/SEP/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Sarah Flax
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
Yazari Gutiérrez
Audrey Thompson
Nathan Norman
Genaro Hernández
Lachisa Barton
James Bowen
Kristin Meyer
ECF Sol Anderson
Becca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Alianza para Erradicar la Falta de
Vivienda en las Áreas Suburbanas
del Condado de Cook.
Katie Spoden
Centro para un futuro
independiente
Dick Malone
Conexiones para personas sin
hogar
Betty Bogg
Nia Tavoularis
Community Partners for Affordable
Housing (CPHA)
Rob Anthony
Distrito 65 Allie Harned
Jennifer Bergner
Evanston Cradle to Career Bettye Cohn
Kim Holmes-Ross
Corporación para el Desarrollo de
Evanston
Robbie Markus
Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Ann Weatherhead
ETHS Taya Kinzie
Family Promise Tracy McKeithen
Impact Behavioral Health Partners Patti Capouch
Interfaith Action of Evanston Anne Heinz
Sue Murphy
Eileen Wiviott (también Iglesia
Unitaria)
McGaw YMCA Roland Fouché
Katie Trippi
Open Communities Jasemen Hatcher Page 126 of 248a.Page 144 of 346
41
Proyecto Open Studio Sarah Laing
Corporación para el desarrollo de
viviendas Reba
Keith Banks
Richard Cahan Page 127 of 248a.Page 145 of 346
42
Page 128 of 248
a.Page 146 of 346
Percentage of comments regarding how to
spend ARPA funds
Porcentaje de comentarios sobre cómo
gastar los fondos de la ARPA
Childcare Cuidado infantil
Public health Salud pública
General infrastructure Infraestructura general
Housing Vivienda
Broadband Banda ancha
Water Agua
City revenue Ingreso municipal
Economic impacts Repercusión económica
Premium pay Pago de prima
Page 129 of 248
a.Page 147 of 346
1
ARPA FUNDING:
AN OPPORTUNITY
FOR EVANSTON’S
TRANSFORMATIONAL
RECOVERY AND
REBUILDING
Prepared by
Roberta Rakove, Suzanne Strassberger,
and Marybeth Schroeder
for the Page 130 of 248a.Page 148 of 346
2
MORE THAN 500 COMMUNITY VOICES
Evanston has an extraordinary opportunity. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) allocated a $43 million windfall to Evanston. There are few
restrictions, and funding can be allocated over a three-year time period. Often, allocation decisions for one-time funding opportunities, such as state capital
bills or the Tobacco Settlement, are based on political will and are subject to tight expenditure timelines.
Evanston's vibrant nonprofit organizations and more than 500 community members have come together to help Evanston choose a different approach.
Our goal was to build a vision of using ARPA funds for Evanston's recovery and rebuilding from the COVID pandemic grounded in clear, community-informed
directives. The City Council, the Mayor, and City Staff can use this work to move this vision into action with ARPA funds and future projects.
The work began in June when the City of Evanston, with the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston Cradle to Career, Northwestern University's Office of
Neighborhood and Community Relations, and with guidance from Evanston Early Childhood Council and Evanston Latinos, convened three Town Hall Meetings
– two in English (virtual and in-person) and the third in Spanish. Three-hundred thirteen Evanston residents participated.
From August through September, the Evanston Community Foundation, Mayor Daniel Biss, and the staff of the City of Evanston partnered to facilitate seven
Roundtables, each organized around a sector, a youth Townhall with 34 youth participants, and facilitators, and a survey of more than 55 ETHS students. Prior
to the Roundtables, the Evanston Early Childhood Council had convened their own group to set out priorities which are incorporated into this report.
It is a testimony to Evanston's community spirit that virtually none of the 169 people from 62 organizations (exclusive of City and ECF staff) participating in the
Roundtables advocated for their own individual or organizational priorities.
Participant input from the four Town Hall meetings and the seven Roundtables form the basis for this report. It is organized as follows:
Introduction
Criteria to use in the decision-making process
Cross-sector themes for change
A chart that compares the cross-sector themes with the priority topics covered in each of the seven Roundtables
Appendices including, a) project recommendations by sector, b) youth survey results, c) priorities put forward by the Evanston Early Childhood
Council, d) and a list of roundtable participants.
The commitment of the more than 500 community members who took time out of their very busy schedules to participate is a statement of what makes
Evanston strong: active members of its community, both those who live there and those who work there. It is important to note that there are still
opportunities for listening to incorporate important voices. These include the faith community, healthcare, environmental groups, and business groups like the
Chamber of Commerce and the Black Business Consortium of Evanston/North Shore. We urge City officials and staff, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and
others planning future projects to make use of the information here that came from the incredible resource that is our Evanston community.
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3
ARPA Evanston Funding Criteria
Roundtable participants want the overall spending plan to reflect core values of the Evanston community. They had strong ideas about how the project
selection process and what criteria should be used to evaluate proposed projects and spending.
1. Community Voice: Center the voices of individuals and communities most impacted by project creation, providing adequate time, outreach, and
transparency in decision-making through meaningful engagement of community members. Both the project evaluation process and the funded projects
should include community members from targeted areas.
2. Equity: Projects should demonstrate a commitment to equity in Evanston.
a. Funding should be focused and demonstrate impact on Black and Latino communities.
b. Projects should address language and cultural barriers.
c. Projects should focus on communities most negatively impacted by Covid-19.
d. Grassroots and community-based organizations should be provided the tools to apply.
e. Project evaluators should reflect diverse communities.
3. Selection process: Funding decisions should be made with a clear, transparent process that is collaborative rather than competitive, building on
community connections and networks. The process should welcome some risk and funding of grassroots organizations and projects.
4. Sustainability: Projects should demonstrate sustainability or long-term impact from this one-time infusion of funds.
5. Strategic Use of Resources: Funding decisions should take into consideration the availability of alternative or complementary funding from the Federal
government, state government, or philanthropy. The flexibility of the ARPA funds welcomes creativity and innovation.
6. Collaboration and Partnership: Projects should enable and build upon community, organizational, and cross-sector collaboration.
7. Employment and Economic Impact: Preference should be given to projects that will hire locally, provide youth employment and employment for persons
with disabilities, and utilize local businesses.
8. Outcomes: Projects should have clear measurable outcomes.
9. Balance: Projects should be balanced among meeting immediate needs, capital projects, and systems change.
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4
Cross-sector Themes
While each roundtable focused on a specific sector, overarching themes, concerns, and ideas appeared in multiple discussions and the town halls.
Four common areas stood out as foundational: housing, childcare, investment in Black and Latino communities, and mental health and trauma.
1. Housing: The necessity to address the continuum of affordable housing challenges from homelessness to affordable rentals to supportive housing to
achievable homeownership was cited as a fundamental prerequisite for solving a broad range of issues. Evanston has significant assets in this area with
existing collaboratives and community-based organizations.
2. Childcare: Childcare, including affordable early childhood and after school care, emerged as a critical issue for Evanston to thrive as a diverse, economically
prosperous, and family-supportive city. The strength of Evanston’s Early Childhood Education Council and the broad range of programs in Evanston were
perceived as community assets.
3. Investment in Black and Latino communities: Every roundtable group strongly supported diversity and equity as core values for Evanston and central to
Evanston’s identity. Targeting the use of ARPA funds to overall investment in Black and Latino communities was widely voiced.
4. Mental Health and Trauma: Accessibility to affordable and culturally competent mental health services was raised as a long-term unmet need and key to
recovering from the pandemic.
5. The Digital Divide: Access to broadband, digital device ownership, and training in utilizing digital resources is viewed as essential to provide access to
multiple resources. This is perceived to be a critical equity issue. Broadband is specifically included as an allowable expense in ARPA.
6. Destination City: Evanston has unique assets that, with some additional investment and strategic planning, could enhance its local economy as a
destination city, creating employment opportunities and developing strong local existing businesses. The large artistic creative community in Evanston and
the many unique small businesses and restaurants were seen as solid foundations for this concept.
7. Employment: Employment was a concern for both employers, many of whom are having difficulty finding employees for several categories of work and
individuals seeking jobs and training.
8. Capital challenges: Capital investment in the infrastructure of early childhood programs, nonprofits, affordable housing, homelessness, and some small
businesses were cited as appropriate use for one-time funding. Many organizations had to divert capital funds to respond to COVID and are left without
resources to make regular improvements, meet new demands, and implement safety measures related to the pandemic.
9. City and community relationship: The ARPA funding discussion highlights the opportunity for the City of Evanston to work more strategically with
community partners. In particular, there was an emphasis on utilizing community-based resources well and not duplicating roles or services between the
City of Evanston and nonprofit organizations. Additional issues include staffing, revamping the City’s website, community outreach, linguistic and cultural
competency, and institutionalizing meaningful community input into the City budgeting and planning processes. Page 133 of 248a.Page 151 of 346
5
Themes Raised by Sectors
Common themes for the use of ARPA funds were raised across the eight Roundtables that were conducted, as well as in the presentation from the early
childhood community, the youth survey, and the Town halls that the City of Evanston conducted. The chart below illustrates in which discussions these
overarching themes were raised.
ROUNDTABLES
Workforce
Development/
Emerging
Adults
School
Age
Children
Immigrant/
Undocumented
Arts/
Humanities
Economic/
Community
Development
Seniors/
Individuals
with
Disabilities
Housing/
Homelessness
Early
Childhood
Adult
Town
Halls
Youth
Townhall
Housing X x x X x x x x X
Childcare X x x X x x x X
Investment in
Black, Latinx,
Immigrant
Communities
X x x x X x x x x X
Mental
Health/Trauma
x x x x x x x x
Digital Divide X x x X x x x
Destination City X x
Employment X x X x x x x x x
Capital
Challenges
X x x x x x
City/Community
Relationship
x X X x x X
Page 134 of 248a.Page 152 of 346
6
Page 135 of 248a.Page 153 of 346
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APPENDICES
o Roundtable Notes: Sector Specific Project Ideas and Initiatives (pages 7-12)
o Youth Townhall and Survey Notes (pages 13-19)
o Early Childhood Council Recommendations (pages 20-21)
o Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls (pages 22-30)
o Roundtable Participants (pages 30-36)
Page 136 of 248a.Page 154 of 346
8
Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Support for small business:
o Social enterprises, especially for grassroots/marginalized folks
o Loans for small businesses, particularly for youth
o Business incubators
o Coaching support for small business, community-based
o Cohort model in which childcare is free for ambassadors, coaches, small business creators
Parent & family ambassador program: Paid positions for trusted individuals to connect people to resources, to what they need, and what is available
Space:
o The Aux, space for entrepreneurs of color to launch business
o Family Focus building: potential hub for nonprofits and organizations. Need to grow that kind of resource in 5th, 2nd, 8th wards
o Shared resources for nonprofits and businesses
Career pathways:
o Communication and education for middle and high schoolers and families about potential careers, opportunities, training, need ed support
o Direct services for young people at high school to ensure that every young person at ETHS has clear path and plan and connection to living
wage and training
o Integrating workforce development and economic development because community needs these workers
o Connecting employers and social services – supply and demand of workers
Cara Collective in Chicago, inclusive hiring resource
Early childhood workforce initiative: Address recruiting and retention through education, support, training
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Mental health:
o Trauma informed training for educators and staff of youth and family programs
o More and more accessible mental health resources for young people
o Specific mental health supports for kids under 10 who have been dealing with pandemic that they don’t understand
o Mental health first aid training
Youth and family voice and leadership:
o Create ways for young people and families to participate in decision-making and leadership
o Spaces for youth to talk together, including LBGTQ youth
o Paid parent, youth, and community ambassadors to improve communication and connection between city, community resources, and families
Resources for youth and families:
o Transportation to facilitate after school and out of school programs
o Broadband for all Page 137 of 248a.Page 155 of 346
9
o More STEM education and opportunities
o More available and affordable childcare
o Teen center and community gathering places, where kids can hang in unstructured way and be safe and whole family might be engaged. Have
services like tutoring, enrichment, sport, mental health.
o Latino community disconnected from schools and resources. Need trusted communicators and connections
o More accessible and available tutoring
o Community social workers and resource navigators
Resources for Black and brown communities:
o Startup cost to help Evanstonians develop own businesses, especially in Black and brown community
o Leadership development for Black and brown community
o Provide intentional funding for solidarity between Black and Latino populations
Support for nonprofit organizations:
o Sustainability long term support for organizations and businesses
o Stabilization program in place during recovery period for youth and families
o Coming together for ideas can be used to find additional resources and share resources to continue to collaborate
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21
Support for organizations and community to increase linguistic and cultural competence to better serve immigrant communities:
o Bicultural bilingual lawyer staff
o Education for allies (e.g., language training for folks working with populations)
o Support organizations working with Latino population to hire more bilingual bicultural folks
o Support for early childhood overall and to connect with Latino families
o $$$ to research and report Latino history in Evanston
o Community education on immigration status
Housing:
o Housing supports to keep families, especially Latinos, in Evanston
o Economic development and housing programs for those who don’t fit into limited state and federal criteria
o (e.g., qualification for business licensing, homelessness)
o City housing program to buy houses to do loans for ITIN and immigrant families, so they don’t have to go to bank
Literacy education:
o Adult literacy, especially ESL (single greatest factor of kids’ success is mother’s literacy level). Evanston could potentially later access state
library money once a program/programs are established here
o Access to early childhood education combined with adult literacy program at EC centers
City of Evanston hiring: Page 138 of 248a.Page 156 of 346
10
o $$$ to hire more bilingual/bicultural staff in parks
o City actually be open to Latino staff
o Health workers for the city: this is recovery money; emphasis should be on health department, particularly bilingual/bicultural
o Train individuals to be public health workers, again the ambassador model, a community health force for covid, diabetes, etc. This is a once in
a lifetime to make Evanston healthier
Mental health and health:
o More mental health centers and resources (took a year to find therapist for my child) and workers, particularly for Latinos, with Spanish
speakers and affordability
o Better health tracking by Latinos as well as by race
Scholarships for undocumented students while they access college
City commitment to language access policy and budget commitment (not necessarily with ARPA funds but as integral to work)
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Evanston as tourism destination:
o Branding program for Evanston and Evanston arts
o Development of citywide events to attract folks (e.g., Evanston Made First Saturdays)
Arts czar or coordinator at City of Evanston:
o Advocate for arts
o Encourage and build collaboration in sector and with other sectors
o Rebuild cultural arts grants to have enough funds to make meaningful grants
1% for arts:
o Mark 1% of ARPA fund for arts
o Potentially use Arts Council to distribute
Museum/arts building:
o Create central arts/museum building to house Shorefront, Evanston Made, women’s history
o Build with community input and create public/private partnership for funding
o See Theaster Gates building in Chicago
o Be innovative with use of City owned empty lots and buildings. Convert to studios, performance spaces.
Collaborative support for the arts:
o Collective impact effort for the arts and humanities
o Create scholarship pool for all organizations with administrator for all
o Endowment building for arts organizations
o Resources to help arts and humanities collect data needed for grant applications
Mental health: Page 139 of 248a.Page 157 of 346
11
o Train artists in trauma and to collaborate with social services, police, etc. to be part of positive mental health effort
o Develop mental health effort with arts engagement particularly focused on impact of covid for young people, students, older adults
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Housing:
o McGaw YMCA renovation/improvement of SRO
o Build and preserve multi-family housing stock
o Use underutilized city assets for affordable housing
Community and economic development:
o Invest ARPA throughout Evanston, not just downtown
o Build nontraditional anchors in underdeveloped areas
o Community broadband – one-time deep investment
o Investments in underserved areas in Evanston with community voice
o Target empty spaces for use by small businesses and arts groups
Early childhood care and education (crucial support for businesses and employment):
o Capital dollars for early childhood which were postponed to support PPE, could be local employment
o Bridge gap on cost of early childhood education and ensure high quality
o Scholarships to train early childhood teachers because there is a shortage, and this is necessary to have people work
Business and employment support:
o Encourage local hiring
o Digital access and training for small businesses
o Build short term certification
o Create mentorship pathways at work and in different workplaces/careers
o Support for more equitable hiring in Evanston
o Support incubators
o New businesses have trouble getting support – encouraging new business in wards that are underserved, involve youth
o Funds for delayed repairs for nonprofits and businesses due to covid
City communication and leadership:
o City website needs to be redone and more functional and accessible. Change lens to what is the community looking for
o City as model for how we want businesses and nonprofits to operate:
Local hiring preferences
Deconstruction to support environmental goals
Use underused city assets for affordable housing
Systemic approach: What are the barriers to employment and to growing local business? Page 140 of 248a.Page 158 of 346
12
o Childcare
o Access to and money for training
o Understanding labor needs for small business
o Digital services and access
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Employment support:
o Employment opportunities through nonprofit collaborations. Paid employment opportunities. Employers come to the table to disc uss their needs
in partnering with nonprofits. Put supports in place – employers don’t have the toolkit to know how to employ people with disabilities.
o Employment opportunities for those with criminal records. Attorneys to assist with expungement.
o Offer incentives to employers for those who hire those with criminal record and IDD
o Transportation to Evanston or outside of Evanston for those who work elsewhere
o Community case managers to help coordinate these things across agencies
o Intergenerational workforce program
o Create Mayors Older Adults Employment program
o Financial supports for businesses owned by older adults
Digital divide:
o Amp up broadband support.
o Center community member needs regarding devices. Buy from local companies
o Amping up digital literacy and navigators. Crossover collaborations with high school students.
Housing:
o Housing subsidies for seniors and individuals with disabilities
o Respite housing for caregivers
o Purchase housing for adults. Tiny housing like ETHS Geometry in Construction program.
Mental health and health:
Updated wellness center at Levy Center
Hire community social workers at Levy Center
Treatments for those with mental illness and support them in workforce. More funding to reduce senior social isolation to support Uniper and the
arts/humanities organizations that offer Evanston programming.
More funds for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater/Prime Time Players (theater/older adults) and publicizing more so people know about it.
Mental health services for older adults
Support businesses and other sectors in becoming more age friendly and dementia friendly.
Provide swimming pool at levy center. Therapeutic. Insurance can sustain. Page 141 of 248a.Page 159 of 346
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Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21
Support for homeless:
o Permanent emergency 24-hour 7-day shelter gender inclusive
o Public bathrooms- permanent – models from Portland
o Shelter units for larger families
o Investing in getting community buy-in for permanent shelter
Rental support:
o Workforce development program attached to rental subsidy
o Permanent rental subsidies for long term affordable housing
o Partner with property owners to figure out what supports they need to be affordable
o Building on Connections transitional program to extend past 2 years
o Voucher program for families with children
o Investing in and enforcing fair housing requirements, ending discrimination against housing vouchers
o Rental vouchers, rental vouchers, rental vouchers
o Expansion of housing allies’ efforts, helping landlords get more involved and committed, Connections guarantees 3-mos rent/damage funds
Housing options:
o More youth centered housing, especially for young men
o Support along the continuum of housing vulnerability
o Larger living spaces for larger families
o Financial literacy for youth
o Cleveland housing program: Section 8 to home ownership
o Ensuring availability of transitional housing for women and children located in Evanston
o Funding for ADUs
o Capital investment to purchase things now such as shelter, tiny houses, etc.
Support services:
o Coordinating services and wrap around services for mental health, legal support, addictions support, etc.
o Immigrant services: create programs that don’t require social security numbers
o Universal credit check process
o Expand City TBAR (?) program that city has for to support D65 and D202 families from current two years to all 13 years of school, expand slots
from 20 (since 300 kids in schools identified as homeless)
o Community refrigerators and pantries: ways to promote access
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ARPA Youth Townhall, 9/21/21
Employment/workforce:
o Access to jobs for youth:
Youth need training around how to apply for a job, support around filling out the application process, and help looking for a job.
Create a more structured easy way to apply for a job for youth.
Youth Job Center offer more training programs for youth.
Job fair to train youth how to secure a job
More work-based opportunities for youth
Mentorship programs combined with helping neighbors (e.g., snow shoveling, planting trees around Evanston)
o Adult job fair, with resources like youth job fairs
o Give grants to small and black businesses to create more jobs.
o Tuition reimbursement for all jobs in Evanston.
o Offer more mentoring for people in the community.
Support for immigrants and refugees:
o Support for Latinx community but also for others, such as Haitian community
o Curriculum and other learning opportunities about history
o Programs such as Students Without Borders to make people welcome
o Improve outreach to immigrants
o Provide translation and translation services
o Divert funds from police dealing with undocumented families to services supporting them
o Funds for older undocumented people
o Build a judgment free immigrant center for immigrants and undocumented people
Resources for youth and school aged kids:
o Students in need of more mental health resources: Awareness & workshops
o Diverse social workers (more people that look like them)
o Affordable programs like Y.O.U. and YMCA
o Programs for kids with disabilities
o Better nutritional and food programs
o Before and after care
o More tutoring opportunities, mentoring program between older and younger kids
o College planning help
o Sex education
o STEM activities and programs
o Skate park: place to congregate without getting yelled at Page 143 of 248a.Page 161 of 346
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o Community athletics, casual based on age
Health:
o Ensure that all have affordable health and dental care
o More attention to holistic healthcare for all (vision, dental, mental, and physical)
o More fresh markets, especially near Oakton school
o More mental health resources, especially for kids and youth, including raising awareness and workshops
Housing:
o More attention to housing crisis for renters and buyers
Environment:
o Use the funds for CARP projects
o Garden/nature activities accessible to all
Spaces for gardening, dance classes, performing arts activities
Activities that bring awareness on climate crisis
Youth Voices Survey
Feedback was gathered in the form of a Google Survey in order to collect input from our Youth community members. Participants were between the
ages of 14-23 years old.
This survey went live on September 22nd, and closed on September 29th.
Distribution among different partners:
o EC2C Student Advocates
o EC2C Volunteer Fair
o Community Service Director of ETHS
o Shared via email and text message by City Staff in the Youth/Young Adult Division
A total of 58 participants filled out this survey
What would make life better in Evanston for babies – five-year-olds?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Parks and recreation:
o Cleaner parks, less trash on streets and on playgrounds. Safe, clean, accessible parks with walking trails for strollers, and have thes e parks in
locations close to populated areas
o Make sure the upkeep of these areas is good and frequent
o Updated playgrounds! Fenced in playgrounds for toddlers. Indoor winter activities
o Clean parks and more community attitude for them to grow up around
o An outdoor/indoor playground and swimming pool Page 144 of 248a.Page 162 of 346
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o More baby parks and activities they can do. Recreational spaces that are baby-friendly
o Free access to tot sports equipment
o Recreational programs/activities for those ages, such as art classes or swimming lessons
More libraries throughout the city, with more programs for young children
Housing: A major part of growing up healthy is stable housing. To live with some certainty of your fiscal future, and for a lot of people that is not
possible because of The predatory Evanston real estate market. When parents have to worry about rent raising due to gentrification, they have much
less time to care for their infants, as well as much less money to provide for their children.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Early childhood care and education:
o Affordable, high-quality childcare for parents
o Universal pre-K
o Hire kids from the ETHS child development classes to work at after school programs. Just have the teacher suggest it and give out applications
and there will be a better staff to student ratio.
Parent/family support:
o Support for food, and utilities so parents don’t have to be working all the time and spend time with their kids so that the kids won’t become
delinquents
o Programs to donate clothes, diapers, and baby food for families impacted by COVID-19 and food insecurities.
o Free diapers
o A city toy fund, for children who cannot afford them
Programs for parents:
o Preschool and socializing
o single parent parenting education
o social groups for parents,
o Support services for crisis situations
What would make life better in Evanston for K-5 kids?
INFRASTRUCTURE
5th ward school/ neighborhood schools for everybody
Safe, clean accessible offscreen areas
More libraries throughout the city, with programming for kids grades k-5
Affordable/free childcare options
Housing: Affordable housing and the possibility of buying a home for people working minimum wage jobs. A home is crucial to a healthy family.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Childcare and afterschool activities: Page 145 of 248a.Page 163 of 346
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o Affordable or free childcare options
o Robust and affordable after-school program with diverse programming
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
o Activities to socialize while being safe from Covid
o Give them more opportunities outside of school.
o Programs for troubled kids to have good role models
o Hire kids from the child development classes to work at after school programs. There will be a better staff to student ratio.
o Offer free enrichment programming during school year
o More study centers and help with their homework after school.
Mental help programs, including Peer Support programs
Giving them a better understanding about our community and how we can stay safe and keep others safe and welcomed.
Introduce kids to green living and the correct positive morals for our community, “love thy neighbor” it overall should show a positive response
throughout the community for years to come influencing individuals to return to such a strong and well-founded community
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
More hands-on learning opportunities
More resources for parents to aid their children in remote learning will be useful
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Science programs and more higher paying job opportunities in Evanston
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
Giving subsidies to various schools for programs and opportunities would help get kids more involved and aid in developing an open mindset and more
active lifestyle.
What would make life better in Evanston for 6-8th grade students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
More libraries throughout the city, with programs for students their age
Revitalize downtown and make it more appealing or youngsters
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Role models for behavior and community respect.
Afterschool activities:
o Affordable after-school activities / opportunities
o Recreational activities that are engaging Page 146 of 248a.Page 164 of 346
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o Get them to socialize, be outside and disconnect from technology
o Having more after school programs (academic, athletic, etc.) can help students become more developed for high school.
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
Assistance with high school prep with high school mentors
Service for troubled kids and service opportunities.
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More emotional support/therapeutic options. Offering therapy to everyone
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Early financial literacy. How to be smart about money.
Better school tech
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Education about LBTQ
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments, including after school study center
Donating to help with homelessness and pushing legislature for climate change, taxing high emission companies, and establishing laws. This helps
everyone.
What would make life better in Evanston for high school age students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Police training that teaches non- violent techniques to de-escalate situations without putting force on young kids.
More areas where young people can congregate to interact in a safe environment
o Could be in Robert Crown
o Having more block or art fairs and more to do in downtown Evanston
Community Gardens that supply food for the community and where students can either work or volunteer
Transportation:
o Better school transportation
o Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mentorship and personal development:
o Training on how to be active members of the community.
o Having them learn about better ways to solve problems in our community so they can spread the word. Teach them at a young age how to be
involved in the community.
o Programs for drug prevention, gang violence Page 147 of 248a.Page 165 of 346
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o programs to help with career searches and mentors.
o Program for assessment of healthy relationships
Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
Mental Health:
o Taking mental health seriously, offering more therapeutic support for teenagers with mental illness.
o Treat mental illness and disorders as you would any other chronic illness. Don’t assign homework outside of missing class work, teenagers
already have too much going on.
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
College and career preparation:
More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Better preparation for post-secondary education, like a required class that teaches about Learning life skills, financial literacy, taxes, how to
get a job, etc.
o High school internships where they have to work and also shadow workers. Collaborate with local businesses for this.
o College preparation classes and mentorship
Studying and Tutoring:
o More accessible study areas and more tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
o An after-school study center
o There are very few places around Evanston to meet up to do projects in or to get tutoring help from a non-school staff member.
Better funding for teacher and staff wages. Feeling disconnect from your education because of teacher and staff lack of morale is not only harming the
children’s education, but also the teachers
College scholarships and rent subsidies:
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
What would make life better in Evanston for young adults (ages 18-26)?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Affordable Housing
Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mental health:
o More mental health services / Mental health education
o More community programs and workshops would help young adults with interacting and regaining social confidence after being online for so
long
More programs to volunteer with organizations and get involved.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT / CAREER DEVELOPMENT Page 148 of 248a.Page 166 of 346
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Career and college:
o More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Job opportunity programs, resume writing, mentors, community service projects, healthy relationships educational programs
o Opportunity fairs along with job fairs
o College preparation classes and mentorship
o Have more resources for young adults to learn life skills (or raise awareness to those resources)
o Courses/training on Financial literacy and taxes
Raise the minimum wage. many students are trying to make ends meet paying for collage as well as a place to stay and food.
College scholarships and rent subsidies
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
Any more ideas you think would help the community?
More look on poverty and safety.
Giving contracts and subsidies to companies that are founded in Evanston and largely employ Evanstonians and the tying to give as much job
opportunities to small businesses in Evanston instead of multi-billion-dollar corporations that really do not do anything for our community
Prioritize pedestrian/bike infrastructure over cars to increase safety and encourage people to walk places instead of driving. This can be added to our
environment efforts
Scholarship programs: Give out a scholarship based on an essay prompt. It doesn’t have to be for much. Some scholarships are only $200.
Instituting more environmentally friendly ways to get power would be beneficial to the community overall. Anything to save or conserve energy would
be a step in the right direction in terms of trying to control global warming.
A food bank
While these funds are great, please don’t forget about the housing/ “reparations” bill, which has time and time again been pr oven to be underfunded
and discriminatory. We need to have a foundation for children, if you were looking for people to say a park or general recreation I wouldn’t disagree.
But I believe that would be skipping a major step, trying to promote financial security in every household. This is key to growing up and becoming an
adult. Without financial security people are caught in a survival mindset, struggle to put food on the table. Leaving their and our community’s children
vulnerable. Cracking down on gentrification and setting up a secure housing program is a good step. But it also cannot be considered reparations, and
should not even be considered a housing program. It is a selective and discriminatory loan. What we need is something real. Something that will
create sustainability. We must not underwhelm the importance of housing.
Support the fire department
Accountability regarding this feedback Page 149 of 248a.Page 167 of 346
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Evanston Early Childhood Education Council, 7/23/21
Operational support for both full-time, part-time, and home-based child-care programs: $500,000
The losses to operational support for early childhood education during the Covid-19 pandemic in early childhood has been devastating. Decreases in
enrollment, loss of fees which cover costs and reductions in CCAP assistance has had a significant impact on operational losses. It has only gotten
more difficult to meet the bottom line of program operations. Some centers and home- based child-care homes, especially part day programs, have
closed or are in danger of permanently shutting down. The country has the potential to permanently lose millions of early childcare slots. Evanston
and the State of Illinois is a part of that larger number. Our earliest learners and their future success in education must be made a priority.
Examples:
o IWSE lost 35k per month of CCAP revenue due to Covid-19 enrollment
o Cherry Preschool anticipates 62% enrollment for 2021 due to Covid-19
o Mandated changes in DCFS regulations caused substantial financial losses
Recouping money spent on capital and structural improvements to help align early childhood facilities with new COVID requirements: $300,000
Many Early Childhood full and part-time Centers have had to put repairs on hold and divert those dollars to pay for PPE, sanitization and other Covid
related items. We are also experiencing very high water and electricity bills due to the cleaning and sanitizing, zooming, and connecting with parents
during the pandemic. A grant to cover repairs costs that should have been done in 2020 and higher utility bills would be helpful in stabilizing Centers.
Some only need a small number of repairs; others are more substantial. All of the Centers will need help with the higher costs of providing care and
education while enrolling fewer children. A grant system similar to the CDBG, without prevailing wage would also employ small Evanston contractors.
Examples:
o Learning Bridge deferred 40k of capital improvements due to expenditures on PPE and air purification
o Toddler Town spent 12k (Loan) on air purifiers retrofits for HVAC
o Cherry Pre School deferred 15k on structural repairs and painting
Financial support for staff educational credentialing, training, and career advancement: $250,000
The income for early childhood education workers without a degree is typically at minimum wage. Opportunities for career advancement is
dependent upon the worker’s ability to financially access an educational degree. Many workers cannot afford the tuition OR th e ability to leave
employment when needed for fieldwork. Financial support will enable workers the ability to pursue training and education. Workers will gain
confidence and enhance professionalism of the early childhood education workforce. Examples:
o Launch partnership with National Louis University and Oakton Community College to support teacher advancement within centers
o Stipends and Scholarships for our staff will greatly enhance our workforce and continuity of care for our most vulnerable
o Having a local community scholarship fund would greatly increase staff opportunity for credentialing and advancement
o Teacher shortages have created hiring challenges for qualified staff due to salary/rate-based disparities in early childhood.
Financial support for mental health, behavioral health, disability, and OT/PT services: $125,000
Many early childhood education programs do not have the financial capacity to support the needs of children with mental health, behavioral health,
and disability concerns. Occupational and physical therapy services for programs operating outside of school district 65 are unaffordable for most
families and early childhood programs. Children receiving services through the school district are often bussed from one program to another twice a Page 150 of 248a.Page 168 of 346
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day. Services need to be provided in the most “least restricted environment.” This means that access to needed services for children are not
dependent upon their families. Examples:
o Due to Covid and increased stress and trauma on families, mental health services have been in great demand without adequate funding
o Many mental health professionals are leaving for private practice increasing costs for services
o Disability services are very limited through Early Intervention and more funds are needed to support this population
Emergency support for families and scholarship dollars to support the continuity of care: $100,000
Families experience circumstances such as loss of employment, loss of childcare subsidy assistance, or medical needs that imp act their ability to pay
the childcare tuition. Continuity of care is crucial for children to grow and develop a strong foundation and readiness for kindergarten. Financial assistance
for emergencies or scholarships can decrease the stress of families (typically lower income) and the trauma these families experience when the
educational support system for their child and themselves are kept in place. Examples:
o Financial aid for families who are struggling to meet payments or qualify for assistance (underemployment, unemployment, job instability)
o Emergency funds to help families in crisis circumstances: homelessness, loss of job, death in family, etc.
Staff equity stipends/bonus for pandemic work since July 2020: $500,000
The country has relied on Early Childhood staff (in full day programs, home based childcares, and part day programs) to provide an essential service
throughout the pandemic so that people could get back to work. While others were able to work from the safety of their homes, early childhood staff
provided direct, hands-on care to our most vulnerable individuals. Due to the very limited resources of childcare programs, staff were not
compensated commensurate with the risk they have been asked to take. In many cases, staff salaries were reduced during the pandemic and any
future increases minimal to protect the viability of the programs. Direct funding provided to programs for one-time contributions to retirement
accounts, bonuses or one-time investments in salaries is critical to sustaining the workforce and mitigating staff turnover.
o Early Childhood staff have been working in dangerous and highly stressful work environments since June of 2020.
o Children are still unvaccinated and place our workforce in life threatening and dangerous circumstances.
o Many of our staff are in the “most vulnerable” category and have pre-existing conditions affected by Covid-19
o Our services allowed and continue to support parents to get back to work and be able to concentrate on their school age children
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Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls
Prepared by City of Evanston Staff
Below are the responses from community members to the questions that were presented at each town hall / roundtable, broken down by category. Some of
the comments may not fall into an ARPA-related category, but staff felt it important to capture every comment for the City Council to review. There were
approximately 313 participants total.
1. Public Health
a. ARPA funds should go to health care, childcare, affordable housing, equity, and police. Police should do less policing and the City should expend
more resources on mental health instead.
b. Some of the ARPA funds should be used for youth programs in schools, tutoring programs (due to youth impacted negatively by COVID-19 being
out of school).
c. Social workers should be hired to work with EPD
d. City Council has cut the budget for social services for youth over the years. EPD now intervenes in youth matters where counseling and therapy are
necessary. Community members want specific youth services / counseling / therapy rather than using EPD resources for this.
e. Largest priority for ARPA funding should be in areas of public health concerns.
f. Mental health programs should be at the forefront of ARPA funding.
g. COVID impacted disproportionately low income and people of color, and ARPA should be used to alleviate the negative impact.
i. City Council should be examining how ARPA can be used to help senior citizens.
j. Increase public health and social service programming to deter violence in the city
l. Since the community does not know and understand fully the impact of mental health concerns for the school children and youth, City Council
should set aside funding for programming that will address these concerns.
m. Funding should be set aside for healthcare needs of community members who do not have access to services.
o. Mental health professionals should be hired with ARPA funds to work with police officers
p. Funding should support an increase in the number of public health professionals working at the City.
q. Council should allocate funding to support individuals experiencing homelessness, especially women and children and those negatively impacted by
COVID
r. Free and income based mental health services should be offered for families and children
s. Mental health services generally should be free or income based.
t. Coverage for substance abuse issues and invest more in social workers
u. Whatever funding is left-over from ARPA and not already allocated should be allocated to public health matters.
v. Funding should be used to assist individuals with medical bills.
w. Substance abuse issues with young people require support programs and funding.
2. Economic Impacts
a. Paid internships should be funded for people with disabilities that will teach job readiness, and encourage paid internships for adults with disabilities
b. Arts community has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Musicians were completely out of work during the last year. The Council should Page 152 of 248a.Page 170 of 346
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examine strategies to revive and support arts organizations in Evanston
c. Support for arts organizations, musicians, artists who have not been able to work during COVID
d. Substantial part of ARPA should be given to Family Focus. Family Focus is looking to expand and repair the building at Foster School. They have $1m
set aside from the State of Illinois. Evanston can help foster plans and create a hub for non-profits that are accessible to 5th ward residents.
e. Family Focus is a hub in the 5th ward and important structure, several not-for-profits and organizations but it needs some serious repairs
f. Thank you for bringing the city government to the people. It is important to build back better and invest in the future, especially in arts (businesses
benefit from arts). I would like to see a tourism site created by Evanston that focuses on arts and culture, a calendar that lists every single event and
venue on items going on in Evanston. The City should try to promote tourism and people coming from out of town
g. Investments need to generate economic growth and the community needs to hold ourselves accountable and be transparent about how we think it
will encourage growth when we start spending the funds
h. Use funding in the areas of the city disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. were not economically impacted by COVID-19. - The City should help
the residents who were the most economically impacted - people who lost jobs - people who could not afford childcare (if we could do this through
Family Focus that would be great, and we should put money towards Family Focus)
i. Stop funding grants to restaurants. Their failure rate is too great in general, and to use ARPA funding would be wasteful.t.
j. Restaurants should pay more than minimum wage (and weren’t paying workers well before the pandemic) and we should not use money for
restaurants.
k. “New normal”, need to work on workforce development - new ways of working - making sure to support workforce development of this new normal
l. Economic development should be the City’s top priority.t
m. Council should make sure 8th and 5th ward will benefit from funding and other areas heavily impacted by COVID
n. Supporting communities of color, local businesses who have not returned, loss of business near the theater and need for a new theater
o. How can we encourage merchants to come back, enticements; continue to engage the community on the front end with ideas and implementation
as well as the final decision - who makes the decision - what role does the community get to play?
p. Front line workers, how can we better support them?
q. Downtown Evanston, what will replace the businesses that have left and what can serve as an anchor for the City pertinent for all residents? A plan
is needed.
r. Learned more about local businesses during the pandemic and wanting to see local businesses come back possibly through small grants - connection
between community and businesses
s. Workforce development, what can we do to train the youths for jobs and repairs in our city? ARPA funding should be used in training components
when it comes to the trades. This will allow opportunity for youth outreach to get them trained in the trades.
t. How can we promote economic development, what can the City invest in?
u. Generate more economic revenue and activity it will help with the City finances
v. Economic development for small businesses, sustaining not for profits, helping not for profits
w. Need to make sure funding is spent on areas that will be turned over and multiply dollars in the city
x. Job security is a problem in the community. Use ARPA funds to sustain businesses to create job security.
y. Investments in projects that bring sustaining growth, job training
z. Track individual’s progression through economic development services
aa. Tracking the return on investment in programs
bb. Investment in businesses related to sustainability Page 153 of 248a.Page 171 of 346
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cc. Many businesses are closed and need support. Other facilities (e.g.,Canal Shores Golf Course) stayed open whole time and took more wear and tear
dd. Something for people in need of job training or assistance returning to work
ee. Collaboration with Oakton for job training in Evanston for youth, homeless, other folks in need; collaborate with other social services
ff. Oakton community college location in Evanston should receive funding
gg. Northlight would be a great asset for City, but using it for capital construction on the building would not be appropriate in the infrastructure
categories
hh. The City did not appear to truly be economically impacted from COVID-19.
ii. Financial assistance for families who are struggling financially
jj. Help Local businesses through grants or programming.
3. Premium Pay
a. Request for jobs training, premium pay
b. Downtown and essential workers should receive ARPA funding and support (i.e., premium pay).
c. Fund for essential workers brought up - broader than just City essential workers
d. Childcare, essential workers, especially low-income essential workers
4. Revenue
a. Use the money first to cover the City’s deficit, and support existing programs before undertaking new projects
b. Use some of the money to offset the budget for funds lost due to free beach tokens for 3 days
c. Cure deficit before spending more money
d. Revenue--align ourselves with forward, progressive thinking organizations and look at our revenue streams
e. Putting money into City revenue holes should not be a priority
f. Don’t use money to pay for any debt
5. Water
a. Water--important that we have our water system insured that in can increase capacity and make every effort to extend our services around
northern Illinois
b. Lead water pipes has been an issue in the past - one-time opportunity to upgrade these
c. Lead pipelines, importance of providing employment opportunities and enhancing safety
6. Sewer
a. Sewers--should be repaired Page 154 of 248a.Page 172 of 346
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7. Broadband
a. Digital divide, make sure to solve the problem of broadband - how can we fix the digital divide in Evanston?
b. Robert Crown should provide free digital access and services for businesses and community
c. Broadband--5G relegated to big 3 communication companies--City of Evanston should look into if 5G should be a utility for the entire city (a digital
divide would no longer be an issue in Evanston). We have a digital superhighway running through the City. Other businesses are implementing 5G
throughout the country and improving business.
d. Cell phone towers along the lake should be constructed. Accessibility for those along the lake cannot get service
e. Broadband and hot spots needed throughout the City.
f. Desire to provide more broadband--may not be the best way to reach seniors
g. Broadband to make it into a public utility, closing the digital divide
h. Assessment of areas of the City that are unreliable with broadband, make sure youth and seniors have access to broadband; Youth need access
for education, seniors need to stay connected and keep from getting isolated
i. Highest priority is wireless broadband citywide - digital divide really showed during COVID
j. Permanent broadband not temporary broadband
k. Lots of people did not know how to navigate technology when kids were at school, and ARPA funds should be used to provide programming
that assists parents in children’s education at home.
l. Internet and equipment used for the internet should be funded through ARPA funds.
8. Housing
a. Use funds for small landlords who have not received rent in two years
b. Help for affordable housing landowners, not luxury units
c. Interfaith Action--forced to scale back on emergency shelter--people living in parking garages. Need for a permanent 24/7 year-round shelter is
made abundantly clear. Need for public restrooms in downtown Evanston. Likes the COVID-19 plan speaking to this.
d. ADU--out of reach for many Evanston residents, but use funds for ADUs to help create generational wealth
e. Assistance for renters and landlords; big risk at ending of the eviction moratorium
f. affordable housing
g. Housing: fix site acquisition and rehab, tenant based rental management and development of permanent housing for people who need assistance
h. Affordable housing should be funded through ARPA
i. Affordable housing, projects are only sustained for 15 years, community land trust might be a better option
j. Housing affordability makes it difficult to stay in Evanston, displacement of people of color
k. Housing: big need in affordable housing and making it sustainable, what can we do in purchasing properties or that the land and buildings remain
affordable?
l. Affordable housing for lower class and for middle class
m. Affordable housing is needed and should be provided with ARPA funding.
n. Do not like CDBG by area, want it to be by need
o. Rent control ordinance should be created
p. Providing resource information for low-income housing, in Spanish Page 155 of 248a.Page 173 of 346
27
9. General Infrastructure
a. Water parks, pools for the youth in parks should be created
b. Sidewalks, infrastructure in bad shape. Will this be addressed? Money allocated to infrastructure of sidewalks
c. Use funding to repair and create sidewalks (where there aren’t any). Areas where sidewalks are kept up and areas where they are not,
intergenerational wealth and well-kept buildings have kept up sidewalks, those that are not intergenerational wealth and not well-kept buildings are
not maintained or kept up. How do these funds impact long term the places where the sidewalks are in disrepair? not in shape
d. Use for sidewalks / roads / bike lanes
e. Reduce rideshare fees and see where this can be curtailed.
f. Infrastructure--scooter / vespa racks in neighborhood paid lots. It would reduce congestion.
g. Upgrade train platforms, viaducts
h. Parks and field upgrades to encourage healthy living and healthy engagement
i. Infrastructure, not for profit wants to build school building in 2nd ward because they are all bussed to schools in different areas, they would have the
opportunity for more after school time - would be a long-term investment
j. Infrastructure: what needs to be addressed in terms of what could be done now? It will be more expensive in the future to put off infrastructure
needs.
k. Consider the complete impacts of COVID - places not used and places overused in infrastructure project decisions
l. Fifth ward school brought up
m. Public water park
n. Robert crown, make it free? Do a better job of advertising
o. More street lighting, very dangerous not enough lighting,
p. Adult education, English as a second language practical (concentrate on colloquial dialogue)
q. Community center for Latinos where they can get information and assistance
r. Technology classes, computer classes, basic and simple
s. Hub for Latino businesses (incubator?)
t. Programs for senior citizens, they were the most affected and they do not have programs available for them, boredom/ isolation?
10. Childcare
a. Most programs are not self-sustaining on their own, for example childcare. Funds should be used to help sustain.
b. Funds should be used for childcare and training.
c. Invest and consider daycare options for parents.
d. Childcare, as well as child health care needs funding: Early childhood education providers are underpaid and 0-5 is the most impactful time during a
person's lives but we are not paying enough attention to that time period of it
e. Increase availability of childcare and preschool; probably not sustained through this, but again something to get it started
f. Respond to needs of people who lost loved ones, jobs, childcare, responding to those who have been hurt the hardest
g. Offering summer camps for children, bilingual summer camps for children
h. Supporting young people especially those that suffered academically, tutoring/ after school programs Page 156 of 248a.Page 174 of 346
28
11. Other
a. Use funds to help elderly people repair their homes (basements, windows)
b. Do not spend $43 million just around Robert Crown
c. ARPA funds should be used to reduce property taxes
d. Northwestern should make commitment to help sustain new programs that we might need
e. Homeowners are paying the taxes of Northwestern; businesses paying for the repairs of areas but not doing it (for example hospital alleys)
f. Stall and offset the tax rate
g. Reconsider the non-profit building of Northwestern. The sorority / frat housing “council of” or “society of” buildings are shells during the school year
and often empty during the summer. Those are property lots that could otherwise generate property tax revenue
h. Collaboration between the city and the educational system to reverse the bleed of families that cannot afford to live here, help, and focus on
families with intersectional vulnerabilities
i. Who has hurt the most, where has the most negative impact fallen - do we have data on this, data the city doesn't have that chamber or others
might have? Need to respond in equitable way
j. Climate issues, CARP implementation
k. Reframing police and fire under public safety - going to them to see what they need to do their work effectively and fairly
l. Concern about use of first responders, trained as police but smaller issues could be handled by someone other than first responders
m. Better use of city finances and city infrastructure, would like more money on public health, help people thrive in general
n. Sustainability, and its impact in housing and for seniors
o. Ideas that we need to make sure these items are sustainable
p. residents and nonprofit support,
q. Outside consults for how to spend the funds
r. food security
s. Overall capacity building
t. Seniors and families living paycheck to paycheck
u. Violence prevention around schools/ ways to eliminate violence especially gun violence
v. Funds for the public library
w. Latino librarians have been doing incredible outreach
x. Consider not fining people who cannot afford the fines, different revenue streams
y. No new programs, but to support current NFP who already support the community
z. They want to know how to take advantage of programs
aa. Cleaning the bikeways
bb. More funds for schools, especially those with special need families
cc. More programs or invest in current programs
dd. Stickers for permit parking should be offset
dd. Strengthen the relationship with the police offers, lots of Latinos do not trust police
ee. Support the Latino nonprofits
gg. Public overview of the budget in Spanish with more specific categories and indicate where the funds are going
hh. Universal basic income $400, not giving money to large corporations Page 157 of 248a.Page 175 of 346
29
ii. Do not bring large corporations but support local businesses give them more contracts
jj. Crime near schools
12. Involvement --How Would You Like to Be Engaged in this Process?
a. Talented and skilled community--wants a committee of community members to be involved in this ARPA process and allocation.
b. Transparency to show residents its thoughtful and intentional about long term benefit of investments--holding City of Evanston accountable
c. Thanks for the town hall. Have a website where we can share ARPA ideas to broaden the rest of our thoughts.
d. Wants friendlier meeting times / dates and continue virtual meeting
e. Prioritizing money in ways that care for people
f. Upset about the post COVID-19 plan, did not include input from the community, was not built with them in mind
g. More people should have a seat at the table for engagement. By the time City Council meets it is too late. Re-design the way comments work, block
clubs. Equity--reach out and make sure all voices are heard.
h. COVID provided new opportunities for engagement, enjoy this layout (town hall / roundtable format) and being able to converse in this forum
i. Lift up boards and commissions that are already in existence, create surveys to engage.?
j. This forum (zoom) doesn't reach people who the money will be spent on - not everyone can join the zoom, canvassing can we reach people through
canvassing, not just asking for public input but thinking about how to meaningfully engage them in the process, co-designing process of policy; how
to hold the city accountable, how do we give back to people for their time
k. Surveys might be good option for feedback and then coming to a forum to think about thoughts before meeting
l. Virtual v in person meeting, pleased that the city is reaching out to the Hispanic population, would like to see us reach out to all parts of the
community more
m. What can we do to get the youths' opinions and create programs for them and by them? Create a plan to engage youth.
n. Neighborhood plans over the years:, “west side planning” that incorporated workforce training, we should re-examine that and identify the best
places that we can that were in that plan
o. Lots of committees, boards, commissions in the City - how can we leverage these and ask them to come up with their own priorities and submit them
to City staff letting them submit the proposals based on those conversations?
p. Engage the citizens, even those who are not old enough to vote, connection, resilience and then engagement
q. Community town halls, more access and information to keep residents connected to the City
r. If not engaged in communities we are passionate about, then we may not be represented in the decisions - youth, essential workers, business
owners, seniors are all important groups to engage
s. How can we be informed in the process, what measures will be taken?
t. Would like the process to be more transparent, compliments to Mayor and new City Council for more community impact
u. Alders: more, community meetings would be helpful ways to engage all Evanstonians who can’t get to meetings?
v. Community members They don’t want to put ARPA funds $ into City departments and not know how it is spent, they--want to understand the
budget and want communication
w. City to cooperate more with nonprofits who are helping in community, do not feel the city is working in collaboration with them
x. Nonprofits that are supporting Latino community should receive resources or funding
y. Ensure the city is assessing and communicating the needs of the Latin x community, what research are you pulling about needs? based Page 158 of 248a.Page 176 of 346
30
z. Equity framework should be the plan on review of funds
aa. Communicate back to the community so they know they were heard about how the ARPA funds will be distributed based upon town hall
comments.
bb. Want city council members to come to the community and be more accessible, not only translation but also cultural appropriateness
cc. Recommending replicating Chicago, city officials to do surveys and talk individually with people
dd. Make the City website more accessible
ee. Lot of people have been Evanston residents here for a while and have finally heard for the first time they have a voice, excited that the City
hosted town halls and in Spanish. are here
ff. For the city to go into the community and knock on doors is very important this is a small percentage in the room
gg. Very happy that we are here and promote it so more people attend
*Note: Not everyone made comments and many comments came from groups with only one representative from that group. This chart is a rough estimate of t he
number of times a category was discussed compared to the total number of people. This is by no means an accurate account of h ow all community members feel
regarding the categories. More information is required for a statistically significant sample size. * Page 159 of 248a.Page 177 of 346
31
Roundtable Attendees
Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Biss
Alison Leipsiger
Emma Carter
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Kelley Gandurski
Sharon Johnson
Nathan Norman
ECF Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tosha Wilson
Tiffini Holmes
CNE Carol Teske
COFI Jess Rojo
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Maricar Ramos Page 160 of 248a.Page 178 of 346
32
Bettye Cohns
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Kay Israelite
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
Impact Behavioral Partners Christopher Knoper
MEAC Neal Gambow
Tana Francellno
National Able Dominic
NorthShore Health Systems Brandon Buchanan
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Yazari Gutierrez
Stacey Moragne
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Deanna Howlett
Audrey Thompson
Andy Rapoport
ECF Sol Anderson
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
The Aux Jacqui White Page 161 of 248a.Page 179 of 346
33
Tosha Wilson
CNE Sheila Merry
COFI Jesse Rojo
Chanelle Brown
Rocio Mancera
Lachisa
Gil Pena
Cynthia Lara
Eloisa
Children’s Advocacy Center Lara Priester
District 65 Jennifer Bergner
Tania Margonza
Katee (Family Center)
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Maricar Ramos
EPL Jan Bojda
Elascha Madison
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
McGaw YMCA Katie Tucker Trippi
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Rainbows for All Children Stephanie Garrity
Laura Lindroth
YJC Amanda Marks
Y.O.U. Craig Lynch
? J Bowen
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21 Organization Representative Page 162 of 248a.Page 180 of 346
34
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Kelley Gandurski
Alison Leipsiger
Genaro Hernandez
Yazari Gutierrez
Clerk Stephanie Mendoza (translating)
ECF Karli Butler
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
COFI Jesse Roo
Rocio Mancera
Chanelle Brown
Nazaria
Marla Blas
Cynthia Lara
Maria Nava
Dominga Vicencio
Eloisa
Demi
D65 Natalia Moreno Polomkasis
EPL Mariana Bojorquez
Evanston Latinos Alejandra Ibanez
Rebeca Mendoza
Evanston Scholars Serena Robertson
FLAP Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velaquez
Literacy Works Christine Kenney
United Catholic Youth
Ministries/St. Nicholas
James Holzhauer-Chuckas
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
ECF Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Actors Gymnasium Murphy Monroe
Art Encounter Lea Pinsky Page 163 of 248a.Page 181 of 346
35
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Art Center Ellie Hazlett
Evanston Arts Council Toby Sachs
Evanston History Center Eden Juron Pearlman
Evanston Live Meleika Gardner
Evanston Made Lisa Degliantoni
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Margaret Gergen
Frances Willard House Association Lori Osborne
ITA Maris Harrington
Metropolitan Family Services Samer Hussein
Mudlark Theater Daisy Copeland
Mitchell Museum Josee Starr
Northlight Theater Leann Kim Tonke
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Shorefront Dino Robinson
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Independent artist and curator Fran Joy
Skillz Physical Therapy Aime Maranan
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Paul Zalmezak
Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson
Sarah Flax
Emma Carter
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny del Valle Valdez
The Aux Tiffini Holmes
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Chamber/ECF Bryant Wallace
Evanston Live TV Meleika Gardner
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Demisha Lee
Evanston Woman/Latinx Business
Council
Linda del Bosque
FLAP Jackie Villaneuva
Michelle Velazquez Page 164 of 248a.Page 182 of 346
36
Learning Bridge Early Education Center Lindsay Percival
Literacy Works Christine Kenny
Melanie Sampson
McGaw YMCA Katie Trippi
Reba Early Learning Center Darcy Carter
Soul and Smoke Heather Bublick
Rebecca Bladen
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Andy Rapoport
Katie Klemola
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Bethel New Life Brenda Phillips
Center for Enriched Living Nick Baird
Melissa Juarez Ehlers
Center for Independent Futures Ann Sickon
COFI Jesse Rojo
Evanston Public Library Jill Skwerski
Bridget Petrites
Foster Seniors & Deltas Eva Coly
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
ITA Jenni Rook
Levy Center Foundation Judy Newton
Literacy Works Melanie Sampson
Reva Early Learning/EC2C Bettye Cohns
Skillz Physical Therapy Nsisong Ekanem
Aime Maranan
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21 Page 165 of 248a.Page 183 of 346
37
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Sarah Flax
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
Yazari Gutierrez
Audrey Thompson
Nathan Norman
Genaro Hernandez
Lachisa Barton
James Bowen
Kristin Meyer
ECF Sol Anderson
Becca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Alliance to End Homelessness in
Suburban Cook County
Katie Spoden
Center for Independent Futures Dick Malone
Connections for the Homeless Betty Bogg
Nia Tavoularis
CPAH Rob Anthony
District 65 Allie Harned
Jennifer Bergner
Evanston Cradle to Career Bettye Cohn
Kim Holmes-Ross
Evanston Development
Corporation
Robbie Markus
Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Ann Weatherhead
ETHS Taya Kinzie
Family Promise Tracy McKeithen
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
Interfaith Action of Evanston Anne Heinz
Sue Murphy
Eileen Wiviott (also Unitarian
Church)
McGaw YMCA Roland Fouche
Katie Trippi
Open Communities Jasemen Hatcher
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Reba Place Development
Corporation
Keith Banks
Richard Cahan Page 166 of 248a.Page 184 of 346
38
Page 167 of 248
a.Page 185 of 346
1
ARPA FUNDING:
AN OPPORTUNITY
FOR EVANSTON’S
TRANSFORMATIONAL
RECOVERY AND
REBUILDING
Prepared by
Roberta Rakove, Suzanne Strassberger,
and Marybeth Schroeder
for the Page 168 of 248a.Page 186 of 346
2
MORE THAN 500 COMMUNITY VOICES
Evanston has an extraordinary opportunity. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) allocated a $43 million windfall to Evanston. There are few
restrictions, and funding can be allocated over a three-year time period. Often, allocation decisions for one-time funding opportunities, such as state capital
bills or the Tobacco Settlement, are based on political will and are subject to tight expenditure timelines.
Evanston's vibrant nonprofit organizations and more than 500 community members have come together to help Evanston choose a different approach.
Our goal was to build a vision of using ARPA funds for Evanston's recovery and rebuilding from the COVID pandemic grounded in clear, community-informed
directives. The City Council, the Mayor, and City Staff can use this work to move this vision into action with ARPA funds and future projects.
The work began in June when the City of Evanston, with the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston Cradle to Career, Northwestern University's Office of
Neighborhood and Community Relations, and with guidance from Evanston Early Childhood Council and Evanston Latinos, convened three Town Hall Meetings
– two in English (virtual and in-person) and the third in Spanish. Three-hundred thirteen Evanston residents participated.
From August through September, the Evanston Community Foundation, Mayor Daniel Biss, and the staff of the City of Evanston partnered to facilitate seven
Roundtables, each organized around a sector, a youth Townhall with 34 youth participants, and facilitators, and a survey of more than 55 ETHS students. Prior
to the Roundtables, the Evanston Early Childhood Council had convened their own group to set out priorities which are incorporated into this report.
It is a testimony to Evanston's community spirit that virtually none of the 169 people from 62 organizations (exclusive of City and ECF staff) participating in the
Roundtables advocated for their own individual or organizational priorities.
Participant input from the four Town Hall meetings and the seven Roundtables form the basis for this report. It is organized as follows:
Introduction
Criteria to use in the decision-making process
Cross-sector themes for change
A chart that compares the cross-sector themes with the priority topics covered in each of the seven Roundtables
Appendices including, a) project recommendations by sector, b) youth survey results, c) priorities put forward by the Evanston Early Childhood
Council, d) and a list of roundtable participants.
The commitment of the more than 500 community members who took time out of their very busy schedules to participate is a statement of what makes
Evanston strong: active members of its community, both those who live there and those who work there. It is important to note that there are still
opportunities for listening to incorporate important voices. These include the faith community, healthcare, environmental groups, and business groups like the
Chamber of Commerce and the Black Business Consortium of Evanston/North Shore. We urge City officials and staff, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and
others planning future projects to make use of the information here that came from the incredible resource that is our Evanston community.
Page 169 of 248a.Page 187 of 346
3
ARPA Evanston Funding Criteria
Roundtable participants want the overall spending plan to reflect core values of the Evanston community. They had strong ideas about how the project
selection process and what criteria should be used to evaluate proposed projects and spending.
1. Community Voice: Center the voices of individuals and communities most impacted by project creation, providing adequate time, outreach, and
transparency in decision-making through meaningful engagement of community members. Both the project evaluation process and the funded projects
should include community members from targeted areas.
2. Equity: Projects should demonstrate a commitment to equity in Evanston.
a. Funding should be focused and demonstrate impact on Black and Latino communities.
b. Projects should address language and cultural barriers.
c. Projects should focus on communities most negatively impacted by Covid-19.
d. Grassroots and community-based organizations should be provided the tools to apply.
e. Project evaluators should reflect diverse communities.
3. Selection process: Funding decisions should be made with a clear, transparent process that is collaborative rather than competitive, building on
community connections and networks. The process should welcome some risk and funding of grassroots organizations and projects.
4. Sustainability: Projects should demonstrate sustainability or long-term impact from this one-time infusion of funds.
5. Strategic Use of Resources: Funding decisions should take into consideration the availability of alternative or complementary funding from the Federal
government, state government, or philanthropy. The flexibility of the ARPA funds welcomes creativity and innovation.
6. Collaboration and Partnership: Projects should enable and build upon community, organizational, and cross-sector collaboration.
7. Employment and Economic Impact: Preference should be given to projects that will hire locally, provide youth employment and employment for persons
with disabilities, and utilize local businesses.
8. Outcomes: Projects should have clear measurable outcomes.
9. Balance: Projects should be balanced among meeting immediate needs, capital projects, and systems change.
Page 170 of 248a.Page 188 of 346
4
Cross-sector Themes
While each roundtable focused on a specific sector, overarching themes, concerns, and ideas appeared in multiple discussions and the town halls.
Four common areas stood out as foundational: housing, childcare, investment in Black and Latino communities, and mental health and trauma.
1. Housing: The necessity to address the continuum of affordable housing challenges from homelessness to affordable rentals to supportive housing to
achievable homeownership was cited as a fundamental prerequisite for solving a broad range of issues. Evanston has significant assets in this area with
existing collaboratives and community-based organizations.
2. Childcare: Childcare, including affordable early childhood and after school care, emerged as a critical issue for Evanston to thrive as a diverse, economically
prosperous, and family-supportive city. The strength of Evanston’s Early Childhood Education Council and the broad range of programs in Evanston were
perceived as community assets.
3. Investment in Black and Latino communities: Every roundtable group strongly supported diversity and equity as core values for Evanston and central to
Evanston’s identity. Targeting the use of ARPA funds to overall investment in Black and Latino communities was widely voiced.
4. Mental Health and Trauma: Accessibility to affordable and culturally competent mental health services was raised as a long-term unmet need and key to
recovering from the pandemic.
5. The Digital Divide: Access to broadband, digital device ownership, and training in utilizing digital resources is viewed as essential to provide access to
multiple resources. This is perceived to be a critical equity issue. Broadband is specifically included as an allowable expense in ARPA.
6. Destination City: Evanston has unique assets that, with some additional investment and strategic planning, could enhance its local economy as a
destination city, creating employment opportunities and developing strong local existing businesses. The large artistic creative community in Evanston and
the many unique small businesses and restaurants were seen as solid foundations for this concept.
7. Employment: Employment was a concern for both employers, many of whom are having difficulty finding employees for several categories of work and
individuals seeking jobs and training.
8. Capital challenges: Capital investment in the infrastructure of early childhood programs, nonprofits, affordable housing, homelessness, and some small
businesses were cited as appropriate use for one-time funding. Many organizations had to divert capital funds to respond to COVID and are left without
resources to make regular improvements, meet new demands, and implement safety measures related to the pandemic.
9. City and community relationship: The ARPA funding discussion highlights the opportunity for the City of Evanston to work more strategically with
community partners. In particular, there was an emphasis on utilizing community-based resources well and not duplicating roles or services between the
City of Evanston and nonprofit organizations. Additional issues include staffing, revamping the City’s website, community outreach, linguistic and cultural
competency, and institutionalizing meaningful community input into the City budgeting and planning processes. Page 171 of 248a.Page 189 of 346
5
Themes Raised by Sectors
Common themes for the use of ARPA funds were raised across the eight Roundtables that were conducted, as well as in the presentation from the early
childhood community, the youth survey, and the Town halls that the City of Evanston conducted. The chart below illustrates in which discussions these
overarching themes were raised.
ROUNDTABLES
Workforce
Development/
Emerging
Adults
School
Age
Children
Immigrant/
Undocumented
Arts/
Humanities
Economic/
Community
Development
Seniors/
Individuals
with
Disabilities
Housing/
Homelessness
Early
Childhood
Adult
Town
Halls
Youth
Townhall
Housing X x x X x x x x X
Childcare X x x X x x x X
Investment in
Black, Latinx,
Immigrant
Communities
X x x x X x x x x X
Mental
Health/Trauma
x x x x x x x x
Digital Divide X x x X x x x
Destination City X x
Employment X x X x x x x x x
Capital
Challenges
X x x x x x
City/Community
Relationship
x X X x x X
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6
Page 173 of 248a.Page 191 of 346
7
APPENDICES
o Roundtable Notes: Sector Specific Project Ideas and Initiatives (pages 7-12)
o Youth Townhall and Survey Notes (pages 13-19)
o Early Childhood Council Recommendations (pages 20-21)
o Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls (pages 22-30)
o Roundtable Participants (pages 30-36)
Page 174 of 248a.Page 192 of 346
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Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Support for small business:
o Social enterprises, especially for grassroots/marginalized folks
o Loans for small businesses, particularly for youth
o Business incubators
o Coaching support for small business, community-based
o Cohort model in which childcare is free for ambassadors, coaches, small business creators
Parent & family ambassador program: Paid positions for trusted individuals to connect people to resources, to what they need, and what is available
Space:
o The Aux, space for entrepreneurs of color to launch business
o Family Focus building: potential hub for nonprofits and organizations. Need to grow that kind of resource in 5th, 2nd, 8th wards
o Shared resources for nonprofits and businesses
Career pathways:
o Communication and education for middle and high schoolers and families about potential careers, opportunities, training, need ed support
o Direct services for young people at high school to ensure that every young person at ETHS has clear path and plan and connection to living
wage and training
o Integrating workforce development and economic development because community needs these workers
o Connecting employers and social services – supply and demand of workers
Cara Collective in Chicago, inclusive hiring resource
Early childhood workforce initiative: Address recruiting and retention through education, support, training
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Mental health:
o Trauma informed training for educators and staff of youth and family programs
o More and more accessible mental health resources for young people
o Specific mental health supports for kids under 10 who have been dealing with pandemic that they don’t understand
o Mental health first aid training
Youth and family voice and leadership:
o Create ways for young people and families to participate in decision-making and leadership
o Spaces for youth to talk together, including LBGTQ youth
o Paid parent, youth, and community ambassadors to improve communication and connection between city, community resources, and families
Resources for youth and families:
o Transportation to facilitate after school and out of school programs
o Broadband for all Page 175 of 248a.Page 193 of 346
9
o More STEM education and opportunities
o More available and affordable childcare
o Teen center and community gathering places, where kids can hang in unstructured way and be safe and whole family might be engaged. Have
services like tutoring, enrichment, sport, mental health.
o Latino community disconnected from schools and resources. Need trusted communicators and connections
o More accessible and available tutoring
o Community social workers and resource navigators
Resources for Black and brown communities:
o Startup cost to help Evanstonians develop own businesses, especially in Black and brown community
o Leadership development for Black and brown community
o Provide intentional funding for solidarity between Black and Latino populations
Support for nonprofit organizations:
o Sustainability long term support for organizations and businesses
o Stabilization program in place during recovery period for youth and families
o Coming together for ideas can be used to find additional resources and share resources to continue to collaborate
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21
Support for organizations and community to increase linguistic and cultural competence to better serve immigrant communities:
o Bicultural bilingual lawyer staff
o Education for allies (e.g., language training for folks working with populations)
o Support organizations working with Latino population to hire more bilingual bicultural folks
o Support for early childhood overall and to connect with Latino families
o $$$ to research and report Latino history in Evanston
o Community education on immigration status
Housing:
o Housing supports to keep families, especially Latinos, in Evanston
o Economic development and housing programs for those who don’t fit into limited state and federal criteria
o (e.g., qualification for business licensing, homelessness)
o City housing program to buy houses to do loans for ITIN and immigrant families, so they don’t have to go to bank
Literacy education:
o Adult literacy, especially ESL (single greatest factor of kids’ success is mother’s literacy level). Evanston could potentially later access state
library money once a program/programs are established here
o Access to early childhood education combined with adult literacy program at EC centers
City of Evanston hiring: Page 176 of 248a.Page 194 of 346
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o $$$ to hire more bilingual/bicultural staff in parks
o City actually be open to Latino staff
o Health workers for the city: this is recovery money; emphasis should be on health department, particularly bilingual/bicultural
o Train individuals to be public health workers, again the ambassador model, a community health force for covid, diabetes, etc. This is a once in
a lifetime to make Evanston healthier
Mental health and health:
o More mental health centers and resources (took a year to find therapist for my child) and workers, particularly for Latinos, with Spanish
speakers and affordability
o Better health tracking by Latinos as well as by race
Scholarships for undocumented students while they access college
City commitment to language access policy and budget commitment (not necessarily with ARPA funds but as integral to work)
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Evanston as tourism destination:
o Branding program for Evanston and Evanston arts
o Development of citywide events to attract folks (e.g., Evanston Made First Saturdays)
Arts czar or coordinator at City of Evanston:
o Advocate for arts
o Encourage and build collaboration in sector and with other sectors
o Rebuild cultural arts grants to have enough funds to make meaningful grants
1% for arts:
o Mark 1% of ARPA fund for arts
o Potentially use Arts Council to distribute
Museum/arts building:
o Create central arts/museum building to house Shorefront, Evanston Made, women’s history
o Build with community input and create public/private partnership for funding
o See Theaster Gates building in Chicago
o Be innovative with use of City owned empty lots and buildings. Convert to studios, performance spaces.
Collaborative support for the arts:
o Collective impact effort for the arts and humanities
o Create scholarship pool for all organizations with administrator for all
o Endowment building for arts organizations
o Resources to help arts and humanities collect data needed for grant applications
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o Train artists in trauma and to collaborate with social services, police, etc. to be part of positive mental health effort
o Develop mental health effort with arts engagement particularly focused on impact of covid for young people, students, older adults
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Housing:
o McGaw YMCA renovation/improvement of SRO
o Build and preserve multi-family housing stock
o Use underutilized city assets for affordable housing
Community and economic development:
o Invest ARPA throughout Evanston, not just downtown
o Build nontraditional anchors in underdeveloped areas
o Community broadband – one-time deep investment
o Investments in underserved areas in Evanston with community voice
o Target empty spaces for use by small businesses and arts groups
Early childhood care and education (crucial support for businesses and employment):
o Capital dollars for early childhood which were postponed to support PPE, could be local employment
o Bridge gap on cost of early childhood education and ensure high quality
o Scholarships to train early childhood teachers because there is a shortage, and this is necessary to have people work
Business and employment support:
o Encourage local hiring
o Digital access and training for small businesses
o Build short term certification
o Create mentorship pathways at work and in different workplaces/careers
o Support for more equitable hiring in Evanston
o Support incubators
o New businesses have trouble getting support – encouraging new business in wards that are underserved, involve youth
o Funds for delayed repairs for nonprofits and businesses due to covid
City communication and leadership:
o City website needs to be redone and more functional and accessible. Change lens to what is the community looking for
o City as model for how we want businesses and nonprofits to operate:
Local hiring preferences
Deconstruction to support environmental goals
Use underused city assets for affordable housing
Systemic approach: What are the barriers to employment and to growing local business? Page 178 of 248a.Page 196 of 346
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o Childcare
o Access to and money for training
o Understanding labor needs for small business
o Digital services and access
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Employment support:
o Employment opportunities through nonprofit collaborations. Paid employment opportunities. Employers come to the table to disc uss their needs
in partnering with nonprofits. Put supports in place – employers don’t have the toolkit to know how to employ people with disabilities.
o Employment opportunities for those with criminal records. Attorneys to assist with expungement.
o Offer incentives to employers for those who hire those with criminal record and IDD
o Transportation to Evanston or outside of Evanston for those who work elsewhere
o Community case managers to help coordinate these things across agencies
o Intergenerational workforce program
o Create Mayors Older Adults Employment program
o Financial supports for businesses owned by older adults
Digital divide:
o Amp up broadband support.
o Center community member needs regarding devices. Buy from local companies
o Amping up digital literacy and navigators. Crossover collaborations with high school students.
Housing:
o Housing subsidies for seniors and individuals with disabilities
o Respite housing for caregivers
o Purchase housing for adults. Tiny housing like ETHS Geometry in Construction program.
Mental health and health:
Updated wellness center at Levy Center
Hire community social workers at Levy Center
Treatments for those with mental illness and support them in workforce. More funding to reduce senior social isolation to support Uniper and the
arts/humanities organizations that offer Evanston programming.
More funds for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater/Prime Time Players (theater/older adults) and publicizing more so people know about it.
Mental health services for older adults
Support businesses and other sectors in becoming more age friendly and dementia friendly.
Provide swimming pool at levy center. Therapeutic. Insurance can sustain. Page 179 of 248a.Page 197 of 346
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Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21
Support for homeless:
o Permanent emergency 24-hour 7-day shelter gender inclusive
o Public bathrooms- permanent – models from Portland
o Shelter units for larger families
o Investing in getting community buy-in for permanent shelter
Rental support:
o Workforce development program attached to rental subsidy
o Permanent rental subsidies for long term affordable housing
o Partner with property owners to figure out what supports they need to be affordable
o Building on Connections transitional program to extend past 2 years
o Voucher program for families with children
o Investing in and enforcing fair housing requirements, ending discrimination against housing vouchers
o Rental vouchers, rental vouchers, rental vouchers
o Expansion of housing allies’ efforts, helping landlords get more involved and committed, Connections guarantees 3-mos rent/damage funds
Housing options:
o More youth centered housing, especially for young men
o Support along the continuum of housing vulnerability
o Larger living spaces for larger families
o Financial literacy for youth
o Cleveland housing program: Section 8 to home ownership
o Ensuring availability of transitional housing for women and children located in Evanston
o Funding for ADUs
o Capital investment to purchase things now such as shelter, tiny houses, etc.
Support services:
o Coordinating services and wrap around services for mental health, legal support, addictions support, etc.
o Immigrant services: create programs that don’t require social security numbers
o Universal credit check process
o Expand City TBAR (?) program that city has for to support D65 and D202 families from current two years to all 13 years of school, expand slots
from 20 (since 300 kids in schools identified as homeless)
o Community refrigerators and pantries: ways to promote access
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ARPA Youth Townhall, 9/21/21
Employment/workforce:
o Access to jobs for youth:
Youth need training around how to apply for a job, support around filling out the application process, and help looking for a job.
Create a more structured easy way to apply for a job for youth.
Youth Job Center offer more training programs for youth.
Job fair to train youth how to secure a job
More work-based opportunities for youth
Mentorship programs combined with helping neighbors (e.g., snow shoveling, planting trees around Evanston)
o Adult job fair, with resources like youth job fairs
o Give grants to small and black businesses to create more jobs.
o Tuition reimbursement for all jobs in Evanston.
o Offer more mentoring for people in the community.
Support for immigrants and refugees:
o Support for Latinx community but also for others, such as Haitian community
o Curriculum and other learning opportunities about history
o Programs such as Students Without Borders to make people welcome
o Improve outreach to immigrants
o Provide translation and translation services
o Divert funds from police dealing with undocumented families to services supporting them
o Funds for older undocumented people
o Build a judgment free immigrant center for immigrants and undocumented people
Resources for youth and school aged kids:
o Students in need of more mental health resources: Awareness & workshops
o Diverse social workers (more people that look like them)
o Affordable programs like Y.O.U. and YMCA
o Programs for kids with disabilities
o Better nutritional and food programs
o Before and after care
o More tutoring opportunities, mentoring program between older and younger kids
o College planning help
o Sex education
o STEM activities and programs
o Skate park: place to congregate without getting yelled at Page 181 of 248a.Page 199 of 346
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o Community athletics, casual based on age
Health:
o Ensure that all have affordable health and dental care
o More attention to holistic healthcare for all (vision, dental, mental, and physical)
o More fresh markets, especially near Oakton school
o More mental health resources, especially for kids and youth, including raising awareness and workshops
Housing:
o More attention to housing crisis for renters and buyers
Environment:
o Use the funds for CARP projects
o Garden/nature activities accessible to all
Spaces for gardening, dance classes, performing arts activities
Activities that bring awareness on climate crisis
Youth Voices Survey
Feedback was gathered in the form of a Google Survey in order to collect input from our Youth community members. Participants were between the
ages of 14-23 years old.
This survey went live on September 22nd, and closed on September 29th.
Distribution among different partners:
o EC2C Student Advocates
o EC2C Volunteer Fair
o Community Service Director of ETHS
o Shared via email and text message by City Staff in the Youth/Young Adult Division
A total of 58 participants filled out this survey
What would make life better in Evanston for babies – five-year-olds?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Parks and recreation:
o Cleaner parks, less trash on streets and on playgrounds. Safe, clean, accessible parks with walking trails for strollers, and have thes e parks in
locations close to populated areas
o Make sure the upkeep of these areas is good and frequent
o Updated playgrounds! Fenced in playgrounds for toddlers. Indoor winter activities
o Clean parks and more community attitude for them to grow up around
o An outdoor/indoor playground and swimming pool Page 182 of 248a.Page 200 of 346
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o More baby parks and activities they can do. Recreational spaces that are baby-friendly
o Free access to tot sports equipment
o Recreational programs/activities for those ages, such as art classes or swimming lessons
More libraries throughout the city, with more programs for young children
Housing: A major part of growing up healthy is stable housing. To live with some certainty of your fiscal future, and for a lot of people that is not
possible because of The predatory Evanston real estate market. When parents have to worry about rent raising due to gentrification, they have much
less time to care for their infants, as well as much less money to provide for their children.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Early childhood care and education:
o Affordable, high-quality childcare for parents
o Universal pre-K
o Hire kids from the ETHS child development classes to work at after school programs. Just have the teacher suggest it and give out applications
and there will be a better staff to student ratio.
Parent/family support:
o Support for food, and utilities so parents don’t have to be working all the time and spend time with their kids so that the kids won’t become
delinquents
o Programs to donate clothes, diapers, and baby food for families impacted by COVID-19 and food insecurities.
o Free diapers
o A city toy fund, for children who cannot afford them
Programs for parents:
o Preschool and socializing
o single parent parenting education
o social groups for parents,
o Support services for crisis situations
What would make life better in Evanston for K-5 kids?
INFRASTRUCTURE
5th ward school/ neighborhood schools for everybody
Safe, clean accessible offscreen areas
More libraries throughout the city, with programming for kids grades k-5
Affordable/free childcare options
Housing: Affordable housing and the possibility of buying a home for people working minimum wage jobs. A home is crucial to a healthy family.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Childcare and afterschool activities: Page 183 of 248a.Page 201 of 346
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o Affordable or free childcare options
o Robust and affordable after-school program with diverse programming
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
o Activities to socialize while being safe from Covid
o Give them more opportunities outside of school.
o Programs for troubled kids to have good role models
o Hire kids from the child development classes to work at after school programs. There will be a better staff to student ratio.
o Offer free enrichment programming during school year
o More study centers and help with their homework after school.
Mental help programs, including Peer Support programs
Giving them a better understanding about our community and how we can stay safe and keep others safe and welcomed.
Introduce kids to green living and the correct positive morals for our community, “love thy neighbor” it overall should show a positive response
throughout the community for years to come influencing individuals to return to such a strong and well-founded community
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
More hands-on learning opportunities
More resources for parents to aid their children in remote learning will be useful
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Science programs and more higher paying job opportunities in Evanston
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
Giving subsidies to various schools for programs and opportunities would help get kids more involved and aid in developing an open mindset and more
active lifestyle.
What would make life better in Evanston for 6-8th grade students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
More libraries throughout the city, with programs for students their age
Revitalize downtown and make it more appealing or youngsters
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Role models for behavior and community respect.
Afterschool activities:
o Affordable after-school activities / opportunities
o Recreational activities that are engaging Page 184 of 248a.Page 202 of 346
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o Get them to socialize, be outside and disconnect from technology
o Having more after school programs (academic, athletic, etc.) can help students become more developed for high school.
o Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
Assistance with high school prep with high school mentors
Service for troubled kids and service opportunities.
Sex Ed in school: Teach kids about consent
Mental Health:
o More emotional support/therapeutic options. Offering therapy to everyone
o More help in school
o Take bullying and harassment seriously, as repeated teasing and bullying can cause serious trauma in some kids.
Early financial literacy. How to be smart about money.
Better school tech
Better school lunches, more affordable or free lunch plans but still good quality
Education about LBTQ
Tutoring for extra help with school and assignments, including after school study center
Donating to help with homelessness and pushing legislature for climate change, taxing high emission companies, and establishing laws. This helps
everyone.
What would make life better in Evanston for high school age students?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Police training that teaches non- violent techniques to de-escalate situations without putting force on young kids.
More areas where young people can congregate to interact in a safe environment
o Could be in Robert Crown
o Having more block or art fairs and more to do in downtown Evanston
Community Gardens that supply food for the community and where students can either work or volunteer
Transportation:
o Better school transportation
o Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mentorship and personal development:
o Training on how to be active members of the community.
o Having them learn about better ways to solve problems in our community so they can spread the word. Teach them at a young age how to be
involved in the community.
o Programs for drug prevention, gang violence Page 185 of 248a.Page 203 of 346
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o programs to help with career searches and mentors.
o Program for assessment of healthy relationships
Extracurricular activities that are COVID-Friendly or that alleviate the stress of isolation and studying from home
Mental Health:
o Taking mental health seriously, offering more therapeutic support for teenagers with mental illness.
o Treat mental illness and disorders as you would any other chronic illness. Don’t assign homework outside of missing class work, teenagers
already have too much going on.
SCHOOL & EDUCATION
College and career preparation:
More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Better preparation for post-secondary education, like a required class that teaches about Learning life skills, financial literacy, taxes, how to
get a job, etc.
o High school internships where they have to work and also shadow workers. Collaborate with local businesses for this.
o College preparation classes and mentorship
Studying and Tutoring:
o More accessible study areas and more tutoring for extra help with school and assignments
o An after-school study center
o There are very few places around Evanston to meet up to do projects in or to get tutoring help from a non-school staff member.
Better funding for teacher and staff wages. Feeling disconnect from your education because of teacher and staff lack of morale is not only harming the
children’s education, but also the teachers
College scholarships and rent subsidies:
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
What would make life better in Evanston for young adults (ages 18-26)?
INFRASTRUCTURE
Affordable Housing
Safe, well-connected, well-maintained transportation
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mental health:
o More mental health services / Mental health education
o More community programs and workshops would help young adults with interacting and regaining social confidence after being online for so
long
More programs to volunteer with organizations and get involved.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT / CAREER DEVELOPMENT Page 186 of 248a.Page 204 of 346
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Career and college:
o More mentorship and orientation for starting their future career
o Job opportunity programs, resume writing, mentors, community service projects, healthy relationships educational programs
o Opportunity fairs along with job fairs
o College preparation classes and mentorship
o Have more resources for young adults to learn life skills (or raise awareness to those resources)
o Courses/training on Financial literacy and taxes
Raise the minimum wage. many students are trying to make ends meet paying for collage as well as a place to stay and food.
College scholarships and rent subsidies
To incentivize young people to go to college even if they don’t have financial means
To alleviate the housing crisis and help those Evanston residents who are affected by the pandemic and can’t pay rent
Any more ideas you think would help the community?
More look on poverty and safety.
Giving contracts and subsidies to companies that are founded in Evanston and largely employ Evanstonians and the tying to give as much job
opportunities to small businesses in Evanston instead of multi-billion-dollar corporations that really do not do anything for our community
Prioritize pedestrian/bike infrastructure over cars to increase safety and encourage people to walk places instead of driving. This can be added to our
environment efforts
Scholarship programs: Give out a scholarship based on an essay prompt. It doesn’t have to be for much. Some scholarships are only $200.
Instituting more environmentally friendly ways to get power would be beneficial to the community overall. Anything to save or conserve energy would
be a step in the right direction in terms of trying to control global warming.
A food bank
While these funds are great, please don’t forget about the housing/ “reparations” bill, which has time and time again been pr oven to be underfunded
and discriminatory. We need to have a foundation for children, if you were looking for people to say a park or general recreation I wouldn’t disagree.
But I believe that would be skipping a major step, trying to promote financial security in every household. This is key to growing up and becoming an
adult. Without financial security people are caught in a survival mindset, struggle to put food on the table. Leaving their and our community’s children
vulnerable. Cracking down on gentrification and setting up a secure housing program is a good step. But it also cannot be considered reparations, and
should not even be considered a housing program. It is a selective and discriminatory loan. What we need is something real. Something that will
create sustainability. We must not underwhelm the importance of housing.
Support the fire department
Accountability regarding this feedback Page 187 of 248a.Page 205 of 346
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Evanston Early Childhood Education Council, 7/23/21
Operational support for both full-time, part-time, and home-based child-care programs: $500,000
The losses to operational support for early childhood education during the Covid-19 pandemic in early childhood has been devastating. Decreases in
enrollment, loss of fees which cover costs and reductions in CCAP assistance has had a significant impact on operational losses. It has only gotten
more difficult to meet the bottom line of program operations. Some centers and home- based child-care homes, especially part day programs, have
closed or are in danger of permanently shutting down. The country has the potential to permanently lose millions of early childcare slots. Evanston
and the State of Illinois is a part of that larger number. Our earliest learners and their future success in education must be made a priority.
Examples:
o IWSE lost 35k per month of CCAP revenue due to Covid-19 enrollment
o Cherry Preschool anticipates 62% enrollment for 2021 due to Covid-19
o Mandated changes in DCFS regulations caused substantial financial losses
Recouping money spent on capital and structural improvements to help align early childhood facilities with new COVID requirements: $300,000
Many Early Childhood full and part-time Centers have had to put repairs on hold and divert those dollars to pay for PPE, sanitization and other Covid
related items. We are also experiencing very high water and electricity bills due to the cleaning and sanitizing, zooming, and connecting with parents
during the pandemic. A grant to cover repairs costs that should have been done in 2020 and higher utility bills would be helpful in stabilizing Centers.
Some only need a small number of repairs; others are more substantial. All of the Centers will need help with the higher costs of providing care and
education while enrolling fewer children. A grant system similar to the CDBG, without prevailing wage would also employ small Evanston contractors.
Examples:
o Learning Bridge deferred 40k of capital improvements due to expenditures on PPE and air purification
o Toddler Town spent 12k (Loan) on air purifiers retrofits for HVAC
o Cherry Pre School deferred 15k on structural repairs and painting
Financial support for staff educational credentialing, training, and career advancement: $250,000
The income for early childhood education workers without a degree is typically at minimum wage. Opportunities for career advancement is
dependent upon the worker’s ability to financially access an educational degree. Many workers cannot afford the tuition OR th e ability to leave
employment when needed for fieldwork. Financial support will enable workers the ability to pursue training and education. Workers will gain
confidence and enhance professionalism of the early childhood education workforce. Examples:
o Launch partnership with National Louis University and Oakton Community College to support teacher advancement within centers
o Stipends and Scholarships for our staff will greatly enhance our workforce and continuity of care for our most vulnerable
o Having a local community scholarship fund would greatly increase staff opportunity for credentialing and advancement
o Teacher shortages have created hiring challenges for qualified staff due to salary/rate-based disparities in early childhood.
Financial support for mental health, behavioral health, disability, and OT/PT services: $125,000
Many early childhood education programs do not have the financial capacity to support the needs of children with mental health, behavioral health,
and disability concerns. Occupational and physical therapy services for programs operating outside of school district 65 are unaffordable for most
families and early childhood programs. Children receiving services through the school district are often bussed from one program to another twice a Page 188 of 248a.Page 206 of 346
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day. Services need to be provided in the most “least restricted environment.” This means that access to needed services for children are not
dependent upon their families. Examples:
o Due to Covid and increased stress and trauma on families, mental health services have been in great demand without adequate funding
o Many mental health professionals are leaving for private practice increasing costs for services
o Disability services are very limited through Early Intervention and more funds are needed to support this population
Emergency support for families and scholarship dollars to support the continuity of care: $100,000
Families experience circumstances such as loss of employment, loss of childcare subsidy assistance, or medical needs that imp act their ability to pay
the childcare tuition. Continuity of care is crucial for children to grow and develop a strong foundation and readiness for kindergarten. Financial assistance
for emergencies or scholarships can decrease the stress of families (typically lower income) and the trauma these families experience when the
educational support system for their child and themselves are kept in place. Examples:
o Financial aid for families who are struggling to meet payments or qualify for assistance (underemployment, unemployment, job instability)
o Emergency funds to help families in crisis circumstances: homelessness, loss of job, death in family, etc.
Staff equity stipends/bonus for pandemic work since July 2020: $500,000
The country has relied on Early Childhood staff (in full day programs, home based childcares, and part day programs) to provide an essential service
throughout the pandemic so that people could get back to work. While others were able to work from the safety of their homes, early childhood staff
provided direct, hands-on care to our most vulnerable individuals. Due to the very limited resources of childcare programs, staff were not
compensated commensurate with the risk they have been asked to take. In many cases, staff salaries were reduced during the pandemic and any
future increases minimal to protect the viability of the programs. Direct funding provided to programs for one-time contributions to retirement
accounts, bonuses or one-time investments in salaries is critical to sustaining the workforce and mitigating staff turnover.
o Early Childhood staff have been working in dangerous and highly stressful work environments since June of 2020.
o Children are still unvaccinated and place our workforce in life threatening and dangerous circumstances.
o Many of our staff are in the “most vulnerable” category and have pre-existing conditions affected by Covid-19
o Our services allowed and continue to support parents to get back to work and be able to concentrate on their school age children
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Community Feedback from ARPA Town Halls
Prepared by City of Evanston Staff
Below are the responses from community members to the questions that were presented at each town hall / roundtable, broken down by category. Some of
the comments may not fall into an ARPA-related category, but staff felt it important to capture every comment for the City Council to review. There were
approximately 313 participants total.
1. Public Health
a. ARPA funds should go to health care, childcare, affordable housing, equity, and police. Police should do less policing and the City should expend
more resources on mental health instead.
b. Some of the ARPA funds should be used for youth programs in schools, tutoring programs (due to youth impacted negatively by COVID-19 being
out of school).
c. Social workers should be hired to work with EPD
d. City Council has cut the budget for social services for youth over the years. EPD now intervenes in youth matters where counseling and therapy are
necessary. Community members want specific youth services / counseling / therapy rather than using EPD resources for this.
e. Largest priority for ARPA funding should be in areas of public health concerns.
f. Mental health programs should be at the forefront of ARPA funding.
g. COVID impacted disproportionately low income and people of color, and ARPA should be used to alleviate the negative impact.
i. City Council should be examining how ARPA can be used to help senior citizens.
j. Increase public health and social service programming to deter violence in the city
l. Since the community does not know and understand fully the impact of mental health concerns for the school children and youth, City Council
should set aside funding for programming that will address these concerns.
m. Funding should be set aside for healthcare needs of community members who do not have access to services.
o. Mental health professionals should be hired with ARPA funds to work with police officers
p. Funding should support an increase in the number of public health professionals working at the City.
q. Council should allocate funding to support individuals experiencing homelessness, especially women and children and those negatively impacted by
COVID
r. Free and income based mental health services should be offered for families and children
s. Mental health services generally should be free or income based.
t. Coverage for substance abuse issues and invest more in social workers
u. Whatever funding is left-over from ARPA and not already allocated should be allocated to public health matters.
v. Funding should be used to assist individuals with medical bills.
w. Substance abuse issues with young people require support programs and funding.
2. Economic Impacts
a. Paid internships should be funded for people with disabilities that will teach job readiness, and encourage paid internships for adults with disabilities
b. Arts community has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Musicians were completely out of work during the last year. The Council should Page 190 of 248a.Page 208 of 346
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examine strategies to revive and support arts organizations in Evanston
c. Support for arts organizations, musicians, artists who have not been able to work during COVID
d. Substantial part of ARPA should be given to Family Focus. Family Focus is looking to expand and repair the building at Foster School. They have $1m
set aside from the State of Illinois. Evanston can help foster plans and create a hub for non-profits that are accessible to 5th ward residents.
e. Family Focus is a hub in the 5th ward and important structure, several not-for-profits and organizations but it needs some serious repairs
f. Thank you for bringing the city government to the people. It is important to build back better and invest in the future, especially in arts (businesses
benefit from arts). I would like to see a tourism site created by Evanston that focuses on arts and culture, a calendar that lists every single event and
venue on items going on in Evanston. The City should try to promote tourism and people coming from out of town
g. Investments need to generate economic growth and the community needs to hold ourselves accountable and be transparent about how we think it
will encourage growth when we start spending the funds
h. Use funding in the areas of the city disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. were not economically impacted by COVID-19. - The City should help
the residents who were the most economically impacted - people who lost jobs - people who could not afford childcare (if we could do this through
Family Focus that would be great, and we should put money towards Family Focus)
i. Stop funding grants to restaurants. Their failure rate is too great in general, and to use ARPA funding would be wasteful.t.
j. Restaurants should pay more than minimum wage (and weren’t paying workers well before the pandemic) and we should not use money for
restaurants.
k. “New normal”, need to work on workforce development - new ways of working - making sure to support workforce development of this new normal
l. Economic development should be the City’s top priority.t
m. Council should make sure 8th and 5th ward will benefit from funding and other areas heavily impacted by COVID
n. Supporting communities of color, local businesses who have not returned, loss of business near the theater and need for a new theater
o. How can we encourage merchants to come back, enticements; continue to engage the community on the front end with ideas and implementation
as well as the final decision - who makes the decision - what role does the community get to play?
p. Front line workers, how can we better support them?
q. Downtown Evanston, what will replace the businesses that have left and what can serve as an anchor for the City pertinent for all residents? A plan
is needed.
r. Learned more about local businesses during the pandemic and wanting to see local businesses come back possibly through small grants - connection
between community and businesses
s. Workforce development, what can we do to train the youths for jobs and repairs in our city? ARPA funding should be used in training components
when it comes to the trades. This will allow opportunity for youth outreach to get them trained in the trades.
t. How can we promote economic development, what can the City invest in?
u. Generate more economic revenue and activity it will help with the City finances
v. Economic development for small businesses, sustaining not for profits, helping not for profits
w. Need to make sure funding is spent on areas that will be turned over and multiply dollars in the city
x. Job security is a problem in the community. Use ARPA funds to sustain businesses to create job security.
y. Investments in projects that bring sustaining growth, job training
z. Track individual’s progression through economic development services
aa. Tracking the return on investment in programs
bb. Investment in businesses related to sustainability Page 191 of 248a.Page 209 of 346
25
cc. Many businesses are closed and need support. Other facilities (e.g.,Canal Shores Golf Course) stayed open whole time and took more wear and tear
dd. Something for people in need of job training or assistance returning to work
ee. Collaboration with Oakton for job training in Evanston for youth, homeless, other folks in need; collaborate with other social services
ff. Oakton community college location in Evanston should receive funding
gg. Northlight would be a great asset for City, but using it for capital construction on the building would not be appropriate in the infrastructure
categories
hh. The City did not appear to truly be economically impacted from COVID-19.
ii. Financial assistance for families who are struggling financially
jj. Help Local businesses through grants or programming.
3. Premium Pay
a. Request for jobs training, premium pay
b. Downtown and essential workers should receive ARPA funding and support (i.e., premium pay).
c. Fund for essential workers brought up - broader than just City essential workers
d. Childcare, essential workers, especially low-income essential workers
4. Revenue
a. Use the money first to cover the City’s deficit, and support existing programs before undertaking new projects
b. Use some of the money to offset the budget for funds lost due to free beach tokens for 3 days
c. Cure deficit before spending more money
d. Revenue--align ourselves with forward, progressive thinking organizations and look at our revenue streams
e. Putting money into City revenue holes should not be a priority
f. Don’t use money to pay for any debt
5. Water
a. Water--important that we have our water system insured that in can increase capacity and make every effort to extend our services around
northern Illinois
b. Lead water pipes has been an issue in the past - one-time opportunity to upgrade these
c. Lead pipelines, importance of providing employment opportunities and enhancing safety
6. Sewer
a. Sewers--should be repaired Page 192 of 248a.Page 210 of 346
26
7. Broadband
a. Digital divide, make sure to solve the problem of broadband - how can we fix the digital divide in Evanston?
b. Robert Crown should provide free digital access and services for businesses and community
c. Broadband--5G relegated to big 3 communication companies--City of Evanston should look into if 5G should be a utility for the entire city (a digital
divide would no longer be an issue in Evanston). We have a digital superhighway running through the City. Other businesses are implementing 5G
throughout the country and improving business.
d. Cell phone towers along the lake should be constructed. Accessibility for those along the lake cannot get service
e. Broadband and hot spots needed throughout the City.
f. Desire to provide more broadband--may not be the best way to reach seniors
g. Broadband to make it into a public utility, closing the digital divide
h. Assessment of areas of the City that are unreliable with broadband, make sure youth and seniors have access to broadband; Youth need access
for education, seniors need to stay connected and keep from getting isolated
i. Highest priority is wireless broadband citywide - digital divide really showed during COVID
j. Permanent broadband not temporary broadband
k. Lots of people did not know how to navigate technology when kids were at school, and ARPA funds should be used to provide programming
that assists parents in children’s education at home.
l. Internet and equipment used for the internet should be funded through ARPA funds.
8. Housing
a. Use funds for small landlords who have not received rent in two years
b. Help for affordable housing landowners, not luxury units
c. Interfaith Action--forced to scale back on emergency shelter--people living in parking garages. Need for a permanent 24/7 year-round shelter is
made abundantly clear. Need for public restrooms in downtown Evanston. Likes the COVID-19 plan speaking to this.
d. ADU--out of reach for many Evanston residents, but use funds for ADUs to help create generational wealth
e. Assistance for renters and landlords; big risk at ending of the eviction moratorium
f. affordable housing
g. Housing: fix site acquisition and rehab, tenant based rental management and development of permanent housing for people who need assistance
h. Affordable housing should be funded through ARPA
i. Affordable housing, projects are only sustained for 15 years, community land trust might be a better option
j. Housing affordability makes it difficult to stay in Evanston, displacement of people of color
k. Housing: big need in affordable housing and making it sustainable, what can we do in purchasing properties or that the land and buildings remain
affordable?
l. Affordable housing for lower class and for middle class
m. Affordable housing is needed and should be provided with ARPA funding.
n. Do not like CDBG by area, want it to be by need
o. Rent control ordinance should be created
p. Providing resource information for low-income housing, in Spanish Page 193 of 248a.Page 211 of 346
27
9. General Infrastructure
a. Water parks, pools for the youth in parks should be created
b. Sidewalks, infrastructure in bad shape. Will this be addressed? Money allocated to infrastructure of sidewalks
c. Use funding to repair and create sidewalks (where there aren’t any). Areas where sidewalks are kept up and areas where they are not,
intergenerational wealth and well-kept buildings have kept up sidewalks, those that are not intergenerational wealth and not well-kept buildings are
not maintained or kept up. How do these funds impact long term the places where the sidewalks are in disrepair? not in shape
d. Use for sidewalks / roads / bike lanes
e. Reduce rideshare fees and see where this can be curtailed.
f. Infrastructure--scooter / vespa racks in neighborhood paid lots. It would reduce congestion.
g. Upgrade train platforms, viaducts
h. Parks and field upgrades to encourage healthy living and healthy engagement
i. Infrastructure, not for profit wants to build school building in 2nd ward because they are all bussed to schools in different areas, they would have the
opportunity for more after school time - would be a long-term investment
j. Infrastructure: what needs to be addressed in terms of what could be done now? It will be more expensive in the future to put off infrastructure
needs.
k. Consider the complete impacts of COVID - places not used and places overused in infrastructure project decisions
l. Fifth ward school brought up
m. Public water park
n. Robert crown, make it free? Do a better job of advertising
o. More street lighting, very dangerous not enough lighting,
p. Adult education, English as a second language practical (concentrate on colloquial dialogue)
q. Community center for Latinos where they can get information and assistance
r. Technology classes, computer classes, basic and simple
s. Hub for Latino businesses (incubator?)
t. Programs for senior citizens, they were the most affected and they do not have programs available for them, boredom/ isolation?
10. Childcare
a. Most programs are not self-sustaining on their own, for example childcare. Funds should be used to help sustain.
b. Funds should be used for childcare and training.
c. Invest and consider daycare options for parents.
d. Childcare, as well as child health care needs funding: Early childhood education providers are underpaid and 0-5 is the most impactful time during a
person's lives but we are not paying enough attention to that time period of it
e. Increase availability of childcare and preschool; probably not sustained through this, but again something to get it started
f. Respond to needs of people who lost loved ones, jobs, childcare, responding to those who have been hurt the hardest
g. Offering summer camps for children, bilingual summer camps for children
h. Supporting young people especially those that suffered academically, tutoring/ after school programs Page 194 of 248a.Page 212 of 346
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11. Other
a. Use funds to help elderly people repair their homes (basements, windows)
b. Do not spend $43 million just around Robert Crown
c. ARPA funds should be used to reduce property taxes
d. Northwestern should make commitment to help sustain new programs that we might need
e. Homeowners are paying the taxes of Northwestern; businesses paying for the repairs of areas but not doing it (for example hospital alleys)
f. Stall and offset the tax rate
g. Reconsider the non-profit building of Northwestern. The sorority / frat housing “council of” or “society of” buildings are shells during the school year
and often empty during the summer. Those are property lots that could otherwise generate property tax revenue
h. Collaboration between the city and the educational system to reverse the bleed of families that cannot afford to live here, help, and focus on
families with intersectional vulnerabilities
i. Who has hurt the most, where has the most negative impact fallen - do we have data on this, data the city doesn't have that chamber or others
might have? Need to respond in equitable way
j. Climate issues, CARP implementation
k. Reframing police and fire under public safety - going to them to see what they need to do their work effectively and fairly
l. Concern about use of first responders, trained as police but smaller issues could be handled by someone other than first responders
m. Better use of city finances and city infrastructure, would like more money on public health, help people thrive in general
n. Sustainability, and its impact in housing and for seniors
o. Ideas that we need to make sure these items are sustainable
p. residents and nonprofit support,
q. Outside consults for how to spend the funds
r. food security
s. Overall capacity building
t. Seniors and families living paycheck to paycheck
u. Violence prevention around schools/ ways to eliminate violence especially gun violence
v. Funds for the public library
w. Latino librarians have been doing incredible outreach
x. Consider not fining people who cannot afford the fines, different revenue streams
y. No new programs, but to support current NFP who already support the community
z. They want to know how to take advantage of programs
aa. Cleaning the bikeways
bb. More funds for schools, especially those with special need families
cc. More programs or invest in current programs
dd. Stickers for permit parking should be offset
dd. Strengthen the relationship with the police offers, lots of Latinos do not trust police
ee. Support the Latino nonprofits
gg. Public overview of the budget in Spanish with more specific categories and indicate where the funds are going
hh. Universal basic income $400, not giving money to large corporations Page 195 of 248a.Page 213 of 346
29
ii. Do not bring large corporations but support local businesses give them more contracts
jj. Crime near schools
12. Involvement --How Would You Like to Be Engaged in this Process?
a. Talented and skilled community--wants a committee of community members to be involved in this ARPA process and allocation.
b. Transparency to show residents its thoughtful and intentional about long term benefit of investments--holding City of Evanston accountable
c. Thanks for the town hall. Have a website where we can share ARPA ideas to broaden the rest of our thoughts.
d. Wants friendlier meeting times / dates and continue virtual meeting
e. Prioritizing money in ways that care for people
f. Upset about the post COVID-19 plan, did not include input from the community, was not built with them in mind
g. More people should have a seat at the table for engagement. By the time City Council meets it is too late. Re-design the way comments work, block
clubs. Equity--reach out and make sure all voices are heard.
h. COVID provided new opportunities for engagement, enjoy this layout (town hall / roundtable format) and being able to converse in this forum
i. Lift up boards and commissions that are already in existence, create surveys to engage.?
j. This forum (zoom) doesn't reach people who the money will be spent on - not everyone can join the zoom, canvassing can we reach people through
canvassing, not just asking for public input but thinking about how to meaningfully engage them in the process, co-designing process of policy; how
to hold the city accountable, how do we give back to people for their time
k. Surveys might be good option for feedback and then coming to a forum to think about thoughts before meeting
l. Virtual v in person meeting, pleased that the city is reaching out to the Hispanic population, would like to see us reach out to all parts of the
community more
m. What can we do to get the youths' opinions and create programs for them and by them? Create a plan to engage youth.
n. Neighborhood plans over the years:, “west side planning” that incorporated workforce training, we should re-examine that and identify the best
places that we can that were in that plan
o. Lots of committees, boards, commissions in the City - how can we leverage these and ask them to come up with their own priorities and submit them
to City staff letting them submit the proposals based on those conversations?
p. Engage the citizens, even those who are not old enough to vote, connection, resilience and then engagement
q. Community town halls, more access and information to keep residents connected to the City
r. If not engaged in communities we are passionate about, then we may not be represented in the decisions - youth, essential workers, business
owners, seniors are all important groups to engage
s. How can we be informed in the process, what measures will be taken?
t. Would like the process to be more transparent, compliments to Mayor and new City Council for more community impact
u. Alders: more, community meetings would be helpful ways to engage all Evanstonians who can’t get to meetings?
v. Community members They don’t want to put ARPA funds $ into City departments and not know how it is spent, they--want to understand the
budget and want communication
w. City to cooperate more with nonprofits who are helping in community, do not feel the city is working in collaboration with them
x. Nonprofits that are supporting Latino community should receive resources or funding
y. Ensure the city is assessing and communicating the needs of the Latin x community, what research are you pulling about needs? based Page 196 of 248a.Page 214 of 346
30
z. Equity framework should be the plan on review of funds
aa. Communicate back to the community so they know they were heard about how the ARPA funds will be distributed based upon town hall
comments.
bb. Want city council members to come to the community and be more accessible, not only translation but also cultural appropriateness
cc. Recommending replicating Chicago, city officials to do surveys and talk individually with people
dd. Make the City website more accessible
ee. Lot of people have been Evanston residents here for a while and have finally heard for the first time they have a voice, excited that the City
hosted town halls and in Spanish. are here
ff. For the city to go into the community and knock on doors is very important this is a small percentage in the room
gg. Very happy that we are here and promote it so more people attend
*Note: Not everyone made comments and many comments came from groups with only one representative from that group. This chart is a rough estimate of t he
number of times a category was discussed compared to the total number of people. This is by no means an accurate account of h ow all community members feel
regarding the categories. More information is required for a statistically significant sample size. * Page 197 of 248a.Page 215 of 346
31
Roundtable Attendees
Roundtable: Workforce Development and Emerging Adults, 8/13/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Biss
Alison Leipsiger
Emma Carter
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Kelley Gandurski
Sharon Johnson
Nathan Norman
ECF Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tosha Wilson
Tiffini Holmes
CNE Carol Teske
COFI Jess Rojo
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Maricar Ramos Page 198 of 248a.Page 216 of 346
32
Bettye Cohns
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Kay Israelite
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
Impact Behavioral Partners Christopher Knoper
MEAC Neal Gambow
Tana Francellno
National Able Dominic
NorthShore Health Systems Brandon Buchanan
Roundtable: School Aged Children, 8/17/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Yazari Gutierrez
Stacey Moragne
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Deanna Howlett
Audrey Thompson
Andy Rapoport
ECF Sol Anderson
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
The Aux Jacqui White Page 199 of 248a.Page 217 of 346
33
Tosha Wilson
CNE Sheila Merry
COFI Jesse Rojo
Chanelle Brown
Rocio Mancera
Lachisa
Gil Pena
Cynthia Lara
Eloisa
Children’s Advocacy Center Lara Priester
District 65 Jennifer Bergner
Tania Margonza
Katee (Family Center)
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Maricar Ramos
EPL Jan Bojda
Elascha Madison
Girl Scouts Irasema Gonzalez
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
McGaw YMCA Katie Tucker Trippi
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Rainbows for All Children Stephanie Garrity
Laura Lindroth
YJC Amanda Marks
Y.O.U. Craig Lynch
? J Bowen
Roundtable: Immigrant and undocumented population, 8/18/21 Organization Representative Page 200 of 248a.Page 218 of 346
34
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Kelley Gandurski
Alison Leipsiger
Genaro Hernandez
Yazari Gutierrez
Clerk Stephanie Mendoza (translating)
ECF Karli Butler
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdez del Valle
COFI Jesse Roo
Rocio Mancera
Chanelle Brown
Nazaria
Marla Blas
Cynthia Lara
Maria Nava
Dominga Vicencio
Eloisa
Demi
D65 Natalia Moreno Polomkasis
EPL Mariana Bojorquez
Evanston Latinos Alejandra Ibanez
Rebeca Mendoza
Evanston Scholars Serena Robertson
FLAP Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velaquez
Literacy Works Christine Kenney
United Catholic Youth
Ministries/St. Nicholas
James Holzhauer-Chuckas
Roundtable: Arts and Humanities, 8/19/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
ECF Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Actors Gymnasium Murphy Monroe
Art Encounter Lea Pinsky Page 201 of 248a.Page 219 of 346
35
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Art Center Ellie Hazlett
Evanston Arts Council Toby Sachs
Evanston History Center Eden Juron Pearlman
Evanston Live Meleika Gardner
Evanston Made Lisa Degliantoni
Evanston Symphony Orchestra Margaret Gergen
Frances Willard House Association Lori Osborne
ITA Maris Harrington
Metropolitan Family Services Samer Hussein
Mudlark Theater Daisy Copeland
Mitchell Museum Josee Starr
Northlight Theater Leann Kim Tonke
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Shorefront Dino Robinson
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Independent artist and curator Fran Joy
Skillz Physical Therapy Aime Maranan
Roundtable: Economic and Community Development, 8/24/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Paul Zalmezak
Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson
Sarah Flax
Emma Carter
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny del Valle Valdez
The Aux Tiffini Holmes
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Evanston Chamber/ECF Bryant Wallace
Evanston Live TV Meleika Gardner
Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse Aina Gutierrez
Evanston Scholars Demisha Lee
Evanston Woman/Latinx Business
Council
Linda del Bosque
FLAP Jackie Villaneuva
Michelle Velazquez Page 202 of 248a.Page 220 of 346
36
Learning Bridge Early Education Center Lindsay Percival
Literacy Works Christine Kenny
Melanie Sampson
McGaw YMCA Katie Trippi
Reba Early Learning Center Darcy Carter
Soul and Smoke Heather Bublick
Rebecca Bladen
Roundtable: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, 8/25/21
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Andy Rapoport
Katie Klemola
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Bethel New Life Brenda Phillips
Center for Enriched Living Nick Baird
Melissa Juarez Ehlers
Center for Independent Futures Ann Sickon
COFI Jesse Rojo
Evanston Public Library Jill Skwerski
Bridget Petrites
Foster Seniors & Deltas Eva Coly
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
ITA Jenni Rook
Levy Center Foundation Judy Newton
Literacy Works Melanie Sampson
Reva Early Learning/EC2C Bettye Cohns
Skillz Physical Therapy Nsisong Ekanem
Aime Maranan
Sounds Good Choir Helen Gagel
Roundtable: Housing and Homelessness, 9/13/21 Page 203 of 248a.Page 221 of 346
37
Organization Representative
City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Sarah Flax
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
Yazari Gutierrez
Audrey Thompson
Nathan Norman
Genaro Hernandez
Lachisa Barton
James Bowen
Kristin Meyer
ECF Sol Anderson
Becca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdez del Valle
Alliance to End Homelessness in
Suburban Cook County
Katie Spoden
Center for Independent Futures Dick Malone
Connections for the Homeless Betty Bogg
Nia Tavoularis
CPAH Rob Anthony
District 65 Allie Harned
Jennifer Bergner
Evanston Cradle to Career Bettye Cohn
Kim Holmes-Ross
Evanston Development
Corporation
Robbie Markus
Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Ann Weatherhead
ETHS Taya Kinzie
Family Promise Tracy McKeithen
Impact Behavioral Partners Patti Capouch
Interfaith Action of Evanston Anne Heinz
Sue Murphy
Eileen Wiviott (also Unitarian
Church)
McGaw YMCA Roland Fouche
Katie Trippi
Open Communities Jasemen Hatcher
Open Studio Project Sarah Laing
Reba Place Development
Corporation
Keith Banks
Richard Cahan Page 204 of 248a.Page 222 of 346
38
Page 205 of 248
a.Page 223 of 346
1
FINANCIAMIENTO DE
LA ARPA:
UNA OPORTUNIDAD
PARA LA
RECUPERACIÓN Y
RECONSTRUCCIÓN
TRANSFORMADORA
DE EVANSTON
Preparado por
Roberta Rakove, Suzanne Strassberger
y Marybeth Schroeder
para Page 206 of 248a.Page 224 of 346
2
MÁS DE 500 VOCES COMUNITARIAS
Evanston tiene una oportunidad extraordinaria. La Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense de 2021 (ARPA, por sus siglas en inglés) asignó beneficios
imprevistos de $43 millones a Evanston. Hay pocas restricciones y el financiamiento se puede asignar durante un período de tres años. A menudo, las
decisiones de asignación de oportunidades de financiamiento de una sola emisión, como proyectos de ley de capital estatal o el Acuerdo sobre el Tabaco, se
basan en la voluntad política y están sujetas a plazos de gasto ajustados.
Organizaciones sin fines de lucro dinámicas de Evanston y más de 500 miembros de la comunidad se han unido para ayudar a Evanston a elegir un enfoque
diferente.
Nuestra meta era construir una visión de usar los fondos de la ARPA para la recuperación y reconstrucción de Evanston tras la pandemia de la COVID basada en
directivas claras e informadas por la comunidad. El Ayuntamiento, el alcalde y el personal de la ciudad pueden utilizar este trabajo para llevar esta visión a la
acción con fondos de la ARPA y proyectos futuros.
El trabajo comenzó en junio cuando la ciudad de Evanston, con la Fundación Comunitaria de Evanston (ECF, por sus siglas en inglés), Evanston Cradle to Career
y la Oficina de Relaciones Vecinales y Comunitarias de la Universidad Northwestern, además de la orientación del Consejo de la Primera Infancia de Evanston y
de los latinos de Evanston, convocaron tres reuniones de cabildos: dos en inglés (virtual y presencial) y la tercera en español. Participaron trescientos trece
residentes de Evanston.
Entre agosto y septiembre, la Fundación Comunitaria de Evanston, el alcalde Daniel Biss y el personal de la ciudad de Evanston se asociaron para facilitar siete
mesas redondas, cada una de ellas organizada en torno a un sector, un cabildo de jóvenes con 34 participantes y facilitadores y una encuesta a más de 55
estudiantes de Evanston Township High Schoolp (ETHS). Antes de las mesas redondas, el Consejo de la Primera Infancia de Evanston había convocado a su
propio grupo para establecer prioridades que se incorporan en este informe.
Es un testimonio del espíritu comunitario de Evanston el hecho de que prácticamente ninguna de las 169 personas de 62 organizaciones (excluido el personal
de la ciudad y de la Evanston Community Foundation [ECF]) que participaron en las mesas redondas defendiera sus prioridades i ndividuales u organizativas
particulares.
Los aportes de los participantes en las cuatro reuniones de cabildos y en las siete mesas redondas constituyen la base de este informe. Está organizado d e la
siguiente manera:
Introducción.
Criterios que se usarán en el proceso de toma de decisiones.
Temas intersectoriales para el cambio.
Un cuadro que compara los temas intersectoriales con los temas prioritarios tratados en cada una de las siete mesas redondas.
Apéndices que incluyen a) recomendaciones de proyectos por sectores; b) resultados de la encuesta a los jóvenes; c) priorida des planteadas por el
Consejo de la Primera Infancia de Evanston; y d) una lista de participantes de las mesas redondas. Page 207 of 248a.Page 225 of 346
3
El compromiso de los más de 500 miembros de la comunidad que sacaron tiempo de sus apretadas agendas para participar es una declaración de lo que hace
fuerte a Evanston: miembros activos de su comunidad, tanto los que viven como los que trabajan allí. Es importante señalar qu e todavía hay oportunidades
para escuchar la incorporación de voces importantes. Entre ellas se encuentran la comunidad religiosa, atención médica, grupos ecologistas y grupos
empresariales como la Cámara de Comercio y el Consorcio de Negocios de Propietarios Negros de Evanston/North Shore. Instamos a los funcionarios y al
personal de la ciudad, líderes cívicos, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y otras personas que planifiquen proyectos futuros a que hagan uso de la información
aquí obtenida del increíble recurso que es nuestra comunidad de Evanston.
Criterios de financiamiento de la ARPA en Evanston
Los participantes de las mesas redondas desean que el plan de gastos general refleje los valores fundamentales de la comunidad de Evanston. Tenían ideas
firmes sobre el proceso de selección de proyectos y los criterios que se deben usar para evaluar proyectos y gastos propuestos.
1. Voz comunitaria: centrar las voces de las personas y comunidades más afectadas por la creación de proyectos, al proporcionar tiempo adecuado,
divulgación y transparencia en la toma de decisiones a través de un compromiso significativo de los miembros de la comunidad. Tanto el proceso de
evaluación de los proyectos como los proyectos financiados deben incluir miembros de la comunidad de las zonas seleccionadas.
2. Equidad: los proyectos deben demostrar un compromiso con la equidad en Evanston.
a. El financiamiento debe ser focalizado y demostrar la repercusión en las comunidades negra y latina.
b. Los proyectos deben abordar barreras lingüísticas y culturales.
c. Los proyectos se deben enfocar en las comunidades más afectadas por la COVID-19.
d. Las organizaciones de base y comunitarias deben contar con las herramientas necesarias para presentar sus solicitudes.
e. Los evaluadores de los proyectos deben reflejar comunidades diversas.
3. Proceso de selección: las decisiones de financiamiento se deben tomar en un proceso claro y transparente que sea colaborativo en vez de competitivo y
aprovechar conexiones y redes de la comunidad. El proceso debe acoger algunos riesgos y el financiamiento de organizaciones y proyectos de base.
4. Sostenibilidad: los proyectos deben demostrar la sostenibilidad o la repercusión a largo plazo de esta inyección de fondos de una sola emisión.
5. Uso estratégico de los recursos: las decisiones de financiamiento deben tener en cuenta la disponibilidad de financiamiento alternativa o complementaria
del Gobierno federal, el Gobierno estatal o la filantropía. La flexibilidad de los fondos de la ARPA favorece la creatividad y la innovación.
6. Colaboración y asociación: los proyectos deben permitir y aprovechar la colaboración comunitaria, organizativa e intersectorial.
7. Empleo y repercusión económica: se debe dar preferencia a proyectos que contraten personal local, proporcionen empleo a jóvenes y a personas con
discapacidad y utilicen negocios locales. Page 208 of 248a.Page 226 of 346
4
8. Resultados: los proyectos deben tener resultados claros y medibles.
9. Equilibrio: los proyectos deben estar equilibrados entre la satisfacción de las necesidades inmediatas, los proyectos de capital y el cambio de sistemas.
Temas intersectoriales
Aunque cada mesa redonda se centró en un sector específico, los temas, preocupaciones e ideas generales aparecieron en varios debates y en los cabildos.
Cuatro áreas comunes se destacaron como fundamentales: vivienda, cuidado infantil, inversión en las comunidades negras y latinas y salud mental y trauma.
1. Vivienda: la necesidad de abordar la continuidad de los retos de la vivienda asequible, desde personas sin hogar hasta alquileres asequ ibles, pasando por la
vivienda de apoyo y la propiedad de la vivienda asequible, se citó como un requisito previo fundamental para resolver una amplia gama de problemas.
Evanston cuenta con importantes activos en este ámbito gracias a las colaboraciones existentes y a las organizaciones comunitarias.
2. Cuidado infantil: el cuidado infantil, lo que incluye el cuidado asequible de la primera infancia y después de la escuela, surgió como una cuestión
fundamental para que Evanston florezca como una ciudad diversa, económicamente próspera y que apoya a las familias. La fortaleza del Consejo de
Educación de la Primera Infancia de Evanston y la amplia gama de programas en Evanston se percibieron como activos comunitarios.
3. Inversión en las comunidades negra y latina: todos los grupos de la mesa redonda apoyaron firmemente la diversidad y la equidad como valores
fundamentales para Evanston y centrales para su identidad. El uso de los fondos de la ARPA para la inversión general en las comunidades negras y latinas
se expresó ampliamente.
4. Salud mental y trauma: el acceso a servicios de salud mental asequibles y culturalmente competentes se planteó como una necesidad insatisfecha a largo
plazo y clave para recuperarse de la pandemia.
5. La brecha digital: acceso a banda ancha, posesión de dispositivos digitales y capacitación en la utilización de recursos digitales se consideran esenciales
para proporcionar acceso a múltiples recursos. Esto se percibe como un asunto fundamental de equidad. La banda ancha se incluye específicamente como
un gasto permitido en la ARPA.
6. Ciudad de destino: Evanston cuenta con activos específicos que, con alguna inversión adicional y planificación estratégica, podrían mejorar su economía
local como ciudad de destino, lo que crea oportunidades de empleo y desarrolla negocios locales fuertes ya existentes. La gran comunidad artística
creativa de Evanston y las numerosas y singulares pequeñas empresas y restaurantes se consideraron bases sólidas para este concepto. Page 209 of 248a.Page 227 of 346
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7. Empleo: el empleo era una preocupación tanto para los empresarios, muchos de los cuales tienen dificultades para encontrar empleados para varias
categorías de trabajo, como para las personas que buscan trabajo y capacitación.
8. Retos del capital: la inversión de capital en la infraestructura de los programas para la primera infancia, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, viviendas
asequibles, personas sin hogar y algunas pequeñas empresas se citaron como uso apropiado del financiamiento de una sola emisión. Muchas
organizaciones tuvieron que desviar fondos de capital para responder a la COVID y se quedaron sin recursos para hacer mejoras regulares, satisfacer
nuevas demandas e implementar medidas de seguridad relacionadas con la pandemia.
9. Relación entre la ciudad y la comunidad: el debate sobre el financiamiento de la ARPA pone de manifiesto la oportunidad de que la ciudad de Evanston
trabaje de forma más estratégica con los socios comunitarios. En particular, se hizo hincapié en utilizar bien los recursos de la comunidad y no duplicar
funciones o servicios entre la ciudad de Evanston y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Otros asuntos incluyen dotación de personal, renovación del sitio web
de la ciudad, divulgación en la comunidad, competencia lingüística y cultural y la institucionalización de los aportes signif icativos de la comunidad en los
procesos de formulación de presupuestos y planificación de la ciudad. Page 210 of 248a.Page 228 of 346
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Temas planteados por los sectores
Los temas comunes para el uso de los fondos de la ARPA se plantearon en las ocho mesas redondas que se llevaron a cabo, así como en la presentación de la
comunidad de la primera infancia, la encuesta de los jóvenes y los cabildos que realizó la ciudad de Evanston. El siguiente cuadro ilustra en qué debates se
plantearon estos temas generales.
MESAS REDONDAS
Desarrollo
de la fuerza
laboral/adu
ltos
emergentes
Niño
s en
edad
escol
ar
Inmigrantes/indocume
ntados
Arte/humanid
ades
Desarrollo
económico/comun
itario
Personas
mayores/pers
onas con
discapacidad
Vivienda/f
alta de
vivienda
Prime
ra
infanc
ia
Cabild
os de
adulto
s
Cabil
do de
jóven
es
Vivienda X x x X x x x x X
Cuidado
infantil
X x x X x x x X
Inversión en
comunidades
negras, latinas
e inmigrantes
X x x x X x x x x X
Salud
mental/traum
a
x x x x x x x x
Brecha digital X x x X x x x
Ciudad de
destino
X x
Empleo X x X x x x x x x
Retos del
capital
X x x x x x Page 211 of 248a.Page 229 of 346
7
Relación
ciudad/comun
idad
x X X x x X
Page 212 of 248a.Page 230 of 346
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APÉNDICES
o Notas de la mesa redonda: ideas e iniciativas de proyectos específicos del sector (páginas 7-12)
o Notas de la encuesta y el cabildo de jóvenes (páginas 13-19)
o Recomendaciones del Consejo de Primera Infancia (páginas 20-21)
o Comentarios de la comunidad en los cabildos de la ARPA (páginas 22-30)
o Participantes de la mesa redonda (páginas 30-36)
Page 213 of 248a.Page 231 of 346
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Mesa redonda: Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y adultos emergentes, 13/AGO/2021
Apoyo a las pequeñas empresas:
o Empresas sociales, especialmente para grupos de base/marginados.
o Préstamos para pequeñas empresas, especialmente para jóvenes.
o Incubadoras de empresas.
o Orientación para pequeñas empresas comunitarias.
o Modelo de cohorte en el que el cuidado infantil es gratuito para comisionados, orientadores y creadores de pequeñas empresas.
Programa de comisionados para padres y familias: puestos remunerados para que personas de confianza conecten personas con recursos, con lo que
necesitan y con lo que está disponible.
Espacio:
o The Aux, espacio para que los emprendedores de color pongan en marcha sus negocios.
o Edificio de Family Focus: centro potencial para organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Necesidad de aumentar este tipo de recursos en los distritos
5.º, 2.º y 8.º.
o Recursos compartidos para organizaciones sin fines de lucro y empresas.
Carreras profesionales:
o Comunicación y educación para estudiantes de la escuela intermedia y secundaria y las familias sobre posibles carreras, oportunidades,
capacitación y apoyo necesario.
o Servicios directos para jóvenes de escuela secundaria para procurar que cada joven de ETHS tenga un camino y un plan claros y una conexión
con un salario digno y capacitación.
o Integrar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y el desarrollo económico porque la comunidad necesita a estos trabajadores.
o Conectar empleadores y servicios sociales: oferta y demanda de trabajadores.
Cara Collective en Chicago, recurso de contratación inclusiva.
Iniciativa de fuerza laboral en la primera infancia: abordar la contratación y la retención a través de educación, apoyo y capacitación.
Mesa redonda: Niños en edad escolar, 17/AGO/2021
Salud mental:
o Capacitación que toma en cuenta el trauma para educadores y personal de programas para jóvenes y familias.
o Recursos de salud mental cada vez más accesibles para los jóvenes.
o Apoyos específicos de salud mental para niños menores de 10 años que se enfrentan a una pandemia que no entienden.
o Capacitación en primeros auxilios de salud mental.
Voz y liderazgo de jóvenes y familias:
o Crear vías para que los jóvenes y las familias participen en la toma de decisiones y el liderazgo.
o Espacios para que los jóvenes hablen entre ellos, incluidos los que son lesbianas, bisexuales, gais, transexuales y queer (LBGTQ). Page 214 of 248a.Page 232 of 346
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o Comisionados remunerados que sean padres, jóvenes y comunidad para mejorar la comunicación y conexión entre la ciudad, recursos
comunitarios y familias.
Recursos para jóvenes y familias:
o Transporte para facilitar los programas extracurriculares y fuera de la escuela.
o Banda ancha para todos.
o Más educación y oportunidades en Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Más cuidado infantil disponible y asequible.
o Centro para adolescentes y lugares de reunión para la comunidad, donde los niños puedan pasar el rato de manera no estructurada y estar
seguros y toda la familia pueda participar. Tener servicios como tutoría, refuerzo, deporte y salud mental.
o La comunidad latina está desvinculada de las escuelas y de los recursos. Necesitan comunicadores y conexiones de confianza.
o Tutoría más accesible y disponible.
o Trabajadores sociales y orientadores de recursos comunitarios.
Recursos para comunidades de negros y morenos:
o Costo de inicio para ayudar a los habitantes de Evanston a desarrollar sus propios negocios, especialmente en comunidades de negros y
morenos.
o Desarrollo de liderazgo para comunidades de negros y morenos.
o Proporcionar financiamiento intencionado para la solidaridad entre las poblaciones negra y latina.
Apoyo a organizaciones sin fines de lucro:
o Apoyo a la sostenibilidad a largo plazo para organizaciones y empresas.
o Programa de estabilización durante el período de recuperación para jóvenes y familias.
o Reunir ideas puede servir para encontrar recursos adicionales y compartir recursos para seguir colaborando.
Mesa redonda: Población inmigrante e indocumentada, 18/AGO/2021
Apoyo a organizaciones y comunidades para aumentar la competencia lingüística y cultural para prestar un mejor servicio a comunidades de
inmigrantes:
o Personal de abogados biculturales y bilingües.
o Educación para los aliados (p. ej., capacitación lingüística para personas que trabajan con poblaciones).
o Apoyar a organizaciones que trabajan con la población latina para que contraten a más personas biculturales y bilingües.
o Apoyo para la primera infancia en general y para relacionarse con familias latinas.
o $$$ para investigar e informar sobre la historia de los latinos en Evanston.
o Educación comunitaria sobre la situación de la inmigración.
Vivienda:
o Apoyo de vivienda para mantener a las familias, especialmente a los latinos, en Evanston.
o Programas de desarrollo económico y de vivienda para aquellos que no encajan en los limitados criterios estatales y federales Page 215 of 248a.Page 233 of 346
11
o (p. ej., calificación para la concesión de licencias de negocios, falta de vivienda, etc.).
o Programa de vivienda de la ciudad para comprar casas para otorgar préstamos a familias con Número Internacional de Contribuyente (ITIN,
por sus siglas en inglés) e inmigrantes, para que no tengan que ir al banco.
Alfabetización:
o Alfabetización de adultos, especialmente del inglés como segunda lengua (ESL, por sus siglas en inglés) (el mayor factor de éxito de los niños
es el nivel de alfabetización de la madre). Evanston podría acceder más tarde al dinero de la biblioteca estatal una vez que se establezcan uno
o varios programas.
o Acceso a la educación de la primera infancia combinada con el programa de alfabetización de adultos en los centros de la primera infancia (EC,
por sus siglas en inglés).
Contratación en la ciudad de Evanston:
o $$$ para contratar más personal bilingüe/bicultural en los parques.
o La ciudad debe estar abierta al personal latino.
o Trabajadores de la salud para la ciudad: se trata de dinero de recuperación; se debe hacer hincapié en el departamento de salud,
particularmente bilingüe/bicultural.
o Capacitar a las personas para que sean trabajadores de salud pública, de nuevo el modelo del comisionado, una fuerza de salud comunitaria
para covid, diabetes, etc. Esta es una oportunidad única para hacer que Evanston sea más saludable.
Salud mental y salud:
o Más centros y recursos de salud mental (me tomó un año encontrar un terapeuta para mi hijo) y trabajadores, particularmente para latinos,
con hispanohablantes y asequibles.
o Mejor seguimiento de la salud por parte de los latinos, así como por raza.
Becas para estudiantes indocumentados mientras acceden a la educación universitaria.
Compromiso de la ciudad con la política de acceso al idioma y compromiso presupuestario (no necesariamente con fondos de la ARPA, sino como
parte integral del trabajo).
Mesa redonda: Artes y humanidades, 19/AGO/2021
Evanston como destino turístico:
o Programa de creación de marca para Evanston y el arte de Evanston.
o Desarrollo de eventos en toda la ciudad para atraer gente (p. ej., Evanston Made First Saturdays).
Zar del arte o coordinador en la ciudad de Evanston:
o Defensor del arte.
o Fomentar y construir la colaboración en el sector y con otros sectores.
o Reconstruir las subvenciones a las artes culturales para disponer de fondos suficientes para conceder subvenciones significativas.
1 % para el arte:
o Destinar el 1 % del fondo de la ARPA al arte. Page 216 of 248a.Page 234 of 346
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o Utilizar potencialmente el Consejo del Arte para hacer la distribución.
Edificio de arte/museo:
o Crear un edificio central de arte/museo para albergar Shorefront, Evanston Made, la historia de la mujer.
o Construir con el aporte de la comunidad y crear una asociación pública/privada para el financiamiento.
o Ver el edificio Theaster Gates en Chicago.
o Innovar en el uso de terrenos y edificios vacíos de la ciudad. Convertirlos en estudios y espacios de representaciones artísticas.
Apoyo al arte mediante la colaboración:
o Esfuerzo de repercusión colectiva para las artes y humanidades.
o Crear un fondo de becas para todas las organizaciones con un administrador para todos.
o Creación de fondos para organizaciones artísticas.
o Recursos para ayudar a las artes y las humanidades a recopilar los datos necesarios para las solicitudes de subvención.
Salud mental:
o Capacitar a los artistas en materia de trauma y colaborar con los servicios sociales, policía, etc., para que formen parte de un esfuerzo positivo
en materia de salud mental.
o Desarrollar el esfuerzo en materia de salud mental con el compromiso del arte, especialmente centrado en la repercusión de la COVID para
jóvenes, estudiantes y adultos mayores.
Mesa redonda: Desarrollo económico y comunitario, 24/AGO/2021
Vivienda:
o Renovación de la McGaw YMCA/mejora de la Oficina de Recursos Escolares (SRO, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Construir y conservar el conjunto de viviendas multifamiliares.
o Utilizar los activos de la ciudad subutilizados para viviendas asequibles.
Desarrollo comunitario y económico:
o Invertir fondos de la ARPA en todo Evanston, no solo en Downtown Evanston.
o Construir anclajes no tradicionales en zonas subdesarrolladas.
o Banda ancha para la comunidad: inversión única y en profundidad.
o Inversiones en zonas desatendidas de Evanston con la voz de la comunidad.
o Destinar los espacios vacíos para el uso de pequeñas empresas y grupos artísticos.
Cuidado y educación de la primera infancia (apoyo crucial para las empresas y el empleo):
o Los fondos de capital para la primera infancia que se pospusieron para financiar el equipo de protección personal (EPP) podrían ser para el
empleo local.
o Reducir el costo de la educación de la primera infancia y garantizar una alta calidad.
o Becas para la capacitación de docentes de la primera infancia, ya que hay escasez, y esto es necesario para que la gente trabaje.
Apoyo a empresas y al empleo: Page 217 of 248a.Page 235 of 346
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o Fomentar la contratación local.
o Acceso digital y capacitación para pequeñas empresas.
o Crear certificaciones a corto plazo.
o Crear vías de tutoría en el trabajo y en diferentes lugares de trabajo/carreras.
o Apoyo a la contratación más equitativa en Evanston.
o Apoyar incubadoras.
o Las nuevas empresas tienen problemas para obtener apoyo: fomentar nuevos negocios en los distritos que están desatendidos, involucrar a
los jóvenes.
o Fondos para reparaciones retrasadas para organizaciones sin fines de lucro y negocios debido a la COVID.
Comunicación y liderazgo de la ciudad:
o El sitio web de la ciudad necesita ser rehecho, ser más funcional y accesible. Cambiar la óptica hacia lo que busca la comunidad.
o La ciudad como modelo de cómo queremos que funcionen las empresas y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro:
Preferencias de contratación local.
Deconstrucción para apoyar metas medioambientales.
Utilizar los activos de la ciudad subutilizados para viviendas asequibles.
Enfoque sistémico: ¿Cuáles son los obstáculos al empleo y al crecimiento de las empresas locales?
o Cuidado infantil.
o Acceso y dinero para la capacitación.
o Comprender las necesidades de mano de obra de las pequeñas empresas.
o Servicios digitales y acceso.
Mesa redonda: Personas mayores y personas con discapacidades, 25/AGO/2021
Apoyo al empleo:
o Oportunidades laborales a través de colaboraciones sin fines de lucro. Oportunidades de empleo remunerado. Los empleadores vi enen a la mesa
para discutir sus necesidades en la asociación con las organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Poner apoyos en práctica, los empleadores no tienen el kit
de herramientas para saber cómo emplear personas con discapacidad.
o Oportunidades de empleo para personas con antecedentes penales. Abogados que ayuden a limpiar antecedentes penales.
o Ofrecer incentivos a los empleadores que contraten a personas con antecedentes penales y discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD, por
sus siglas en inglés).
o Transporte a Evanston o fuera de Evanston para los que trabajen en otro lugar.
o Gerentes de caso comunitarios para ayudar a coordinar estas cosas entre las agencias.
o Programa de fuerza laboral intergeneracional.
o Creación del programa de empleo municipal para personas mayores.
o Apoyo financiero para empresas de adultos mayores.
Brecha digital: Page 218 of 248a.Page 236 of 346
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o Ampliar el soporte de banda ancha.
o Centrar las necesidades de los miembros de la comunidad en cuanto a dispositivos. Comprar a compañías locales.
o Mejorar la alfabetización digital y los navegadores. Colaboraciones cruzadas con estudiantes de secundaria.
Vivienda:
o Subvenciones a la vivienda para personas mayores y personas con discapacidad.
o Viviendas de relevo para cuidadores.
o Compra de viviendas para adultos. Viviendas diminutas como en el programa de Geometría en Construcción de ETHS.
Salud mental y salud:
Actualización del centro de bienestar en el Levy Center.
Contratar trabajadores sociales comunitarios en el Levy Center.
Tratamientos para personas con enfermedades mentales y apoyo en la fuerza laboral. Más fondos para reducir el aislamiento social de las
personas mayores para apoyar a Uniper y a las organizaciones de arte/humanidades que ofrecen programación en Evanston.
Más fondos para Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre/Prime Time Players (teatro/adultos mayores) y más publicidad para que la gente se entere.
Servicios de salud mental para adultos mayores.
Apoyar a empresas y otros sectores para que sean más amigables con las personas mayores y las personas con demencia.
Proveer de una piscina al Levy Center. Terapéutico. El seguro puede financiarlo.
Mesa redonda: Vivienda y falta de vivienda, 13/SEP/2021
Apoyo para personas sin hogar:
o Refugio permanente de emergencia las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana de género inclusivo.
o Baños públicos, permanentes, modelos de Portland.
o Unidades de refugio para familias numerosas.
o Invertir en conseguir la aceptación de la comunidad para un refugio permanente.
Apoyo para el alquiler:
o Programa de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral vinculado a la subvención del alquiler.
o Subvenciones de alquiler permanentes para viviendas asequibles a largo plazo.
o Asociarse con los propietarios para averiguar qué apoyos necesitan para ser asequibles.
o El programa de transición Building on Connections se extenderá más allá de los 2 años.
o Programa de vales para familias con niños.
o Invertir y hacer cumplir los requisitos de vivienda justa, acabar con la discriminación de los vales de vivienda.
o Vales de alquiler, vales de alquiler, vales de alquiler.
o Ampliación de los esfuerzos de los aliados en materia de vivienda, ayudando a los propietarios a involucrarse y comprometerse más,
Connections garantiza 3 meses de fondos para alquileres y daños.
Opciones de vivienda:
o Más viviendas centradas en los jóvenes, especialmente para hombres jóvenes. Page 219 of 248a.Page 237 of 346
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o Apoyo a lo largo del proceso de vulnerabilidad de la vivienda.
o Espacios más amplios para las familias numerosas.
o Educación financiera para jóvenes.
o Programa de vivienda de Cleveland: de la sección 8 a la propiedad de la vivienda.
o Garantizar la disponibilidad de viviendas de transición para mujeres y niños en Evanston.
o Financiamiento para unidades de vivienda accesorias (ADU, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Inversión de capital para comprar cosas en este momento, como refugios, casas pequeñas, etc.
Servicios de apoyo:
o Coordinar servicios y cubrir servicios de salud mental, apoyo legal, ayuda a las adicciones, etc.
o Servicios para inmigrantes: crear programas que no requieran números del seguro social.
o Proceso de verificación de crédito universal.
o Ampliar el programa City TBAR (?) que tiene la ciudad para apoyar a las familias de D65 y D202 de los dos años actuales a los 13 años de
escuela, ampliar las plazas de 20 (hasta ahora 300 niños en las escuelas identificados como sin hogar).
o Refrigeradores y despensas comunitarias: formas de promover el acceso.
Cabildo de jóvenes de la ARPA, 21/SEP/2021
Empleo/fuerza laboral:
o Acceso al empleo para jóvenes:
Los jóvenes necesitan capacitación sobre cómo solicitar un trabajo, apoyo para llevar a cabo el proceso de solicitud y ayuda para buscar un
trabajo.
Crear una forma más estructurada y fácil de solicitar un trabajo para los jóvenes.
El Centro de Empleo Juvenil ofrece más programas de capacitación para los jóvenes.
Feria de empleo para capacitar a los jóvenes sobre cómo conseguir un trabajo.
Más oportunidades de trabajo para los jóvenes.
Programas de tutoría combinados con ayuda de vecinos (p. ej., quitar la nieve, plantar árboles alrededor de Evanston, etc.).
o Feria de empleo para adultos, con recursos como los de las ferias de empleo para jóvenes.
o Conceder subvenciones a las pequeñas empresas y a las de propietarios negros para que creen más puestos de trabajo.
o Reembolso de matrícula para todos los trabajos en Evanston.
o Ofrecer más tutorías para las personas de la comunidad.
Apoyo a inmigrantes y refugiados:
o Apoyo a la comunidad latina, pero también a otras, como la comunidad haitiana.
o Planes de estudio y otras oportunidades de aprendizaje sobre la historia.
o Programas como Estudiantes sin Fronteras para que la gente sea bienvenida. Page 220 of 248a.Page 238 of 346
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o Mejorar el acercamiento a los inmigrantes.
o Proporcionar traducción y servicios de traducción.
o Desviar fondos de la policía que se ocupa de las familias indocumentadas a los servicios que las apoyan.
o Fondos para personas mayores indocumentadas.
o Construir un centro de inmigrantes libre de juicios para inmigrantes e indocumentados.
Recursos para jóvenes y niños en edad escolar:
o Estudiantes que necesitan más recursos de salud mental: concienciación y talleres.
o Trabajadores sociales diversos (más personas que se parezcan a ellos).
o Programas asequibles como Y.O.U. y YMCA.
o Programas para niños con discapacidades.
o Mejores programas de nutrición y alimentación.
o Cuidado antes y después.
o Más oportunidades de tutoría, programa de tutoría entre niños mayores y menores.
o Ayuda para la planificación universitaria.
o Educación sexual.
o Actividades y programas de STEM.
o Parque de patinaje: lugar para reunirse sin que le griten.
o Atletismo comunitario, informal según la edad.
Salud:
o Garantizar que todos tengan atención médica y dental asequible.
o Más interés en la atención médica integral para todos (visual, dental, mental y física).
o Más mercados frescos, especialmente cerca de la escuela de Oakton.
o Más recursos de salud mental, especialmente para niños y jóvenes, lo que incluye concienciación y talleres.
Vivienda:
o Más atención a la crisis de la vivienda para inquilinos y compradores.
Medioambiente:
o Utilizar los fondos para proyectos del Plan de Acción Climática y Resiliencia (CARP, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Actividades de jardinería/naturaleza accesibles para todos.
Espacios para jardinería, clases de baile, actividades de artes escénicas.
Actividades de sensibilización sobre la crisis climática.
Encuesta La Voz de los Jóvenes
Los comentarios se recopilaron en el formulario de una encuesta de Google con el fin de recoger las opiniones de los miembros de nuestra comunidad
de jóvenes. Los participantes tenían entre 14 y 23 años. Page 221 of 248a.Page 239 of 346
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Esta encuesta se puso en marcha el 22 de septiembre y se cerró el 29 de septiembre.
Distribución entre los diferentes socios:
o Estudiantes defensores de Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C).
o Feria del voluntariado de EC2C.
o Director de Servicios Comunitarios de ETHS.
o Compartida por correo electrónico y mensaje de texto por el personal municipal de la División de Jóvenes/Adultos Jóvenes
Un total de 58 participantes respondieron esta encuesta.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los bebés y niños hasta cinco años?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Parques y actividades recreativas:
o Parques más limpios, menos basura en las calles y en los parques infantiles. Parques seguros, limpios y accesibles, con senderos para los
cochecitos, y que estos parques estén en lugares cercanos a las zonas pobladas.
o Asegurarse de que el mantenimiento de estas zonas sea bueno y frecuente.
o ¡Parques infantiles actualizados! Zonas de juego cercadas para niños pequeños. Actividades de invierno en espacios interiores.
o Parques limpios y más actitud comunitaria para que crezcan alrededor de ellos.
o Un parque infantil exterior/interior y una piscina.
o Más parques para bebés y actividades que puedan realizar. Espacios recreativos adecuados para los bebés.
o Acceso gratuito a equipos deportivos para niños.
o Programas/actividades recreativas para esas edades, como clases de arte o de natación.
Más bibliotecas en toda la ciudad, con más programas para niños pequeños.
Vivienda: una parte importante del crecimiento saludable es una vivienda estable. Vivir con cierta seguridad de su futuro fis cal, y para mucha gente
eso no es posible debido al depredador mercado inmobiliario de Evanston. Cuando los padres tienen que preocuparse por el aumento del alquiler
debido al aburguesamiento, tienen mucho menos tiempo para cuidar a sus hijos, así como mucho menos dinero para mantenerlos.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Atención y educación de la primera infancia:
o Cuidado infantil asequible y de alta calidad para los padres.
o Prekínder universal.
o Contratar chicos de las clases de desarrollo infantil de la ETHS para que trabajen en programas extracurriculares. Basta con que los maestros
lo propongan y repartan las solicitudes para que haya una mejor proporción entre personal y estudiantes.
Apoyo a padres/familias:
o Apoyo para alimentación y servicios públicos para que los padres no tengan que estar trabajando todo el tiempo y puedan pasar tiempo con
sus hijos para que los niños no se conviertan en delincuentes.
o Programas de donación de ropa, pañales y alimentos para bebés para familias afectadas por la COVID-19 y la inseguridad alimentaria.
o Pañales gratuitos. Page 222 of 248a.Page 240 of 346
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o Un fondo de juguetes de la ciudad para niños que no pueden pagarlos.
Programas para padres:
o Preescolar y socialización.
o Educación para padres solteros.
o Grupos sociales para padres.
o Servicios de apoyo para situaciones de crisis.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los niños desde kínder hasta 5.º grado (K-5)?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Escuela del 5.º distrito/escuelas de vecindario para todos.
Zonas seguras, limpias y accesibles fuera de la pantalla.
Más bibliotecas en toda la ciudad, con programación para niños de K-5.º.
Opciones de cuidado infantil asequibles/gratuitos.
Vivienda: viviendas asequibles y la posibilidad de comprar una casa para personas que trabajan en empleos de salario mínimo. Un hogar es crucial
para una familia sana.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Cuidado infantil y actividades extracurriculares:
o Opciones de cuidado infantil asequibles o gratuitas.
o Programa extracurricular robusto y asequible con una programación variada.
o Actividades extracurriculares que sean “compatibles con COVID” o que alivien el estrés del aislamiento y el estudio desde casa.
o Actividades para socializar mientras están a salvo de la COVID.
o Darles más oportunidades fuera de la escuela.
o Programas para que los niños con problemas tengan buenos modelos que seguir.
o Contratar chicos de las clases de desarrollo infantil para que trabajen en programas extracurriculares. Habrá una mejor proporción de
personal por estudiante.
o Ofrecer programas gratuitos de refuerzo durante el año escolar.
o Más centros de estudio y ayuda con las tareas para la casa después de la escuela.
Programas de ayuda mental, incluidos los programas de apoyo entre compañeros.
Brindarles una mejor comprensión sobre nuestra comunidad y cómo podemos permanecer seguros y mantene r a los demás seguros y protegidos.
Introducir a los niños en la vida ecológica y en la moral positiva correcta para nuestra comunidad, “ama a tu prójimo”, en general debe mostrar una
respuesta positiva en toda la comunidad en los años venideros e influir en las personas para que vuelvan a una comunidad fuerte y bien fundada.
ESCUELA Y EDUCACIÓN
Más oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico.
Serán útiles más recursos para que los padres ayuden a sus hijos en el aprendizaje a distancia. Page 223 of 248a.Page 241 of 346
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Educación sexual en la escuela: enseñar a los niños sobre el consentimiento.
Salud mental:
o Más ayuda en la escuela.
o Tomar en serio la intimidación y el acoso, ya que las burlas y el acoso repetidos pueden causar traumas graves en algunos niños.
Programas de Ciencias y más oportunidades de trabajo mejor pagadas en Evanston.
Mejores almuerzos escolares, más asequibles o gratuitos, pero de buena calidad.
Tutoría para ayuda adicional con la escuela y las tareas.
Dar subvenciones a varias escuelas para programas y oportunidades ayudaría a que los niños se involucraran más y ayudaría a desarrollar una
mentalidad abierta y un estilo de vida más activo.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los estudiantes de 6.º a 8.º grados?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Más bibliotecas en toda la ciudad, con programas para estudiantes de su edad.
Revitalizar Downtown Evanston y hacerlo más atractivo para los jóvenes.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Modelos de comportamiento y respeto a la comunidad.
Actividades extracurriculares:
o Actividades/oportunidades extracurriculares asequibles.
o Actividades recreativas que sean atractivas.
o Que les permita socializar, estar al aire libre y desconectarse de la tecnología.
o Tener más programas extracurriculares (académicos, deportivos, etc.) puede ayudar a los estudiantes a estar mejor desarrollados para la
escuela secundaria.
o Actividades extracurriculares que sean “compatibles con COVID” o que alivien el estrés del aislamiento y el estudio desde cas a.
ESCUELA Y EDUCACIÓN
Asistencia en la preparación para la escuela secundaria con mentores de la escuela secundaria.
Servicio para niños con problemas y oportunidades de servicio.
Educación sexual en la escuela: enseñar a los niños sobre el consentimiento.
Salud mental:
o Más apoyo emocional/opciones terapéuticas. Ofrecer terapia a todos.
o Más ayuda en la escuela.
o Tomar en serio la intimidación y el acoso, ya que las burlas y el acoso repetidos pueden causar traumas graves en algunos niños.
Alfabetización financiera temprana. Cómo ser inteligente con el dinero.
Mejor tecnología escolar.
Mejores almuerzos escolares, más asequibles o gratuitos, pero de buena calidad.
Educación sobre LBTQ. Page 224 of 248a.Page 242 of 346
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Tutoría para ayuda adicional con la escuela y las tareas, lo que incluye un centro de estudio para después de la escuela.
Donar para ayudar a personas sin hogar y presionar a la legislatura para el cambio climático: gravar a las compañías de altas emisiones y establecer
leyes. Esto ayuda a todos.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Capacitación policial que enseñe técnicas no violentas para apaciguar situaciones sin aplicar la fuerza a los jóvenes.
Más zonas donde los jóvenes puedan reunirse para interactuar en un entorno seguro.
o Podría ser en Robert Crown.
o Tener más ferias de arte y otras cosas para hacer en Downtown Evanston.
Huertos comunitarios que suministren alimentos a la comunidad y donde los estudiantes puedan trabajar o ser voluntarios.
Transporte:
o Mejorar el transporte escolar.
o Transporte seguro, bien interconectado y en buen estado.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Tutoría y desarrollo personal:
o Capacitación sobre cómo ser miembros activos de la comunidad.
o Que aprendan sobre las mejores formas de resolver problemas de nuestra comunidad para que puedan difundirlos. Enseñarles cómo
participar en la comunidad a una edad temprana.
o Programas para prevención de drogas, violencia entre pandillas.
o Programas de ayuda para la búsqueda de carreras y mentores.
o Programa de evaluación de relaciones saludables.
Actividades extracurriculares que sean “compatibles con COVID” o que alivien el estrés del aislamiento y el estudio desde casa.
Salud mental:
o Tomar en serio la salud mental y ofrecer más apoyo terapéutico a los adolescentes con enfermedades mentales.
o Tratar las enfermedades y trastornos mentales como cualquier otra enfermedad crónica. No asignar tareas para la casa fuera del trabajo de
clase pendiente; los adolescentes ya tienen demasiadas cosas que hacer.
ESCUELA Y EDUCACIÓN
Preparación universitaria y profesional:
Más tutoría y orientación para comenzar su futura carrera.
o Mejor preparación para la educación postsecundaria, como una clase obligatoria que enseñe sobre aprendizaje de habilidades para la vida,
conocimientos financieros, impuestos, cómo conseguir un trabajo, etc.
o Prácticas en la escuela secundaria en las que tengan que trabajar y también acompañar a los trabajadores. Colaborar con las empresas locales
para esto.
o Clases de preparación para la educación universitaria y tutoría. Page 225 of 248a.Page 243 of 346
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Estudio y tutoría:
o Zonas de estudio más accesibles y más tutorías para ayuda adicional con la escuela y las tareas.
o Un centro de estudios extracurricular.
o Hay muy pocos lugares alrededor de Evanston para reunirse a hacer proyectos o para obtener ayuda de tutoría de un miembro del personal
no escolar.
Mejor financiamiento para los salarios de los maestros y del personal. Sentirse desconectado de su educación debido a la falta de moral de los
maestros y del personal no solo perjudica la educación de los niños, sino también a los maestros.
Becas universitarias y subsidios para el alquiler:
Para incentivar a los jóvenes a cursar educación universitaria aunque no tengan medios económicos.
Para aliviar la crisis de la vivienda y ayudar a los residentes de Evanston que se ven afectados por la pandemia y no pueden pagar el alquiler.
¿Qué haría que la vida en Evanston fuese mejor para los adultos jóvenes (de 18 a 26 años)?
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Vivienda asequible.
Transporte seguro, bien interconectado y en buen estado.
DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO/SOCIAL
Salud mental:
o Más servicios de salud mental/educación en salud mental.
o Más programas y talleres comunitarios ayudarían a los adultos jóvenes a relacionarse y a recuperar la confianza social después de haber
estado en línea durante tanto tiempo.
Más programas de voluntariado en organizaciones y participación.
DESARROLLO DE LA FUERZA LABORAL/DESARROLLO PROFESIONAL
Carrera y universidad:
o Más tutoría y orientación para comenzar su futura carrera.
o Programas de oportunidades de empleo, redacción de currículos, mentores, proyectos de servicio a la comunidad, programas educativos de
relaciones saludables, etc.
o Ferias de oportunidades junto con ferias de empleo.
o Clases de preparación para la educación universitaria y tutoría.
o Disponer de más recursos para que los jóvenes adultos aprendan habilidades para la vida (o dar a conocer esos recursos).
o Cursos/capacitación sobre conocimientos financieros e impuestos.
Aumentar el salario mínimo, muchos estudiantes intentan llegar a fin de mes con el pago de la institución universitaria, así como un lugar donde vivir y
comer.
Becas universitarias y subsidios para el alquiler.
Para incentivar a los jóvenes a cursar educación universitaria aunque no tengan medios económicos.
Para aliviar la crisis de la vivienda y ayudar a los residentes de Evanston que se ven afectados por la pandemia y no pueden pagar el alquiler. Page 226 of 248a.Page 244 of 346
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¿Alguna otra idea que considere que ayudaría a la comunidad?
Más interés sobre pobreza y seguridad.
Otorgar contratos y subsidios a compañías que se fundan en Evanston y que emplean en gran medida a sus habitantes, y tratar de dar la mayor
cantidad de oportunidades de trabajo a las pequeñas empresas de Evanston en vez de a corporaciones multimillonarias que realmente no hacen nada
por nuestra comunidad.
Dar prioridad a infraestructuras para peatones/bicicletas sobre los automóviles para aumentar la seguridad y alentar a la gente a ir a pie a los sitios en
vez de en automóvil. Esto puede añadirse a nuestros esfuerzos en materia de medioambiente.
Programas de becas: otorgar una beca basada en un ensayo. No tiene que ser por mucho. Algunas becas son de solo $200.
Instituir formas más ecológicas de obtener energía sería beneficioso para la comunidad en general. Cualquier cosa que ahorre o conserve energía sería
un paso en la dirección correcta para intentar controlar el calentamiento global.
Un banco de alimentos.
Si bien estos fondos son estupendos, por favor, no se olviden del proyecto de ley de vivienda/“r eparaciones”, que una y otra vez ha demostrado estar
mal financiado y ser discriminatorio. Necesitamos tener una fundación para los niños, si se buscara que la gente dijera un parque o recreación en
general no estaría en desacuerdo. Pero creo que eso sería saltarse un paso importante, tratar de promover la seguridad financiera en todos los
hogares. Esto es clave para crecer y convertirse en adulto. Sin seguridad financiera, la gente se ve atrapada en una mentalidad de supervivencia,
luchando por poner comida en la mesa. Dejando a sus hijos y a los de nuestra comunidad vulnerables. Tomar medidas contra el aburguesamiento y
establecer un programa de vivienda segura es un buen paso. Pero tampoco se pueden considerar reparaciones, y ni siquiera se d ebe considerar un
programa de vivienda. Es un préstamo selectivo y discriminatorio. Lo que necesitamos es algo real. Algo que genere sostenibil idad. No debemos restar
importancia a la vivienda.
Apoyar al departamento de bomberos.
Rendición de cuentas sobre estos comentarios.
Consejo de Educación de la Primera Infancia de Evanston, 23/JUL/2021
Apoyo operativo para programas de cuidado de niños a tiempo completo, a tiempo parcial y en el hogar: $500 000.
Las pérdidas de apoyo operativo para la educación infantil durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en la primera infancia han sido devastadoras.
Disminución de las inscripciones, pérdida de las cuotas que cubren los costos y reducción de ayudas del Programa de Asistencia al Cuidado Infantil
(CCAP, por sus siglas en inglés) han tenido una repercusión significativa en las pérdidas operativas. Cada vez es más difícil cubrir los gastos de
funcionamiento de los programas. Algunos centros y hogares de cuidado de niños, especialmente los programas de media jornada, han cerrado o
están en peligro de cerrar definitivamente. El país tiene la posibilidad de perder permanentemente millones de plazas de cuidado infantil en la
primera infancia. Evanston y el estado de Illinois forman parte de esa cifra mayor. Nuestros estudiantes de la primera infancia y su futuro éxito en la
educación deben ser una prioridad.
Ejemplos: Page 227 of 248a.Page 245 of 346
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o La Sociedad de Bienestar Infantil de Evanston (IWSE, por sus siglas en inglés) perdió 35 000 por mes de ingresos de
CCAP debido a la inscripción debido a la COVID-19.
o El preescolar Cherry anticipa un 62 % de inscripciones para 2021 debido a la COVID-19.
o Los cambios obligatorios en las regulaciones del Departamento de Servicios para Niños y Familias (DCFS, por sus siglas en inglés) causaron
pérdidas financieras sustanciales.
Recuperar el dinero gastado en mejoras de capital y estructurales para ayudar a alinear las instalaciones de la primera infancia con los nuevos
requisitos por COVID: $300 000.
Muchos Centros de la Primera Infancia de tiempo completo y parcial han tenido que poner las reparaciones en espera y desviar esos dólares para
pagar EPP, desinfección y otros artículos relacionados con la COVID. También estamos experimentando facturas de agua y electricidad muy elevadas
debido a limpieza y desinfección, Zoom y conexión con los padres durante la pandemia. Una subvención para cubrir costos de reparaciones que se
debieron hacer en 2020 y de las facturas más altas de los servicios públicos sería útil para estabilizar los centros. Algunos solo necesitan un pequeño
número de reparaciones; otras son más importantes. Todos los centros necesitarán ayuda para hacer frente a los costos mayores de bri ndar atención
y educación mientras se inscriben menos niños. Un sistema de subvención similar a la subvención en bloque para el desarrollo de la comunidad
(CDBG, por sus siglas en inglés) sin salario predominante, también emplearía a pequeños contratistas de Evanston. Ejemplos:
o Learning Bridge aplazó 40 000 de mejoras de capital debido a los gastos en EPP y purificación de aire.
o Toddler Town gastó 12 000 (préstamo) en la modernización de los purificadores de aire para calefacción, ventilación y aire
acondicionado (HVAC, por sus siglas en inglés).
o Cherry Pre School aplazó 15 000 en reparaciones estructurales y pintura.
Apoyo financiero para la obtención de credenciales educativas, capacitación y promoción profesional del personal: $250 000.
Los ingresos de los trabajadores de la educación de la primera infancia sin titulación suelen ser el salario mínimo. Las oportunidades de promoción
profesional dependen de la capacidad del trabajador para acceder económicamente a un título educativo. Muchos trabajadores no pueden
permitirse el pago de la matrícula ni la posibilidad de dejar el empleo cuando es necesario para el trabajo de campo. El apoyo financiero permitirá a
los trabajadores la capacidad de seguir la capacitación y la educación. Los trabajadores ganarán confianza y mejorarán el profesionalismo de la fuerza
laboral de la educación de la primera infancia. Ejemplos:
o Iniciar una asociación con la Universidad National Louis y el Colegio Comunitario de Oakton para apoyar la promoción de los maestros en
los centros.
o Los estipendios y las becas para nuestro personal mejorarán en gran medida nuestra fuerza laboral y la continuidad de la atención para los
más vulnerables.
o Contar con un fondo de becas de la comunidad local aumentaría en gran medida las oportunidades del personal para obtener credenciales
y avanzar.
o La escasez de maestros ha creado problemas de contratación de personal calificado debido a las disparidades salariales y tarifarias en la
primera infancia.
Apoyo financiero para servicios de salud mental, salud del comportamiento, discapacidad y terapia ocupacional/fisioterapia (O T/PT, por sus siglas en
inglés): $125 000.
Muchos programas de educación de la primera infancia no tienen la capacidad financiera para apoyar las necesidades de los niñ os con problemas de
salud mental, salud del comportamiento y discapacidad. Los servicios de terapia ocupacional y fisioterapia para los programas que operan fuera del
distrito escolar 65 son inasequibles para la mayoría de las familias y los programas de educación de la primera infancia. Los niños que reciben Page 228 of 248a.Page 246 of 346
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servicios a través del distrito escolar, a menudo, los transportan en autobús de un programa a otro dos veces al día. Los servicios deben prestarse en
el “entorno menos restringido”. Esto significa que el acceso a los servicios necesarios para los niños no depende de sus familias. Ejemplos:
o Debido a la COVID y al aumento del estrés y el trauma en las familias, los servicios de salud mental han tenido una gran demanda sin un
financiamiento adecuado.
o Muchos profesionales de la salud mental se están marchando a la práctica privada, lo que aumenta los costos de los servicios.
o Los servicios para discapacitados son muy limitados a través de la intervención temprana y se necesitan más fondos para apoyar a esta
población.
Apoyo de emergencia para las familias y becas para apoyar la continuidad de la atención: $100 000.
Las familias experimentan circunstancias como pérdida de empleo, pérdida de ayuda de subvención para cuidado infantil o necesidades médicas que
afectan su capacidad para pagar la matrícula del cuidado infantil. La continuidad del cuidado es crucial para que los niños crezcan y desarrollen una
base sólida y estén preparados para kínder. La ayuda financiera para emergencias o becas puede disminuir el estrés de las fam ilias (normalmente de
bajos ingresos) y el trauma que estas familias experimentan cuando se mantiene el sistema de apoyo educativo para su hijo y para ellos mismos.
Ejemplos:
o Ayuda financiera para familias que tienen dificultades para hacer frente a los pagos o que reúnen los requisitos para recibir asistencia
(subempleo, desempleo o inestabilidad laboral).
o Fondos de emergencia para ayudar a familias en circunstancias de crisis: falta de vivienda, pérdida de trabajo, muerte en la familia, e tc.
Estipendios/bonos de equidad para el personal por el trabajo en la pandemia desde julio de 2020: $500 000.
El país ha confiado en el personal de la primera infancia (en programas de jornada completa, cuidado infantil a domicilio y programas de media
jornada) para prestar un servicio esencial durante la pandemia, de modo que la gente pudiera volver a trabajar. Mientras otros pudieron trabajar
desde la seguridad de sus hogares, el personal de la primera infancia proporcionó atención directa y práctica a nuestras pers onas más vulnerables.
Debido a los limitados recursos de los programas de cuidado infantil, el personal no recibió una compensación acorde con el riesgo que se le pidió
que asumiera. En muchos casos, los salarios del personal se redujeron durante la pandemia y cualquier aumento futuro fue míni mo para proteger la
viabilidad de los programas. El financiamiento directo proporcionado a programas de aportes de una sola emisión a cuentas de jubilación,
bonificaciones o inversiones de una sola emisión en los salarios es fundamental para mantener la fuerza laboral y mitigar la rotación de personal.
o El personal de la primera infancia ha estado trabajando en ambientes de trabajo peligrosos y altamente estresantes desde
junio de 2020.
o Los niños siguen sin estar vacunados y colocan a nuestra fuerza laboral en circunstancias peligrosas y que amenazan
su vida.
o Muchos de nuestros empleados están en la categoría “más vulnerable” y tienen condiciones preexistentes afectadas por la
COVID-19.
o Nuestros servicios permitieron y siguen apoyando a los padres para que vuelvan al trabajo y puedan concentrarse en sus hijos en
edad escolar.
Page 229 of 248a.Page 247 of 346
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Comentarios de la comunidad en los cabildos de la ARPA
Preparado por el personal de la ciudad de Evanston
A continuación se presentan las respuestas de los miembros de la comunidad a las preguntas que se presentaron en cada cabildo/mesa redonda,
desglosadas por categorías. Es posible que algunos de los comentarios no entren en una categoría relacionada con la ARPA, pero el personal consideró
importante recoger todos los comentarios para que el Ayuntamiento los revise. Hubo aproximadamente 313 participantes en total.
1. Salud pública
a. Los fondos de la ARPA se deben destinar a atención médica, cuidado infantil, vivienda asequible, equidad y policía. La policía debe hacer menos
trabajo policial y la ciudad debe dedicar más recursos a la salud mental.
b. Algunos de los fondos de la ARPA se deben usar para programas juveniles en las escuelas, programas de tutoría (debido a que los jóvenes
afectados negativamente por la COVID-19 están fuera de la escuela).
c. Se deben contratar trabajadores sociales para trabajar con el Departamento de Policía de Evanston (EPD, por sus siglas en inglés).
d. El Ayuntamiento ha recortado el presupuesto de servicios sociales para jóvenes a lo largo de los años. El EPD ahora interviene en asuntos de la
juventud en los que es necesario asesoramiento y terapia. Los miembros de la comunidad quieren servicios específicos para los jóvenes,
asesoramiento o terapia en vez de utilizar los recursos del EPD para esto.
e. La mayor prioridad para el financiamiento de la ARPA debe ser en las áreas de salud pública.
f. Los programas de salud mental deben estar en primera línea del financiamiento de la ARPA.
g. La COVID afectó de manera desproporcionada a las personas de bajos ingresos y de color, y la ARPA se debe usar para aliviar el efecto negativo.
i. El Ayuntamiento debe examinar cómo se puede utilizar la ARPA para ayudar a personas mayores.
j. Aumentar la programación de servicios sociales y de salud pública para disuadir la violencia en la ciudad.
l. Dado que la comunidad no conoce ni comprende plenamente la repercusión de los problemas de salud mental de los niños y jóvenes en edad
escolar, el Ayuntamiento debe reservar fondos para una programación que aborde estos problemas.
m. Se deben reservar fondos para las necesidades de salud de los miembros de la comunidad que no tienen acceso a servicios.
o. Se deben contratar profesionales de salud mental con fondos de la ARPA para trabajar con los agentes de policía.
p. El financiamiento debe apoyar un aumento del número de profesionales de salud pública que trabajan en la ciudad.
q. El Ayuntamiento debe asignar fondos para apoyar a personas que experimentan falta de hogar, especialmente mujeres y niños y los afectados por
la COVID.
r. Se deben ofrecer servicios de salud mental gratuitos y basados en los ingresos para familias y niños.
s. Los servicios de salud mental en general deben ser gratuitos o basados en los ingresos.
t. Cobertura para los problemas de abuso de sustancias e invertir más en trabajadores sociales.
u. Los fondos que sobren de la ARPA y no estén ya asignados se deben destinar a asuntos de salud pública.
v. El financiamiento se debe utilizar para ayudar a las personas con las facturas médicas.
w. Los problemas de abuso de sustancias en los jóvenes requieren programas de apoyo y financiamiento.
2. Repercusión económica
a. Se deben financiar prácticas remuneradas para personas con discapacidad que enseñen a prepararse para el trabajo, y fomentar las prácticas Page 230 of 248a.Page 248 of 346
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remuneradas para adultos con discapacidad.
b. La comunidad artística se ha visto desproporcionadamente afectada por la COVID-19. Los músicos se quedaron completamente sin trabajo durante
el año pasado. El Ayuntamiento debe estudiar estrategias para reactivar y apoyar a las organizaciones artísticas de Evanston.
c. Apoyo a organizaciones artísticas, músicos, artistas que no han podido trabajar durante la COVID.
d. Una parte sustancial de la ARPA debe darse a Family Focus. Family Focus quiere ampliar y reparar el edificio de la escuela Foster. Tienen $1 millón
reservado por el estado de Illinois. Evanston puede ayudar a fomentar planes y crear un centro para las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que sean
accesibles a los residentes del distrito 5.º.
e. Family Focus es un centro en el distrito 5.º y una estructura importante, varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro y organizaciones, pero necesita
algunas reparaciones mayores.
f. Gracias por acercar el Gobierno de la ciudad a la gente. Es importante reconstruir mejor e invertir en el futuro, especialmente en el arte (los
negocios se benefician del arte). Me gustaría ver un sitio de turismo creado por Evanston que se centre en arte y cultura, un calendario que enumere
cada uno de los eventos y lugares en los que se celebre en Evanston. La ciudad debe tratar de promover el turismo y acercar personas que vienen de
fuera de la ciudad.
g. Las inversiones tienen que generar crecimiento económico y la comunidad tiene que rendir cuentas y ser transparente sobre cómo pensamos que va
a fomentar el crecimiento cuando empecemos a gastar los fondos.
h. Utilizar los fondos en las zonas de la ciudad que se vieron afectadas de forma desproporcionada por la COVID-19, que no se vieron afectadas
económicamente por la COVID-19. La ciudad debe ayudar a los residentes más afectados económicamente, es decir, a las personas que perdieron
sus empleos y a las que no pueden permitirse el cuidado infantil (si pudiéramos hacerlo a través de Family Focus, sería estupendo, y deberíamos
destinar el dinero a Family Focus).
i. Dejar de financiar subvenciones a restaurantes. Su tasa de fracaso es demasiado grande en general y utilizar el financiamiento de la ARPA sería un
despilfarro.
j. Los restaurantes deben pagar más que el salario mínimo (y no estaban pagando bien a los trabajadores antes de la pandemia) y no deberíamos
utilizar el dinero para los restaurantes.
k. “Nueva normalidad”, hay que trabajar en el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, nuevas formas de trabajar, asegurándose de apoyar el desarrollo de la
fuerza laboral de esta nueva normalidad.
l. El desarrollo económico debe ser la máxima prioridad de la ciudad.
m. El Ayuntamiento debe asegurarse de que los distritos 8.º y 5.º se beneficien del financiamiento y otras zonas fuertemente afectadas por la COVID.
n. Apoyar a las comunidades de color, los negocios locales que no han regresado, la pérdida de negocios cerca del teatro y la necesidad de un nuevo
teatro.
o. Cómo podemos animar a los comerciantes a volver, incentivos; seguir involucrando a la comunidad en la fase inicial con ideas e implementación, así
como en la decisión final, quién toma la decisión, ¿qué papel tiene la comunidad?
p. Trabajadores de primera línea, ¿cómo podemos apoyarlos mejor?
q. Downtown Evanston, ¿qué sustituirá a los negocios que han cerrado y qué puede servir de ancla para la ciudad pertinente para todos los residentes?
Se necesita un plan.
r. Aprendió más sobre empresas locales durante la pandemia y quiere ver que los negocios locales vuelvan, posiblemente a través de pequeñas
subvenciones, conexión entre la comunidad y las empresas.
s. Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, ¿qué podemos hacer para capacitar a los jóvenes para trabajos y reparaciones en nuestra ciudad? El financiamiento
de la ARPA se debe usar en componentes de capacitación cuando se trata de oficios. Esto dará la oportunidad de llegar a los jóvenes para que se Page 231 of 248a.Page 249 of 346
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formen en los oficios.
t. ¿Cómo podemos promover el desarrollo económico, en qué puede invertir la ciudad?
u. Generar más ingresos económicos y actividad ayudará a las finanzas de la ciudad.
v. Desarrollo económico para las pequeñas empresas, sostenimiento y ayuda de las sin fines de lucro.
w. Hay que asegurarse de que los fondos se gastan en áreas que se van a volcar y multiplicar los dólares en la ciudad.
x. La seguridad laboral es un problema en la comunidad. Utilizar los fondos de la ARPA para sostener empresas y crear seguridad laboral.
y. Invertir en proyectos que aporten crecimiento sostenido, capacitación laboral.
z. Seguimiento de la progresión de la persona a través de servicios de desarrollo económico.
aa. Seguimiento del retorno de la inversión en programas.
bb. Inversión en negocios relacionados con la sostenibilidad.
cc. Muchos negocios están cerrados y necesitan apoyo. Otras instalaciones (p. ej., el campo de golf de Canal Shores) permanecieron abiertas todo el
tiempo y sufrieron más desgaste.
dd. Algo para las personas que necesitan capacitación laboral o ayuda para volver a trabajar.
ee. Colaboración con Oakton para la capacitación laboral en Evanston para jóvenes, personas sin hogar y otras personas necesitadas; colaboración con
otros servicios sociales.
ff. La sede del colegio comunitario de Oakton en Evanston debe recibir financiamiento.
gg. Northlight sería un gran activo para la ciudad, pero utilizarlo para la construcción de capital en el edificio no sería apropiado en las categorías de
infraestructura.
hh. La ciudad no parece verse realmente afectada económicamente por la COVID-19.
ii. Asistencia financiera para familias con dificultades económicas.
jj. Ayudar a negocios locales mediante subvenciones o programación.
3. Pago de prima
a. Solicitud de capacitación laboral, pago de primas.
b. Los trabajadores de Downtown Evanston y los trabajadores esenciales deben recibir financiamiento y apoyo de la ARPA (es decir, pago de primas).
c. Se planteó un fondo para los trabajadores esenciales, más amplio que los trabajadores esenciales de la ciudad.
d. Cuidado infantil, trabajadores esenciales, especialmente trabajadores esenciales con bajos ingresos.
4. Ingresos
a. Utilizar el dinero primero para cubrir el déficit de la ciudad y respaldar los programas existentes antes de emprender nuevos proyectos.
b. Utilizar parte del dinero para compensar la pérdida de fondos del presupuesto debido a la gratuidad de las fichas de playa durante 3 días.
c. Sanear el déficit antes de gastar más dinero.
d. Ingresos: alinearnos con organizaciones de pensamiento progresista y examinar nuestros flujos de ingresos.
e. Poner dinero en los vacíos de ingresos de la ciudad no debe ser una prioridad.
f. No utilizar el dinero para pagar ninguna deuda. Page 232 of 248a.Page 250 of 346
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5. Agua
a. Agua: es importante que tengamos nuestro sistema de agua asegurado para poder aumentar la capacidad y hacer todo lo posible para ampliar
nuestros servicios en el norte de Illinois.
b. Las tuberías de agua de plomo han sido un problema en el pasado, una oportunidad única para actualizarlas.
c. Tuberías de plomo, la importancia de proporcionar oportunidades de empleo y mejorar la seguridad.
6. Alcantarillado
a. Alcantarillado: debe repararse.
7. Banda ancha
a. Brecha digital, asegurarse de resolver el problema de la banda ancha: ¿cómo podemos solucionar la brecha digital en Evanston?
b. Robert Crown debe proporcionar acceso y servicios digitales gratuitos para los negocios y la comunidad.
c. Banda ancha: 5G relegada a las 3 grandes compañías de comunicación. La ciudad de Evanston debe estudiar si el 5G tendría que ser un servicio
para toda la ciudad (la brecha digital dejaría de ser un problema en Evanston). Tenemos una superautopista digital que atraviesa la ciudad. Otros
negocios están implementando el 5G en todo el país y mejorando la actividad comercial.
d. Se deben construir torres de telefonía móvil a lo largo del lago. Accesibilidad para aquellos a lo largo del lago que no pueden obtener el servicio.
e. Se necesita banda ancha y puntos de acceso en toda la ciudad.
f. Deseo de proporcionar más banda ancha, puede que no sea la mejor manera de llegar a las personas mayores.
g. La banda ancha debe convertirse en un servicio público, lo que cierra la brecha digital.
h. Evaluación de las zonas de la ciudad en las que la banda ancha no es fiable, asegurarse de que los jóvenes y las personas mayores tengan acceso;
los jóvenes lo necesitan para la educación, las personas mayores necesitan estar conectadas y no quedar aisladas.
i. La mayor prioridad es la banda ancha inalámbrica en toda la ciudad; la brecha digital se puso de manifiesto durante la COVID.
j. Banda ancha permanente, no temporal.
k. Mucha gente no sabía cómo navegar por la tecnología cuando los niños estaban en la escuela, y los fondos de la ARPA se deben usar para
proporcionar una programación que ayude a los padres en la educación de los niños en casa.
l. Internet y los equipos utilizados para internet se deben financiar con fondos de la ARPA.
8. Vivienda
a. Utilizar los fondos para los pequeños propietarios que no han recibido alquileres en dos años.
b. Ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas asequibles, no a las unidades de lujo.
c. Interfaith Action: se ve obligada a reducir el número de refugios de emergencia, personas que viven en estacionamientos. Necesidad de un refugio
permanente las 24 horas del día durante todo el año se hace evidente. Necesidad de baños públicos en Downtown Evanston. Le gusta que el plan de
la COVID-19 hable de esto.
d. Unidad de vivienda accesoria (ADU, por sus siglas en inglés): fuera del alcance de muchos residentes de Evanston, pero utilizar los fondos para ADU
para ayudar a crear riqueza generacional.
e. Asistencia a los inquilinos y propietarios; gran riesgo al terminar la moratoria de desalojo. Page 233 of 248a.Page 251 of 346
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f. Viviendas asequibles.
g. Vivienda: adquisición y rehabilitación de sitios fijos, gestión de alquileres basada en el inquilino y desarrollo de viviendas permanentes para personas
que necesitan asistencia.
h. La vivienda asequible se debe financiar a través de la ARPA.
i. Viviendas asequibles, los proyectos solo se mantienen durante 15 años, el fideicomiso de tierras comunitarias podría ser una mejor opción.
j. La asequibilidad de la vivienda dificulta la permanencia en Evanston, desplazamiento de personas de color.
k. Vivienda: gran necesidad de vivienda asequible y de hacerla sostenible, ¿qué podemos hacer para comprar propiedades o que el terreno y los
edificios sigan siendo asequibles?
l. Viviendas asequibles para la clase baja y la clase media.
m. La vivienda asequible es necesaria y debe proporcionarse con el financiamiento de la ARPA.
n. No me gusta el CDBG por zona, quiero que sea por necesidad.
o. Debe crearse una ordenanza de control de alquileres.
p. Proporcionar información de recursos para vivienda de bajos ingresos en español.
9. Infraestructura general
a. Se deben crear parques acuáticos, piscinas para los jóvenes en los parques.
b. Aceras, infraestructura en mal estado. ¿Se abordará este asunto? Dinero asignado a la infraestructura de aceras.
c. Utilizar los fondos para reparar y hacer aceras (donde no las hay). Zonas en las que las aceras se mantienen y zonas en las que no, la riqueza
intergeneracional y los edificios bien conservados han mantenido las aceras, las que no son de riqueza intergeneracional y los edificios no están bien
conservados no se mantienen ni se conservan. ¿Cómo estos fondos afectan a largo plazo los lugares donde las aceras están en m al estado? No están
en condiciones.
d. Utilizar para aceras, carreteras, carriles para bicicletas.
e. Reducir las tarifas de los viajes compartidos y ver dónde se puede reducir.
f. Infraestructura: estacionamientos para patinetes/vespas en los lotes de pago del vecindario. Reduciría la congestión.
g. Mejorar los andenes de los trenes, viaductos.
h. Mejorar parques y campos para fomentar una vida sana y una participación saludable.
i. Infraestructura: organizaciones sin fines de lucro quieren construir un edificio escolar en el Distrito 2, ya que todos se transportan en autobús a las
escuelas en diferentes zonas, y tendrían la oportunidad de pasar más tiempo después de la escuela, sería una inversión a largo plazo.
j. Infraestructura: ¿qué hay que abordar en términos de lo que se podría hacer ahora? Será más costoso en el futuro posponer las necesidades de
infraestructura.
k. Considerar la repercusión completa de la COVID, lugares no utilizados y lugares sobreutilizados en las decisiones de proyectos de infraestructura.
l. Se ha mencionado la escuela del quinto distrito.
m. Parque acuático público.
n. Robert Crown, ¿hacerlo gratuito? Hacer un mejor trabajo de publicidad.
o. Más alumbrado público, muy peligroso no hay suficiente iluminación.
p. Educación de adultos, prácticas de inglés como segunda lengua (concentrarse en el diálogo coloquial).
q. Centro comunitario para latinos donde puedan obtener información y asistencia. Page 234 of 248a.Page 252 of 346
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r. Clases de tecnología, clases de informática, básicas y sencillas.
s. Centro para negocios de la comunidad latina (¿incubadora?)
t. Programas para la tercera edad, son los más afectados y no tienen programas disponibles para ellos, ¿aburrimiento/aislamiento?
10. Cuidado infantil
a. La mayoría de los programas no son autosuficientes por sí mismos, por ejemplo el cuidado infantil. Los fondos se deben usar para ayudar a
mantenerlos.
b. Los fondos se deben usar para cuidado infantil y capacitación.
c. Invertir y considerar opciones de cuidado de niños para los padres.
d. El cuidado infantil, al igual que la atención médica infantil, necesita financiamiento: los proveedores de educación de la primera infancia son mal
pagados y la etapa de 0 a 5 años es la más impactante durante la vida de una persona, pero no estamos prestando suficiente atención a ese
período.
e. Aumentar la disponibilidad de centros de cuidado infantil y preescolares; probablemente no se sostenga a través de esto, pero de nuevo, algo
para empezar.
f. Responder a las necesidades de las personas que han perdido a sus seres queridos, empleos, cuidado infantil, responder a los que han sido más
perjudicados.
g. Ofrecer campamentos de verano para niños, campamentos de verano bilingües para niños.
h. Apoyar a los jóvenes, especialmente a los que han sufrido en el plano académico, con programas de tutoría y actividades extracurriculares.
11. Otro
a. Utilizar los fondos para ayudar a las personas mayores a reparar sus casas (sótanos, ventanas, etc.).
b. No gastar $43 millones solo en torno a Robert Crown.
c. Los fondos de la ARPA se deben usar para reducir los impuestos sobre la propiedad.
d. Universidad Northwestern debe comprometerse a ayudar a mantener los nuevos programas que podamos necesitar.
e. Los propietarios de viviendas están pagando los impuestos de Universidad Northwestern; los negocios están pagando las reparaciones de las
áreas pero no lo están haciendo (por ejemplo los callejones del hospital).
f. Detener y compensar la tasa de impuestos.
g. Reconsiderar el edificio sin fines de lucro de Universidad Northwestern. Los edificios del “consejo de” o “sociedad de” las
hermandades/fraternidades son cascarones durante el año escolar y a menudo están vacíos durante el verano. Esos son los lotes de propiedad que
de otro modo podrían generar ingresos por impuesto a la propiedad.
h. La colaboración entre la ciudad y el sistema educativo para revertir el desangramiento de las familias que no pueden permitirse el lujo de vivir
aquí, ayuda, y se centran en las familias con vulnerabilidades interseccionales.
i. ¿Quiénes son los más perjudicados, dónde ha caído la mayor repercusión negativa? ¿Tenemos datos sobre esto, datos que la ciudad no tiene y que
la cámara u otros podrían tener? Necesidad de responder de manera equitativa.
j. Asuntos climáticos, implementación del CARP.
k. Reencuadrar a la policía y a los bomberos en el marco de la seguridad pública, acudir a ellos para ver qué necesitan para hacer su trabajo de Page 235 of 248a.Page 253 of 346
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manera eficaz y justa.
l. Preocupación por el uso de los primeros auxilios, capacitados como policías, pero los asuntos menores podrían ser manejados por alguien que no
sea de primeros auxilios.
m. Un mejor uso de las finanzas de la ciudad y de las infraestructuras de la ciudad, desearía más dinero para la salud pública, ayudar a la gente a
prosperar en general.
n. Sostenibilidad y su repercusión en la vivienda y para las personas mayores.
o. Ideas que necesitamos para asegurarnos que estos elementos son sostenibles.
p. Residentes y el apoyo de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro.
q. Consultas externas sobre cómo gastar los fondos.
r. Seguridad alimentaria.
s. Creación de capacidades en general.
t. Las personas mayores y las familias que viven al día.
u. Prevención de la violencia en las escuelas/formas de eliminar la violencia, especialmente la violencia con armas de fuego.
v. Fondos para la biblioteca pública.
w. Los bibliotecarios latinos han realizado una labor de divulgación increíble.
x. Considerar la posibilidad de no multar a las personas que no pueden pagar las multas, diferentes fuentes de ingresos.
y. No hay nuevos programas, sino que hay que apoyar a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro (NFP, por sus siglas en inglés) actuales que ya
apoyan a la comunidad.
z. Quieren saber cómo aprovechar los programas.
aa. Limpieza de los carriles para bicicletas.
bb. Más fondos para las escuelas, especialmente las de familias con necesidades especiales.
cc. Más programas o invertir en los programas actuales.
dd. Las identificaciones para el permiso de estacionamiento se deben compensar.
dd. Fortalecer la relación con las propuestas de la policía, muchos latinos no confían en la policía.
ee. Apoyar organizaciones latinas sin fines de lucro.
gg. Resumen público del presupuesto en español con categorías más específicas e indicación del destino de los fondos.
hh. Ingreso básico universal $400, no dar dinero a las grandes corporaciones.
ii. No traer grandes corporaciones, sino apoyar negocios locales y darles más contratos.
jj. Crimen cerca de las escuelas.
12. Participación: ¿cómo le gustaría participar en este proceso?
a. Una comunidad talentosa y capacitada: quiere que un comité de miembros de la comunidad se involucre en este proceso y asignación de la ARPA.
b. Transparencia para mostrar a los residentes su opinión e intención sobre el beneficio a largo plazo de las inversiones, mantener la ciudad de
Evanston responsable.
c. Gracias por el cabildo. Tener un sitio web donde podamos compartir las ideas de la ARPA para ampliar el resto de nuestras opiniones.
d. Desea que los horarios/fechas de las reuniones sean más amigables y continuar con las reuniones virtuales.
e. Priorizar el dinero de manera que se atienda a las personas. Page 236 of 248a.Page 254 of 346
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f. Malestar por el plan posterior a la COVID-19, no incluyó los aportes de la comunidad, no se construyó pensando en ellos.
g. Más personas deben tener un asiento en la mesa para participar. Cuando el Ayuntamiento se reúne ya es demasiado tarde. Rediseñar el
funcionamiento de los comentarios, bloquear clubes. Equidad: llegar a todos y asegurarse de que se escuchan todas las voces.
h. La COVID proporcionó nuevas oportunidades de participación, disfrutar de este diseño (cabildo/formato de mesa redonda) y ser capaz de conversar
en este foro.
i. Levantar las juntas y comisiones que ya existen, crear encuestas para participar.
j. Este foro (Zoom) no llega a las personas en las que se gastará el dinero; no todo el mundo puede participar en el Zoom; podemos llegar a la gente a
través de encuestas; no solo pedir la opinión del público, sino pensar en cómo involucrarlos de manera significativa en el proceso, codiseñar el
proceso de la política; cómo hacer que la ciudad sea responsable, cómo devolver a la gente su tiempo.
k. Las encuestas podrían ser una buena opción para obtener opiniones y luego acudir a un foro para reflexionar antes de la reunión.
l. Reunión virtual versus presencial, me alegro de que la ciudad llegue a la población hispana, me gustaría que llegáramos más a todas las partes de la
comunidad.
m. ¿Qué podemos hacer para conocer la opinión de los jóvenes y crear programas para ellos y por ellos? Crear un plan para involucrar a los jóvenes.
n. Planes vecinales a lo largo de los años: "planificación del lado oeste" que incorporaba la capacitación de la fuerza laboral, debemos reexaminar eso e
identificar los mejores lugares que estaban en ese plan.
o. Muchos comités, juntas y comisiones de la ciudad: ¿cómo podemos aprovecharlos y pedirles que propongan sus propias prioridades y las expongan
al personal de la ciudad para que presenten las propuestas basadas en esas conversaciones?
p. Involucrar a los ciudadanos, incluso a los que no tienen edad para votar; conexión, resiliencia y luego compromiso.
q. Cabildos comunitarios, más acceso e información para mantener a los residentes conectados con la ciudad.
r. Si no nos comprometemos con las comunidades que nos apasionan, es posible que no estemos representados en las decisiones: jóvenes,
trabajadores esenciales, propietarios de negocios, personas mayores son todos grupos importantes a los que hay que comprometer.
s. ¿Cómo podemos estar informados en el proceso, qué medidas se tomarán?
t. Nos gustaría que el proceso fuera más transparente y que se felicitara al alcalde y al nuevo Ayuntamiento para lograr una mayor influencia en la
comunidad.
u. Concejales: más, ¿las reuniones comunitarias serían útiles para involucrar a todos los habitantes de Evanston que no pueden llegar a las reuniones?
v. Miembros de la comunidad no quieren poner los fondos de la ARPA en los departamentos de la ciudad y no saben cómo se gastan, quieren entender
el presupuesto y quieren comunicación.
w. La ciudad debe cooperar más con las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que ayudan a la comunidad, no sienten que la ciudad esté trabajando en
colaboración con ellas.
x. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que apoyan a la comunidad latina deben recibir recursos o financiamiento.
y. Asegurarse de que la ciudad está evaluando y comunicando las necesidades de la comunidad latina, ¿qué investigación está realizando sobre las
necesidades?
z. El marco de equidad debe constituir el plan de revisión de los fondos.
aa. Comunicar a la comunidad para que sepan que las escucharon sobre cómo se distribuirán los fondos de la ARPA basados en los comentarios del
cabildo.
bb. Desean que los miembros del Ayuntamiento vengan a la comunidad y sean más accesibles, no solo en cuanto a la traducción, sino también en
cuanto a la adecuación cultural.
cc. Recomendar la reproducción de la experiencia de Chicago, que los funcionarios de la ciudad hagan encuestas y hablen individualmente con la Page 237 of 248a.Page 255 of 346
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gente.
dd. Hacer el sitio web de la ciudad más accesible.
ee. Muchas personas han sido residentes de Evanston por un tiempo y finalmente han escuchado por primera vez que tienen una voz, emociona que
la ciudad organizó cabildos, y en español; están aquí.
ff. Para la ciudad ir a la comunidad y tocar puertas es muy importante, este es un pequeño porcentaje en la sala.
gg. Muy contentos de que estemos aquí y lo promovamos para que asista más gente.
* Nota: No todos hicieron comentarios y muchos comentarios vinieron de grupos con un solo representante. Este gráfico es una estimación aproximada del número de
veces que se discutió una categoría en comparación con el número total de personas. Esto no es en absoluto una descripción ex acta de cómo se sienten todos los
miembros de la comunidad con respecto a las categorías. Se necesita más información para obtener una muestra estadísticamente significativa*. Page 238 of 248a.Page 256 of 346
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Asistentes a las mesas redondas
Mesa redonda: Desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y adultos emergentes, 13/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Biss
Alison Leipsiger
Emma Carter
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Kelley Gandurski
Sharon Johnson
Nathan Norman
ECF Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tosha Wilson
Tiffini Holmes
Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) Carol Teske
Community Organizing and Family
Issues (COFI)
Jess Rojo
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Maricar Ramos Page 239 of 248a.Page 257 of 346
35
Bettye Cohns
Almacén de reconstrucción de
Evanston
Aina Gutiérrez
Estudiantes de Evanston Kay Israelite
Niñas exploradoras Irasema González
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
Impact Behavioral Health Partners Christopher Knoper
Mayor’s Employer Advisory Council
(MEAC)
Neal Gambow
Tana Francellno
National Able Dominic
NorthShore Health Systems Brandon Buchanan
Mesa redonda: Niños en edad escolar, 17/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Yazari Gutiérrez
Stacey Moragne
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Deanna Howlett
Audrey Thompson
Andy Rapoport
ECF Sol Anderson
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Jacqui White Page 240 of 248a.Page 258 of 346
36
Tosha Wilson
Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) Sheila Merry
Community Organizing and Family
Issues (COFI)
Jesse Rojo
Chanelle Brown
Rocío Mancera
Lachisa
Gil Pena
Cynthia Lara
Eloísa
Children’s Advocacy Center Lara Priester
Distrito 65 Jennifer Bergner
Tania Margonza
Katee (centro familiar)
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Maricar Ramos
Evanston Public Library (EPL) Jan Bojda
Elascha Madison
Niñas exploradoras Irasema González
Girls Play Sports Mary Collins
McGaw YMCA Katie Tucker Trippi
Proyecto Open Studio Sarah Laing
Rainbows for All Children Stephanie Garrity
Laura Lindroth
Youth Job Center (YJC) Amanda Marks
Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) Craig Lynch
? J. Bowen
Mesa redonda: Población inmigrante e indocumentada,
18/AGO/2021
Organización Representante Page 241 of 248a.Page 259 of 346
37
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Kelley Gandurski
Alison Leipsiger
Genaro Hernández
Yazari Gutiérrez
Secretaria Stephanie Mendoza
(traductora)
ECF Karli Butler
Jennifer Moran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Community Organizing and
Family Issues (COFI)
Jesse Roo
Rocío Mancera
Chanelle Brown
Nazaria
Marla Blas
Cynthia Lara
María Nava
Dominga Vicencio
Eloísa
Demi
D65 Natalia Moreno Polomkasis
Evanston Public Library (EPL) Mariana Bojórquez
Latinos de Evanston Alejandra Ibánez
Rebeca Mendoza
Estudiantes de Evanston Serena Robertson
Farmworker And Landscaper
Advocacy Project (FLAP)
Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velásquez
Literacy Works Christine Kenney
Ministerio de la Juventud
Católica Unida/St. Nicholas
James Holzhauer-Chuckas
Mesa redonda: Artes y humanidades, 19/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Kristin Meyer
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
ECF Karli Butler
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Actors Gymnasium Murphy Monroe
Art Encounter Lea Pinsky Page 242 of 248a.Page 260 of 346
38
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Centro de Arte de Evanston Ellie Hazlett
Consejo de Artes de Evanston Toby Sachs
Centro de Historia de Evanston Eden Juron Pearlman
Evanston Live Meleika Gardner
Evanston Made Lisa Degliantoni
Orquesta Sinfónica de Evanston Margaret Gergen
Asociación de la Casa Frances
Willard
Lori Osborne
Institute for Therapy through the
Arts (ITA)
Maris Harrington
Metropolitan Family Services Samer Hussein
Teatro Mudlark Daisy Copeland
Museo Mitchell Josee Starr
Teatro Northlight Leann Kim Tonke
Proyecto Open Studio Sarah Laing
Shorefront Dino Robinson
Coro Sounds Good Helen Gagel
Artista y curador independiente Fran Joy
Fisioterapia Skillz Aime Maranan
Mesa redonda: Desarrollo económico y comunitario,
24/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Paul Zalmezak
Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson
Sarah Flax
Emma Carter
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Jenny Valdés del Valle
The Aux Tiffini Holmes
Curt’s Café Susan Trieschmann
EC2C Bettye Cohns
Cámara de Evanston/ECF Bryant Wallace
Evanston Live TV Meleika Gardner
Almacén de reconstrucción de
Evanston
Aina Gutiérrez
Estudiantes de Evanston Demisha Lee Page 243 of 248a.Page 261 of 346
39
Consejo Empresarial de la
mujer/latinos de Evanston
Linda del Bosque
Farmworker And Landscaper Advocacy
Project (FLAP)
Jackie Villanueva
Michelle Velázquez
Centro de Educación Temprana
Learning Bridge
Lindsay Percival
Literacy Works Christine Kenny
Melanie Sampson
McGaw YMCA Katie Trippi
Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano Reba Darcy Carter
Soul and Smoke Heather Bublick
Rebecca Bladen
Mesa redonda: Personas mayores y personas con discapacidades,
25/AGO/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Kristin Meyer
Audrey Thompson
Emma Carter
Alison Leipsiger
Andy Rapoport
Katie Klemola
ECF Sol Anderson
Karli Butler
Rebecca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Bethel New Life Brenda Phillips
Centro para una vida enriquecida Nick Baird
Melissa Juarez Ehlers
Centro para un futuro
independiente
Ann Sickon
Community Organizing and Family
Issues (COFI)
Jesse Rojo
Evanston Public Library (EPL) Jill Skwerski
Bridget Petrites
Foster Seniors & Deltas Eva Coly
Impact Behavioral Health Partners Patti Capouch
Institute for Therapy through the
Arts (ITA)
Jenni Rook
Levy Center Foundation Judy Newton
Literacy Works Melanie Sampson
Aprendizaje temprano Reva/EC2C Bettye Cohns
Fisioterapia Skillz Nsisong Ekanem Page 244 of 248a.Page 262 of 346
40
Aime Maranan Coro Sounds Good Helen Gagel
Mesa redonda: Vivienda y falta de vivienda, 13/SEP/2021
Organización Representante
Ciudad de Evanston Alcalde Daniel Biss
Sarah Flax
Kelley Gandurski
Deanna Howlett
Yazari Gutiérrez
Audrey Thompson
Nathan Norman
Genaro Hernández
Lachisa Barton
James Bowen
Kristin Meyer
ECF Sol Anderson
Becca Cacayuran
Karli Butler
Jenny Valdés del Valle
Alianza para Erradicar la Falta de
Vivienda en las Áreas Suburbanas
del Condado de Cook.
Katie Spoden
Centro para un futuro
independiente
Dick Malone
Conexiones para personas sin
hogar
Betty Bogg
Nia Tavoularis
Community Partners for Affordable
Housing (CPHA)
Rob Anthony
Distrito 65 Allie Harned
Jennifer Bergner
Evanston Cradle to Career Bettye Cohn
Kim Holmes-Ross
Corporación para el Desarrollo de
Evanston
Robbie Markus
Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Ann Weatherhead
ETHS Taya Kinzie
Family Promise Tracy McKeithen
Impact Behavioral Health Partners Patti Capouch
Interfaith Action of Evanston Anne Heinz
Sue Murphy
Eileen Wiviott (también Iglesia
Unitaria)
McGaw YMCA Roland Fouché
Katie Trippi
Open Communities Jasemen Hatcher Page 245 of 248a.Page 263 of 346
41
Proyecto Open Studio Sarah Laing
Corporación para el desarrollo de
viviendas Reba
Keith Banks
Richard Cahan Page 246 of 248a.Page 264 of 346
42
Page 247 of 248
a.Page 265 of 346
Percentage of comments regarding how to
spend ARPA funds
Porcentaje de comentarios sobre cómo
gastar los fondos de la ARPA
Childcare Cuidado infantil
Public health Salud pública
General infrastructure Infraestructura general
Housing Vivienda
Broadband Banda ancha
Water Agua
City revenue Ingreso municipal
Economic impacts Repercusión económica
Premium pay Pago de prima
Page 248 of 248
a.Page 266 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Ike Ogbo, Health & Human Services Director
CC: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manager; Sarah Flax, Housing and
Grants Manager
Subject: Approval of $575,000 in ARPA Funding to Sustain the Public Health
Response to COVID-19 in 2022
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends approval by the City Council of $575,000 in ARPA funding to sustain the City’s
Health and Human Services Department’s ability to respond to the ongoing health impact of COVID-19
in 2022.
Funding Source:
American Rescue Plan Act, 170.99.1700.55251
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
At the October 2 City Council meeting 2022 budget discussion, Councilmember Kelly inquired about
the request for an allocation of $575,000 in ARPA funding to support the City’s Public Health response
to COVID-19. Information requested included the number of staff it would support, their salaries, and
other expenses, as well as what activities would be undertaken. Information about the grants from the
Illinois Department of Public Health that the City’s Health and Human Services Department (HHS)
received for these services in 2020-2021 was also requested.
This request is eligible for ARPA funding under the category of responding to the COVID-19 public
health emergency. Evanston’s Health Department is one of only four certified municipal health
departments in Illinois and has a much larger role in responding to this global health emergency than
most municipal health departments, including providing vaccinations, isolation facilities for exposed or
infected people who are unable to isolate at home, and contact tracing. Evanston’s response to the
COVID-19 pandemic has been commendable and exemplary.
Evanston is currently categorized as an area of substantial COVID-19 transmission according to CDC
and there is no indication that COVID-19 will disappear in the near future. ARPA funding will allow HHS
to be prepared for the next wave of the virus instead of being reactive especially with the threat of the
b.Page 267 of 346
Delta virus. It is of great importance to provide a continuum of services and dedication to the public
health of the community by ensuring the retention of current staff, activities, and resources in the fight
against COVID-19. Performing necessary public health-driven tasks by professional staff members and
maintaining numerous strategies established in the course of this pandemic will continue to result in the
prevention and control of infection, hospitalization, and death in our community.
Staff is requesting $500,000 to retain staff hired to respond to the COVID-19 health emergency and
$75,000 for overtime and other expenses including supplies, quarantine/isolation housing, and
equipment. The total ARPA funding requested for 2022 is $575,000. Funding will support existing staff
positions responsible for contact tracing and vaccinations, the Liaisons providing clinical and public
health guidance to Evanston’s at-risk congregate settings, a contracted Medical Director, and a Public
Health Data Coordinator.
Currently, there are no sources of funding from the State of Illinois or other external sources for these
purposes. Staff continues to watch for grant opportunities and will apply for them when possible. ARPA
funding would be reimbursed to the City if and when HHS receives grants from the State or through
other sources in FY 2022.
HHS COVID-19 Response
HHS permanent staff is responsible for the initial COVID-19 related responses before additional staff
was hired through the grants to assist in our efforts. Permanent staff continues to provide a critical part
of the City’s COVID-19 response. The staff members who were hired to assist in the City’s COVID-19
response and covered 100% by the two State Grants are as follows:
Part-time/Fulltime Case Investigators/Contact Tracers (10): Staff has been reduced to 7 Case
Investigators that work a number of shifts; staff members are available to respond to cases 7 days a
week including weekends and holidays.
• Salary: $41,400- $43,200/year.
• Job description: Staff directly contacts those infected with COVID-19 and trace their close
contacts to ensure that they and their close contacts are isolated or quarantined respectively
resulting in reduced infections in the population. Staff provides education and quarantine/
isolation instructions/orders. Additionally, staff assesses the need for social and supportive
services. Furthermore, staff enters data related to case investigations and close contacts into
various databases and systems.
Communicable Disease Liaison to High-Risk Facilities (2)
• Salary: $59,400 and $65,700/ year.
• Job description: Staff develops and implements active communicable disease surveillance
systems particularly for high-risk populations such as in long-term care facilities and congregate
settings that are more vulnerable to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. Staff performs
community investigations, including facility visits to implement all the necessary disease-
prevention recommendations and guidelines when indicated for infectious disease incidents
related to COVID-19. Staff ensures that appropriate district and local public health officials are
informed of potential outbreaks and/or diseases identified within the region.
Public Health Data Analyst (1)
• Salary: $62,000/year
• Job description: The Public Health Data Coordinator is responsible for the systematic collection,
management, and statistical analysis of data for public health purposes including program
planning, population health assessment, indicators, metrics, surveillance systems, and outbreak
trends relating to COVID-19. The position is responsible for determining disease patterns and
Page 2 of 5
b.Page 268 of 346
epidemiology needed for an effective public health response against COVID-19. The position
also provides data illustrations, interpretations, and presentations regarding COVID-19.
Medical Director (1)
• Wage: $20,400/year.
• Job description: Serves as an Illinois licensed Medical Consultant to HHS responsible for
approving and signing medical documents such as standing order authorization for COVID-19
vaccines. Advises HHS Director on medical standard procedures and protocols.
Vaccination Nurse (1)
• Salary: $29/hour. Staff works when needed during vaccination clinics and community
vaccination events.
• Job description: The position is responsible for COVID-19 vaccine administration and providing
education related to COVID-19 vaccines. The position is also responsible for administering
vaccines organizedCity at -home plus events, vaccination vaccination sites, community
vaccinations for community members who are unable to travel to vaccination sites due to
medical conditions or mobility issues.
Grants Received in 2020-2021
As a Certified Health Department, HHS receives a number of Federal, State, and County grants that
aid in community public health functions and operations. Due to the Department’s certification, HHS
received two COVID-19 State grants to support Evanston’s COVID-19 response directed at COVID-19
prevention, contact tracing, enforcement, establishing prevention protocols, and vaccinations. HHS staff
applied for the Contact Tracing Grant and was awarded $ 817,632.00 in June 2020. This grant has
supported permanent and temporary staff responsible for contact tracing, enforcement, the Liaisons
providing clinical and public health guidance to Evanston’s at-risk congregate settings, a contracted
Medical Director, and a Public Health Data Coordinator.
The second grant that was applied for and awarded to the Department was the COVID-19 Mass
Vaccination Grant in the amount of $290,000. This was awarded in December 2020 and it is geared
towards vaccination efforts, hiring staff, retaining current staff, logistics, equipment, and planning and
data entry.
2020-2021 Grants and Expenses
The amount of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Grant that has been expended is indicated in the table below.
The table below shows a breakdown of expenses over 18 months, from June 2020 to September 2021.
The Contact Tracing Grant contributed significantly to the payment of salaries for HHS permanent staff.
This has enabled the City to offset almost $290,000 in HHS permanent staff salary expenses. The
Contact Tracing Grant expires in December 2021.
The amount of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Grant that has been expended is indicated in the table below.
The table below shows a breakdown of expenses over 18 months, from June 2020 to September 2021.
The Contact Tracing Grant contributed significantly to the payment of salaries for HHS permanent staff.
This has enabled the City to offset almost $290,000 in HHS permanent staff salary expenses. The
Contact Tracing Grant expires in December 2021.
Contact Tracing Grant = $817,632
Expenses Amount Spent (June 2020-September 2021)
Permanent Staff Salaries
$289,093.23
Page 3 of 5
b.Page 269 of 346
(Communicable Disease Specialist,
Environmental Health Practitioners, Social
Worker, Public Health Preparedness
Coordinator)
Temporary Staff Salaries (Case Investigators,
Communicable Disease Liaisons, Medical
Director, Public Health Data Coordinator,
$409,230.45
Overtime
$20, 420.94
Alternative Housing (Quarantine/
purposes for community members)
$35,458
Supplies and equipment: (Laptops, headsets,
printed materials telephones)
$8,022.70
Total Amount Spent $762,225.32
Amount Unexpended $ 55,406.68
The balance of $55,406.68 will be spent by December 2021 and the remaining salary expenses will be
paid through the Mass Vaccination Grant.
The amount awarded HHS through the Mass Vaccination Grant was $290,000.This grant was initially
scheduled to expire in November 2021 but the most recent development from IDPH is that the Mass
Vaccination Grant will be extended into 2022 with additional funds.
The amount of the Mass Vaccination Grant that has been expended is indicated in the table below. The
table below shows a breakdown of expenses for nine months, from December 2020 to August 2021.
The Mass Vaccination Grant has and will contribute significantly to the payment of salaries for HHS
permanent staff. The City stands to save over $105,000 in permanent staff salary expenses. Both
permanent and temporary HHS staff are also part of the Mass Vaccination Grant.
Mass Vaccination Grant = $290,000
Expenses Amount Spent Amount to be spent by
December 2021
Permanent Staff Salaries
(Communicable Disease
Specialist, Environmental
Health Practitioners, Social
Worker, Public Health
Preparedness Coordinator,
Public Health Director)
$5,094
$100,240.67
Temporary Staff Salaries (Case
Investigators used also as
Vaccination Support Staff,
Communicable Disease
Liaisons, Medical Director,
Public Health Data Coordinator,
Vaccination Nurse
$41,540.33 $135,925,00
Supplies( Signs, publications,
PPE, sterile pads, syringes) $599.00 $6,601.00
Total Amount Spent $47,233.33 -
Page 4 of 5
b.Page 270 of 346
Total Amount expected to be
spent by December 2021 - $ 242,766.67
Page 5 of 5
b.Page 271 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Sarah Flax, Housing & Grants Administrator
CC: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manager; Johanna Nyden, Community
Development Director
Subject: Approval of $900,000 in ARPA Funding for Grant Management,
Compliance, and Reporting
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends approval by the City Council of $900,000 in ARPA Funding for Grant
Management, Compliance, and Reporting
Funding Source:
American Rescue Plan Act, 170.99.1700.55251
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
ARPA Grant Management, Compliance, and Reporting
ARPA recipient communities may use funding to cover payroll and benefits of employees
responsible for disbursing ARPA funds, managing ARPA-funded programs and projects, and
providing compliance and reporting on ARPA. This expense is critical to implementing ARPA
and ensuring compliance with all regulations of the funding. Councilmembers requested
additional detail about the proposed staffing and activities, and a line-item budget.
Guidance from Treasury for recipients of ARPA CLCRF:
The City of Evanston receives an award of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)
so is an eligible entity as identified in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Subrecipients are
entities that receive a subaward from the City to carry out programs o r projects on its behalf.
Recipients are accountable to Treasury for oversight of their subrecipients, including ensuring
their subrecipients comply with the SLFRF statute, Award Terms and Conditions, Treasury’s
Interim Final Rule, and reporting requirements, as applicable. Funded activities should promote
equitable delivery of government benefits and opportunities to underserved communities as
outlined in Executive Order 13985, On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved
c.Page 272 of 346
Communities and public accountability for the use of funds should be managed consistent with
Administration guidance per Memorandum M-21-20 and Memorandum M-20-21.
The City of Evanston’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Documenting compliance with requirements for the use of funds by determining eligibility
under one of the four eligible uses
• Determining subrecipients’ or beneficiaries’ eligibility for funding
• Monitoring the use of all funding awards for compliance with all regulations
• Ensuring all costs are incurred or between March 3, 2021 and December 31, 2024, and
expended by December 31, 2026.
• Ensuring compliance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles,
and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, including the 2020 OMB Compliance
Supplement Part 3 issued August 18, 2020
• Developing and maintaining risk-based due diligence to ensure subrecipient and
contractor eligibility for federal fund awards
• Ensuring that equipment and real property acquired with ARPA funds are used for the
originally authorized purpose, procurement is conducted to provide full and open
competition, written standards of conduct and prohibitions on dealing with and
suspended or debarred parties are maintained
• Calculating and documenting any program income according to written policies and
procedures
• Maintaining records following guidance from Treasury, including using machine-
readable formats for collecting, transmitting and storing those records
• Completing and submitting all required project and expenditure reports on a quarterly
and basis, inannual information for expenditure obligation detailed cluding and
contracts, grants, loans, transfers to other governmental entities, and direct payments
that are greater than or equal to $50,000.
In addition, ARPA Grant Management staff will be responsible for and involved in the planning
and implementation of funded activities and programs. Examples: developing and managing a
housing rehabilitation program to improve the quality of housing stock for lower -income
residents Equitable and under RecInclusive the implement helping category, overy
Participatory Budgeting, and ensuring that CARP and Environmental Justice goals are
embedded in ARPA projects and programs.
A three-year budget for grant management, compliance, and reporting is shown below.
Revenues 2022 2023 2024 Total
ARPA $279,900 $302,900 $317,200 $900,000
Total: $279,900 $302,900 $317,200 $900,000
Expenses 2022 2023 2024 Total
Salaries & benefits $260,000 $286,000 $300,300 $846,300
Advertising $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $3,000
Postage $350 $350 $350 $1,050
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c.Page 273 of 346
Courier charges $150 $150 $150 $450
Training & travel $2,100 $2,100 $2,100 $6,300
Copy machine
charges $800 $800 $800 $2,400
Other program costs $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $30,000
Office supplies $500 $500 $500 $1,500
Computers,
technology $5,000 $2,000 $2,000 $9,000
Total: $279,900 $302,900 $317,200 $900,000
Salaries and benefits are budgeted based on 100% of a new position, an ARPA Analyst, 50%
of the Housing and Grants Manager, and 25% of the Financial Analyst. Other line -item costs
are based on the CDBG Administration budget and expenses.
For perspective, the CDBG entitlement grant program allows grantees to use 20% of the grant
for management, compliance, and reporting, approximately $360,000, HOME allows 10% of
the grant for this purpose, approximately $36,000, and ESG allows 7.5% of the grant,
approximately $11,700 annually. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 allowed 10% of
the grant for this purpose, $1,815,000. Staff evaluated outsourcing compliance and reporting
to a CPA firm as an alternative to handling this in -house; the estimated cost ranged between
2% and 3% of the total grant, approximately $860,000 to $1,290,000 depending on the number
of subrecipients for reporting and compliance only.
Page 3 of 3
c.Page 274 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Zalmezak, Economic Development Manager
CC: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manager; Kimberly Richardson, Deputy
City Manager; Sarah Flax, Housing & Grants Manager
Subject: Approval of $1 Million in ARPA Funding for the Aux
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
The Growing Season, Inc. is seeking City Council approval of a $1 million contribution from the
City's allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist in the cost of renovating 2223
Washington to serve as home of The Aux - a hub dedicated to community wellness and racial
equity
Funding Source:
American Rescue Plan Act - Economic Development - #170.99.1700.55251
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
Project
The AUX is a proposed $7 million "commercial hub dedicated to community wellness and racial
equity – a space owned and co-created by the community". Located at 2223 Washington in
Evanston, the AUX will renovate 16,500 sq. ft. of vacant industrial property into a collective of
Black-owned businesses and organizations that support holistic health - including physical,
emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, and financial wellness.
Redevelopment Team
The Growing Season, Inc. is a Chicago-based non-profit incorporated in October of 2020. The
non-profit's mission is "to promote wellness by catalyzing spaces that strengthen community
wellbeing and empower individuals to thrive." The Growing Season has identified The Aux as
their first project. The project's name is derived from a sound system’s AUXiliary cord and
symbolic of the power of connection. The Growing Season serves as The Aux’s nonprofit
developer.
d.Page 275 of 346
The effort is lead in partnership with Evanstonians Tiffini Holmes, Gabori Partee, Jacqui White,
and Tosha Wilson. Lori Laser recognized the potential of this effort and is an investment
partner and member of the Growing Season board of directors. Juli Kaufman is an advisor
helping lead the team through the real estate acquisition and planning.
Once the project is complete, ownership is transferred to local community equity investors and
ongoing support is not needed.
Property
The Aux has acquired 2223 Washington Street near the intersection of Main Street and Pitner
Alley in Evanston's 2nd Ward. The property was most recently owned and occupied by EZ
Spuds, a vegetable processing company. The company relocated its industrial operation to
Morton Grove leaving the property vacant. The Aux team negotiated the purchase and has
obtained the required zoning to operate The Aux. Attached are two presentations summarizing
the project and a request for City of Evanston American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment .
Request for Funding
The Growing Season suggests this catalytic project would not be possible relying on market
forces alone. The Aux team has raised $1.1 million in philanthropy to date and are now
launching the public fundraising campaign. The Aux is seeking $1 million from the ARPA-
Economic Development fund to assist with constructing the adaptive reuse of the vacant
industrial building. The Aux team believes the City's investment will leverage additional
investment from other public and private sources. Funding will also expedite the project which
has an early 2022 construction start and late 2022 opening.
Potential Economic Benefits
The Aux predicts several economic benefits resulting from the City's investment including:
• increased property taxes resulting from converting the vacant building to active use
• approximately ten Black-owned businesses
• a supportive pipeline for new entrepreneurs of color (an incubator of sorts)
• an estimated 30 new permanent (non-construction) local jobs
• creation of inclusive economic pathways to entrepreneurship and community wealth
building - helping the City support economic wellness and vitality
• a welcoming place supporting diversity.
Following is a sources and uses table summarizing The Au x's capital campaign.
Page 2 of 15
d.Page 276 of 346
Legislative History:
On October 27, 2021, The Economic Development Committee voted 6 -0 to advance the
request to the City Council.
Attachments:
The Aux City of Evanston Funding Request- FInal. pdf
The Aux Overview Presentation-City of Evanston
Page 3 of 15
d.Page 277 of 346
The Aux
2223 Washington, Evanston Illinois
Request from The Growing Season, Inc.
Project Summary
The AUX will be a commercial hub dedicated to community wellness and racial equity – a space owned and co-created
by the community. Located at 2223 Washington in Evanston, the AUX will transform 16,500 sq.ft. of vacant industrial
property into high-quality commercial space for a collective of Black-owned businesses and organizations that support
holistic health - including physical, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, and financial wellness.
Committed Tenants
As a commercial hub, The Aux will have room for more than a dozen tenants offering a range of complementary services,
including healthy foods, fresh juices, gardening, beauty, laundry and entrepreneurial training. To date, The Aux has
confirmed committed local tenants for all but roughly 1,500 sq.ft. of remaining space in the building:
• Well Beings Chicago - health hub
• Chef Q - commercial kitchen, catering and food gardens
• The Growing Season - meditation and mindfulness
• The Laundry Café - quality laundromat with healthy programming
• Sunshine Enterprises - entrepreneurial support programming
• 4 Suns Fresh Juice - fresh juice bar and nutritious food
• Embrace Your Crown - beauty services for men and women
• The Aux Marketplace (5 Vendors) - pop-up entrepreneurs offering range of products and services
Project Timeline
Summer 2021 Property acquisition, Design, Tenant engagement (complete)
Fall 2021 Fundraising, Construction drawings and bids (in process)
Early 2022 Construction begins
Fall 2022 Grand opening
Community Impact
The Aux is dedicated to achieving significant economic impact, greater racial equity and inclusion, and community
wellbeing with the following anticipated community benefits:
• Economic Redevelopment: 16,500 sq ft. of previously vacant and blighting industrial property converted to a
renovated commercial space dedicated to small businesses
• New Local Businesses: 10+ mostly Black-owned businesses plus a supportive pipeline for new entrepreneurs of
color developed
• Jobs: 30+ new, permanent, local jobs will be created
• Health: Wellness offerings with a focus on holistic services accessible to all and offered by practitioners of color
• Inclusive Wealth: More inclusive economic pathways to entrepreneurship and community wealth building
• Diversity: A welcoming cultural hub and place of destination that celebrates all of Evanston
Page 4 of 15
d.Page 278 of 346
Request for Financial Support
The Growing Season requests $1 million dollars from the City of Evanston to support The Aux.
The Growing Season, Inc. is a local non-profit dedicated to community wellness with an understanding that health builds
from where we live, learn, work and play. We catalyze holistic health-focused community redevelopment projects using a
proven, social-impact model that creates spaces where commerce and community come together, and people’s hopes,
dreams and talents are honored. We seek to make change at the individual and systemic level by building thriving hubs of
wellbeing that promote individual and community healing.
The total projected cost is $7.3 million for the complete capital renovation and activation of The Aux wellness hub. The
Growing Season serves as The Aux’s nonprofit developer, enabling this catalytic project that would not be possible using
market forces alone. Once the project is complete, ownership is transferred to local community equity investors and
ongoing support is not needed. In the initial “quiet” phase, The Aux has raised $1.1 million in philanthropy and we are
now launching its public fundraising.
Sources and Uses of Funds
Contacts – The Growing Season
Lori Laser (Founder):
lorialaser@gmail.com
Juli Kaufmann (Consultant:
juli.kaufmann@gmail.com
Page 5 of 15
d.Page 279 of 346
OPENING 2022
2223 Washington St., Evanston, IL
A commercial hub dedicated to
racial equity and wellness
–a restorative space co-created
and owned by the community.Page 6 of 15d.Page 280 of 346
GOAL 1
Economic Equity & Inclusion: Support 10+
Black-owned businesses by providing high-quality commercial
space, technical assistance, mentorship and peer support to
business located in the hub as well as community-based
entrepreneurs that in turn support community jobs
GOAL 2
Sustainable Change: Develop an environmentally and
financially-sustainable social change model that innovates
through systemic barriers to environmental justice and racial
equity
Community Wellness: Create a vibrant wellness hub offering
services by practitioners of color including mental health &
wellness, financial wellness, healthy foods, fitness, beauty
services and healing therapies
GOAL 3Page 7 of 15d.Page 281 of 346
3
WELLNESS MODEL
Financial Wellness
Community Wellness
Emotional Wellness
Physical Wellness
Environmental Wellness
Spiritual WellnessPage 8 of 15d.Page 282 of 346
Project Leadership
•Recognized community
leaders as co-developers
•Homegrown Evanston talent
•Black-owned design and
construction firms
•Community investor owners
Tenant Partners
•Well Beings Chicago
•Chef Q’s Kitchen
•The Laundry Café
•Growing Season
•4 Suns Fresh Juice
•Embrace Your Crown
•Sunshine Enterprises
•The Aux MarketplacePage 9 of 15d.Page 283 of 346
South Facade
EntryPage 10 of 15d.Page 284 of 346
IMPACT
•16,500 sq ft. of renovated commercial
space dedicated to small businesses of
color and community-owned
•10+ Black-owned businesses lifted
collectively as well as broad
entrepreneurial impact beyond the
building walls
•30+ local jobs provided to frontline
community members
•Promotes wellness for all of Evanston
•Provides inclusive pathways to
community wealth
•Creates a restorative and unifying place
of destination
INSPIRATIONS
•Core el Centro,
Milwaukee, WI
•Sherman Phoenix,
Milwaukee, WI
•Bus Boys & Poets,
Washington DC
•Holistic Life, Baltimore, MDPage 11 of 15d.Page 285 of 346
ikun
Project Timeline
Summer 2021: Property acquisition, Design,
Tenant engagement
Fall 2021: Fundraising,construction
drawings & bids
Early 2022: Construction begins
Fall 2022: Grand opening Page 12 of 15d.Page 286 of 346
8
FINANCIAL
MODEL
SOURCES
OF FUNDS
(Integrated Capital)
•Public Support
•Philanthropy
•Community Equity
The Aux uses an innovative
and restorative financial
model to level –up past
inequities: pooling one-time
public and philanthropic
support with community
owner-investors to create a
self-sustaining building.
Community Investors retain
ownership (for-profit) of the
property. The Growing Season
carries seeds to the next project.
Lead donors catalyze
development by
investing seed money
The Growing Season (nonprofit) nurtures
project development and secures
philanthropic and public investmentPage 13 of 15d.Page 287 of 346
Sources Of Funds
(Integrated Capital Stack)
$4 Million
•Public Support
•Philanthropy
$2 Million
•Community Equity
$1.1 Million Raised To DatePage 14 of 15d.Page 288 of 346
OPENING 2022
Contact: TheAuxEvanston@gmail.com
2223 Washington St., Evanston, IL
Video: https://vimeo.com/539227320
JOIN US!
www.thegrowingseason.com/the-auxPage 15 of 15d.Page 289 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Zalmezak, Economic Development Manager
CC: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manager; Kimberly Richardson, Deputy
City Manager; Sarah Flax, Housing & Grants Manager
Subject: ARPA funding for Orrington Avenue and Chicago Avenue Streetscape
Improvement Project to Assist with Expanded Outdoor Commerce
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
Staff is seeking City Council approval to reserve $440,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act
to serve as a 20% match requirement of the State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets
Capital Grant.
Funding Source:
American Rescue Plan Act - Economic Development - 170.99.1700.55251
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
The State of Illinois’s Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant is an ARPA and Rebuild
Illinois Capital Plan (Public Act 102-0017) funded program that provides grants ranging from
$250,000 to $3 million to support improvements and encourage investment in commercial
corridors and downtowns. The grant deadline is January 10, 2022. Attached is a summary
presentation from the State of Illinois. The grant website address is:
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/2560 -2019.aspx
The grant program prioritizes projects that meet a number of standards inclu ding:
1. having a strong connection with efforts to promote recovery from COVID-19 crisis;
2. benefitting a corridor or business district with significant presence of businesses in
industries hard-hit by COVID-19, including hospitality, tourism, and the arts; and
3. have additional funding support from the federal government, local government, or
private sources
e.Page 290 of 346
Staff has identified streetscape improvement opportunities in downtown Evanston that require
significant investment to help improve the economic viability of the small, locally
owned/independent businesses lining the streets. The estimated total project cost for the
improvements is $2.2 million. Staff is seeking City Council's approval to reserve $440,00 0 of
ARPA-Economic Development funding to serve as a 20% match necessary to meet the State
of Illinois' requirement.
The $2.2 million project scope for Orrington Avenue (Davis to Church) and Chicago Avenue
(Davis to Church) includes:
1. Removing the existing paver blocks and replacing them with the City’s current
streetscape standard of concrete sidewalks with brick ribbon banding
2. Bringing all pedestrian areas up to compliance with ADA standards
3. Improving landscaping and tree installations throughout the area – including the
redesign of existing planters
4. Replacing the lighting to meet the City’s Street Light Master Plan
5. Upgrading streetscape elements consistent with other corridor wide improvement
projects.
The segments proposed in the grant would match the design standards for similar downtown
improvement projects including the ongoing Chicago Avenue Multimodal Corridor
Improvements project (Davis Street to Howard Street) which is currently in the conceptual
design phase.
The locations identified for the grant have deteriorated sidewalk pavers and other streetscape
designs that do not meet the City’s current design standards and are not ADA compliant. The
pavers are an ongoing maintenance issue and can create hazards for pedestrians. Improved
sidewalk conditions are of growing importance with our aging population living in the Mather,
Marion, and the newly constructed Trulee developments.
The landscape planters have also decayed over their estimated 30 year lifespan and are
commonly a source of 311 complaints for rat burrows. Additionally there are a number of
restaurants who desire outdoor street side dining, but are unable to do so because the
landscape planters take up most of the usable space. The small areas remaining are difficult
to use for outdoor dining because of the pedestrian traffic and ADA requirements restricting
objects on the public right of way. The planters also make it difficult to do other outdoor
commercial activities such as sidewalk sales, night markets, art festivals, and concerts.
Replacing and upgrading the lighting will provide the opportunity to improve electrical
infrastructure for placemaking events and improved lighting throughout the corridor for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
The $440,000 ARPA request would be identified as encumbered in our planning documents
and will be committed to the streetscape project if awarded the grant or otherwise be allocated
back to the ARPA-Economic Development
Page 2 of 23
e.Page 291 of 346
Attachments:
Program Overview Downtowns and Main Street Capital Program
Page 3 of 23
e.Page 292 of 346
Rebuild
Downtowns
and Main
Streets Capital
Grant Program
(RDMS)
1Page 4 of 23e.Page 293 of 346
Purpose
Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS)
will provide capital grants to support
economic recovery in commercial corridors
and downtowns that have experienced
disinvestment, particularly in communities
hardest -hit by COVID-19. Page 5 of 23e.Page 294 of 346
Funding Sources
•RDMS is supported by State and Federal Funding
•State --Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan (Public Act
102-0017)
•Federal --American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
•Two distinct CSFAs (420 -00-2560 and 420-27-
2729) but applicant only needs to apply once to
be considered for both.Page 6 of 23e.Page 295 of 346
Grant Parameters
•Eligible entities
•Local Units of Government
•Private businesses (profit or non-profit)
•Total Funding Available --$50 million
•Individual Grant Amounts
•Minimum $250,000
•Maximum $3 million
•Application Deadline: January 10, 2022Page 7 of 23e.Page 296 of 346
Grants are Intended for Prospective Capital
Investment
•Project must meet bondable
requirements set forth in 30 ILCS 425/
(Build Illinois Bond Act)
•Prior costs are not allowable
•Indirect costs are not allowablePage 8 of 23e.Page 297 of 346
Examples of Allowable Expenditures
Architectural planning and engineering design
Site selection
Land and building acquisition
Demolition (in preparation for additional work)
Site preparation and improvement
Utility work
New construction of buildings and structures
Reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or structure
Original furnishings and durable equipment
Replacement of currently utilized assets by a better asset
Expansion of existing buildings or facilitiesPage 9 of 23e.Page 298 of 346
Examples of Unallowable Expenditures
Operational and administrative expenses
Lease payments for rental of equipment or facilities
Costs of staff or resident labor and material
Expenditures to acquire or construct temporary facilities
Purchase of automobiles, trucks, farm equipment, boats or rolling stock
Livestock or laboratory animals
Unpredictable or unusual legal expenses
Costs for archaeological digs, research or explorationPage 10 of 23e.Page 299 of 346
Matching Requirements
•Private businesses and private non-profit organizations must
provide matching cash funds of at least 50% of the project cost
•Matching funds can come from any non-state source
•In-kind contributions do not count towards the match
requirement
•Matching funds above the 50% minimum may improve the
odds of receiving an award
•Matching requirement is waived for units of local government, but
providing a match might improve the odds of receiving an awardPage 11 of 23e.Page 300 of 346
Projects must be located in a commercial
corridor or downtown area
•Must feature multiple public-facing commercial
establishments
•May be located in rural and urban areasPage 12 of 23e.Page 301 of 346
Eligible projects include --but are not limited
to --new construction or rehabilitation of the following
•Roads, parking, and sidewalks
•Transit, pedestrian, or bicycle infrastructure
•Broadband infrastructure
•Water/sewer infrastructure
•Public spaces, such as parks and plazas, including lighting and
landscaping
•Sustainable investment in or modernization of structures in disrepair
•Mixed-use development or transit-oriented developmentPage 13 of 23e.Page 302 of 346
Successful projects will have a strong connection with
efforts to promote recovery from COVID-19 crisis
•Are located in a disproportionately impacted area (DIA), Opportunity
Zone (OZ) or a Qualified Census Tract (QCT)
•Are located in a rural area that has experienced major economic
disinvestment or job loss
•Advance initiatives that are part of a regional or local plan
•Demonstrate a likelihood of attracting future private investment
•Benefit a corridor or business district with significant presence of
businesses in industries hard-hit by COVID -19, including hospitality,
tourism, and the artsPage 14 of 23e.Page 303 of 346
Projects should have a strong connection with efforts
to promote recovery from COVID-19 crisis (con’d )
•Preserve structures of historic significance that enhance the unique
character of the corridor or neighborhood
•Demonstrate extensive community support
•Feature a strong minority inclusion plan and commit to a competitive
Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal
•Receive additional funding support from the federal government,
local government, or private sourcesPage 15 of 23e.Page 304 of 346
Application Grading and Awards
•DCEO will grade and rank applications according to consistency with
review criteria
•Review team will recommend awards according to evaluations and
available funding.
•DCEO may take the geographic distribution of projects and eligibility
under each of the respective funding sources into account, in addition
to grantee score, when making award determinations
•Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA).
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified once successful applicants
have accepted their awardsPage 16 of 23e.Page 305 of 346
Applications Will Be Graded on a 100-pt Scale
•Applicant Capacity (25 points)
•Proposal Quality (40 points)
•Community Need (35 points)Page 17 of 23e.Page 306 of 346
Scoring Applicant Capacity (25 pts)
•Description of the overall scope of the proposed project and the plan
to administer and manage the project
•Project timelines and milestones
•Funding plan
•Plan for obtaining all necessary permits
•Organizational experience managing similar projects and overcoming
obstaclesPage 18 of 23e.Page 307 of 346
Scoring Proposal Quality (40 pts)
•Robust description of project area/community
•Demonstration that the project will complement existing assets and
improve post-construction economic recovery
•Demonstration that the project is likely to leverage additional
investment in the area
•Preservation of structures of historic significance, where applicable
•Provision of a detailed budget, including a breakdown by categories
•Evidence of broad community support
•Demonstration of consistency with local and regional planning efforts
•Provision of a strong minority inclusion plan
•Additional financi al support above minimum matchPage 19 of 23e.Page 308 of 346
Scoring Community Need (35 pts)
•Demonstration that project will address a significant existing deficiency within a downtown
area or commercial corridor that is impacting quality of life or economic development
prospects
•Eligibility to receive ARPA funds
•Project located within a Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA), Qualified Census Tract
(QCT), or Opportunity Zone (OZ)
•Project located in a rural area
•Demonstrate evidence of community economic hardship, aside from its location within a
DIA, QCT, or OZ (e.g. high poverty and unemployment, loss of major employer, etc.)
•Demonstration that the local community, especially its downtown area and commercial
corridors, have been harmed by the COVID-19 crisis (aside from its designation as a
DIA/QCT/OZ)? For example, does the project area have a significant presence of
businesses in industries hard-hit by COVID-19?Page 20 of 23e.Page 309 of 346
Administrative Requirements
•GATA
•Procurement
•Business Enterprise Program
•Environmental Review Requirements
•Illinois Works Jobs Program Act
•Prevailing Wage Act
•Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act
•Performance and Financial Reporting
•Monitoring and Audits
18Page 21 of 23e.Page 310 of 346
19
More Information?
•DCEO Web Site:
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunit
ies/Pages/default.aspx
•Program Manager:
John O’Conner
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.RDMS@illinois.govPage 22 of 23e.Page 311 of 346
www.illinois.gov/dceo
Questions?
Thank You!
Office of Policy Development, Planning & Research
500 East Monroe
Springfield, IL 62701
Email: CEO.RDMS@Illinois.govPage 23 of 23e.Page 312 of 346
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Zalmezak, Economic Development Manager
CC: Kelley Gandurski, Interim City Manager; Kimberly Richardson, Deputy
City Manager; Sarah Flax, Housing & Grants Manager
Subject: Approval of $250,000 in ARPA Funding for Outdoor Dining, Amending
the Storefront Monitorization Program
Date: November 1, 2021
Recommended Action:
The Economic Development Committee recommends City Council approve outdoor dining
amendments to the Storefront Modernization Program and commit funding from the American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Staff recommends an allocation of $250,000.
Funding Source:
American Rescue Plan Act - Economic Development - #170.99.1700.55251
Council Action:
For Action
Summary:
Storefront Modernization Grant Program Amendment
With a resurgence of COVID-19 due to the Delta variant and a statewide mask mandate
reinstated on August 30, 2021, already struggling small businesses are once again being
negatively impacted by declining consumer confidence. A major concern is that the Delta
variant’s advance in coming winter months could hamper the rebound in revenue they had
hoped for while still recovering from the effects of the past eighteen months.
In light of the persisting pandemic, staff recommends expanding the Storefront Modernization
Grant Program using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support COVID -19-related
operational safe a provide to establishments restaurants and by incurred costs retail
environment for customers and staff.
The expanded program would cover outdoor dining infrastructure improvements that extend
the life of the outdoor dining season, interior ventilation improvements, and other operational
costs that result in a safer business environment. This amendment would assist eligible small
businesses to make needed improvements to help them survive the economic impacts posed
by winter weather and ongoing pandemic impacts.
f.Page 313 of 346
Eligible Improvements would include, but not limited to:
• Enclosures
• Canopies
• Heating equipment
• Outdoor lighting fixtures
• Outdoor dining furniture
• HVAC
• Plumbing
Eligibility requirements would mirror those of the City's existing Storefront Modernization Grant
Program.
The use of ARPA to assist with the cost of implementing these relatively expensive
improvements would allow for greater flexibility in the amount of matching funds available per
grant. Currently, the Storefront Modernization Grant Program is set to a maximum of $10,000
per project. Typical projects have been awnings, storefront windows and doors, and signage.
For a number of years, the Storefront Modernization Program provided funding of up to $25,000
on a total project cost of $50,000 for interior HVAC, plumbing and other attached leasehold
improvements.
The suggested COVID-19 improvement program amendment would be analogous to the
former interior aspect of the program. Eligible improvements included in the amendment would
be eligible for 50% reimbursement of project cost dependent upon availability of funds and
subject t the recommends Staff approval. limiting City and negotiation o Council
reimbursements to $25,000 (i.e. 50% of a $50,000 project).
Staff recommends committing $250,000 from the ARPA fund. The program would serve a
minimum of ten businesses if each had exterior projects exceeding $50,000. It is more likely
that there would be a range of project types. For example, two businesses recently submitted
unsolicited requests for financial assistances for outdoor dining installations:
1. Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine - total project cost $40,680
• Rooftop Canopies
• Removable aluminum panels for rooftop
• Sidewalk patio cover
• Removable aluminum panels for sidewalk patio
2. Firehouse Grill - total project cost $95,502.00
• Canopy
• Canopy cover
• Aluminum retractable roof
For illustrative purposes, the Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine project would be eligible for
reimbursement of $20,340, while the Firehouse Grill project would be eligible for $25,000 as
it's proposal exceeds the $50,000 threshold.
If the program guideline amendments are approved by the City Council and funding is
committed to the program, staff will follow up with the two entities above, and further advertise
the eprogram the through City's -Service Special newsletters, Area management,
Page 2 of 34
f.Page 314 of 346
Councilmember Ward newsletters, social media, Chamber of Commerce, the Evanston Black
Business Consortium, and other similar means.
If there is additional demand for funding upon depletion of the $250,000 fund, staff will return
to the Economic Development Committee to d etermine if another round of funding should be
considered.
Legislative History:
The Economic Development Committee recommended approval on October 27, 2021 and
directed staff to recommend a budget.
Attachments:
Draft Amended 2021 Guidelines Storefront Modernization (updated October 28, 2021)
Page 3 of 34
f.Page 315 of 346
DRAFT - October 28, 2021
City of Evanston
Storefront Modernization
Program
Program Guidelines - Updated October 2021
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
2100 RIDGE AVENUE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60201
847-448-8100 |INFO@EVANSTONEDGE.COM |WWW.EVANSTONEDGE.COM |WWW.CITYOFEVANSTON.ORG
Page 4 of 34
f.Page 316 of 346
Contents
Program Overview and Purpose 3
Eligibility Criteria 3
Storefront Modernization Program Administration 4
Design Guidelines 5
Program Steps 6
Terms & Conditions 8
ATTACHMENT A: SAMPLE Program Agreement 9
City of Evanston – Storefront Modernization Program Guidelines Page |2
Page 5 of 34
f.Page 317 of 346
Program Purpose and Overview
Evanston’s Storefront Modernization Program is a funding tool to assist small business owners
improve the appearance and functionality of commercial buildings located in our city’s business
districts.The city provides a rebate of 50%of the total cost of qualifying interior or exterior
improvements.The Economic Development Division manages the program.Funding is first
reviewed by the Economic Development Committee and forwarded to the City Council for final
approval.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants include commercial property owners and tenants of ground floor commercial
buildings facing business district streets. Tenants must have:
●A current lease with a minimum of five (5)years remaining from the date of Application
or provide evidence that the business has operated in Evanston for over five (5)years;
and
●Written approval from the property owner to participate in the Program and consent to
recordation against the subject property of a Declaration of Covenants Affecting the
Property (for projects receiving a forgivable loan of $5,000 or more).
●Eligibility for the interior buildout portion of the program is limited to property owners
and/or tenants of ground floor commercial buildings within one of Evanston’s Tax
Increment Finance (TIF) Districts.
Exterior Storefront Improvements:The exterior portion of a building that faces the public
right-of-way and is fronted by a sidewalk or similar pedestrian-oriented pathway are eligible for a
maximum of $10,000 on a 50/50 cost-sharing basis (i.e.$20,000 or higher total project cost will
receive a maximum of $10,000).Eligible improvements include ramps,door openers,signage,
painting,lighting,windows,doors,fascia,tile,canopies,awnings,trim,metal work and other
decorative elements,restoration of historic properties and other improvements contributing to
the visual enhancement or accessibility of a property as it relates to the public right-of-way.Any
projects requesting reimbursement for more than $2,500 must have an accessible storefront.
Ineligible improvements include roofs that are not “part of the façade”or do not face the public
right of way,non-permanent fixtures,security systems,personal property,interior window
coverings,equipment,any improvements not visible from the public right-of-way,and any
improvements deemed to be inconsistent with redevelopment purposes and objectives.
Interior Improvements:For properties located in one of Evanston’s TIF districts,50%of the
cost of interior improvements are eligible for reimbursement dependent upon the availability of
TIF funds and subject to negotiation and City Council approval.The final approved amount will
depend on the scope of work to be completed.
Interior improvements must be TIF eligible and result in a capital improvement.Eligible
improvements include plumbing,HVAC,electrical,life safety/sprinkler systems,and Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA)compliance.Furniture,fixtures,and equipment are not eligible for
reimbursement nor are any expenses that do not result in fixed capital improvements.As a
general rule,systems that are attached to the property and stay with subsequent tenants are
eligible.Equipment and other facets of the business that are not affixed to the property such as
City of Evanston – Storefront Modernization Program Agreement
Page |3
Page 6 of 34
f.Page 318 of 346
cooking equipment,point of sales systems,light fixtures,menus,displays,shelving,etc are not
eligible.
COVID-19 Related Improvements
In light of the persisting pandemic,the following guidelines will apply through the end of the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)funding period when considering Storefront Modernization
Program applications to support COVID-19-related operational costs incurred by restaurants
and retail establishments to provide a safe environment for customers and staff.
Outdoor Dining Infrastructure:Licensed food establishments investing in outdoor dining
infrastructure to provide a safe outdoor environment for customers and staff are eligible for 50%
reimbursement of the project cost dependent upon the availability of ARPA funds and subject to
negotiation and City Council approval.The maximum grant amount will not exceed $25,000 (on
a scope of work totaling $50,000 or greaterThe final approved amount will depend on the scope
of work to be completed.Eligible improvements include outdoor cover items (canopies,
awnings,rooftop enclosures,etc.),outdoor heating equipment,outdoor lighting fixtures,outdoor
furniture and other costs associated with outdoor dining that extend the life and accessibility of
the outdoor dining season.
Interior improvements:Businesses making interior improvements and/or implementing safety
measures that result in a safer environment for customers and staff (i.e.,better ventilation)are
eligible for 50% reimbursement of the COVID-19-related operational costs.
Any significant alterations or additions to the storefront and/or interior and/or requests for
approval of new or altered signage should be reviewed with the Community Development
Department’s Project Management Supervisor and/or Planning and Zoning staff to assure
compliance with State and Local Building codes and/or zoning ordinances.Further,any
alteration or construction on properties which have been designated as a local landmark or are
located in historic districts must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to
consideration for funding in the Program.
Ineligible Participants of the program include:
●National franchises/for profit corporations with more than ten locations outside of
Evanston, unless the organization is headquartered in Evanston;
●Occupants or owners of buildings that are not current with property taxes,water bills,or
properties possessing any sort of non-mortgage liens (i.e. mechanics lien, etc.);
●Persons who have one or more outstanding City of Evanston parking tickets;
●Buildings in excess of an 80,000 square foot footprint;
●Churches or other religious organizations;
●Government offices and agencies (non-governmental tenants are eligible);
●For facade improvements - New construction, less than five (5) years old,no age
requirement for outdoor dining or air quality measures;and
●Property that has received storefront improvement funds (formerly known as the City of
Evanston’s Façade Improvement Program) within the past ten years (unless change of
use is significant enough to warrant change in storefront).
City of Evanston – Storefront Modernization Program Agreement
Page |4
Page 7 of 34
f.Page 319 of 346
Storefront Modernization Program Administration
The Program provides participants the opportunity to receive a rebate upon the completion of
their approved Project,up to an approved amount,based on the maximum amounts set forth in
the sections below.
Funding Source(s):Projects will be funded through:Tax Increment Financing (TIF)within
applicable TIF Districts,Community Development Block Grants,and/or Economic Development
Funds.
Project Approval:The City of Evanston must approve the project scope and reimbursement
prior to commencing construction.No reimbursement will be considered for work completed
prior to City Council approval of a project scope.
Estimates for the Project:Three estimates for each aspect of their project,of which one
should be from an Evanston-based business.
Rebate:The rebate is in the form of loan,forgivable over a five (5)year (60 month)period as
illustrated in the box to the right.Participants can receive a rebate for up to half of the total
project cost, based on the “total eligible cost” for their specific Project.
Commencement Date:The 60 month forgivable period starts on the month that the project
agreement is recorded at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and ends on the 5th anniversary
date.If the agreement is terminated prior to the completion of the forgivable loan period,the
Participant will be responsible for repayment of the balance on a prorated basis.
Completion Date:Project completion must occur within 90 days of commencement date.
Reimbursement:Reimbursement shall only be made after the defined work has been
completed and certificate of occupancy is issued.For approved projects for which a rebate of
$10,000 or more is awarded an applicant may request up to two payments for the project.In
such cases,a schedule for the partial payment and a timeline with benchmarks for completion
for each project phase must be submitted and approved by Economic Development Staff.Staff
will consider release of funding directly to contractors on a case by case basis if the applicant
demonstrates a financial need.
City Code:All funded projects must comply with all city codes including the sustainable building
measures set forth in the City’s Green Building Ordinance (Title 4, Chapter 21 of the City Code).
Design Guidelines
The use of the City of Evanston Design Guidelines is encouraged. Obtain a copy of the Design
Guidelines from the Economic Development Division office or by visiting the web at
http://www.evanstonedge.com/files/2012/08/Facade-Sign-Design-Guidelines.pdf
While it is not possible for many small businesses to make their storefronts fully accessible for
persons with disabilities,the ADA requires that accessibility be improved whenever possible
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through the removal of physical barriers.For examples of barrier removal,please see “The
Americans with Disabilities Act Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removals”at
http://www.ada.gov/racheck.pdf and “ADA Guide for Small Businesses”at
http://www.ada.gov/smbusgd.pdf.
Program Steps
Step 1:Arrange to Meet with an Economic Development Specialist.Applicants should
schedule a meeting with the Economic Development Division to discuss the program,ask
questions, and obtain application materials.
Step 2: Application Submission.
●Applicants must submit application online at
https://arts.formstack.com/forms/city_of_evanston_storefront_modernization_program
●Attach three estimates for each aspect of the proposed work (one Evanston-based)
●Photos of the property (interior if an interior improvement project)
●Letter of support from property owner
Step 3: Staff Application Review Process.After Applications are submitted, Staff will:
●Evaluate each project submitted to determine if Application is complete;
●Confirm eligibility of proposed project tasks and determine total eligible project cost;
●Identify appropriate funding sources for each proposed project;
●Prepare recommendations of approval of funds to the appropriate Committee.
Staff will evaluate Applications on the following criteria:
●Total project budget;
●Location within an established business district, along a major street or near a transit
station;
●Use of energy efficiency measures (installation of energy saving windows, doors, etc.);
●Steps taken to Improve access for persons with disabilities;
●Returning unproductive uses to productive uses and/or creation of new rentable space in
a building; and
●Total linear feet and/or square footage of commercial space to be improved.
If requests exceed available funding, priority will be given to qualified applicants who meet one
of the following criteria:
●Have demonstrated a need for financial assistance in project completion
●Have received code violations requiring immediate remediation or mitigation
●Business is located in a CDBG target area
●Business is a woman or minority-owned business
Step 4:Public Review and Approval Process.Staff will submit recommendations to the
Economic Development Committee for review and recommendation to the City Council.All
projects are then forwarded to City Council for final action.
Participants whose total project costs exceed $5,000 are required to be present at all public
meetings at which proposed Project will be discussed.Participants will be notified of time,date,
and place of the public meeting at which the Application will be considered.Staff will outline
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meeting schedules for applicants at their consultation meetings.Participants whose total project
costs are less than $5,000 are not required to attend public meetings.
Step 5:Execution of Program Agreement.Following approval by the City Council,
Participants will be required to enter into and execute a written agreement with the City of
Evanston which will establish the terms,conditions,and requirements for participation in the
Program.Once the Program Agreement has been executed to the satisfaction of the City
Manager,a Notice to Proceed will be issued to the Participant.A sample copy of the terms
and agreements of the agreement are provided in Attachment A of this document.
Step 6 (if applicable):Project Phasing Plan.Applicants that have been approved for projects
with a rebate of $10,000 or more may submit to Economic Development Staff a written request
to divide projects into two phases for the purposes of partial reimbursement of project costs.
For example,if a project includes multiple components such as plumbing,HVAC,tuck-pointing,
window and door replacement and signage,applicant may propose to staff to divide work into
two phases in order to seek repayment after certain aspects of the project have been
completed.Applicants shall submit to Economic Development staff a project phasing plan,
which clearly defines the work to be completed in each phase along with expected completion
dates. Such phasing plan must be approved by Staff in order to establish a partial payment plan.
Note:Commencement of work without an executed Program Agreement will
automatically disqualify a Participant from being eligible to participate in the Program,
and negates the City’s obligation to rebate any portion of the work.
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Terms & Conditions
In accordance with the Program Guidelines,the City of Evanston will provide financial
assistance up to the approved amount of a project at no more than half of the total project cost.
The rebate will come in the form of a loan forgivable over a five (5)year (or 60 month)period,
upon completion of the Project.
Any rebates paid by the City of Evanston pursuant to this program shall not be made until all
work has been completed;all improvement work has been inspected and approved by the City
of Evanston.If a partial rebate payment schedule with project completion benchmarks has
been established with and approved by Economic Development Staff (for projects eligible for
$10,000 or more),work must still be inspected and approved by the City prior to partial payment
being issued.Additionally,all payments for said work must be made to contractors,material
suppliers,and vendors.Participants of the Program must submit to the City of Evanston
itemized invoices detailing work completed and materials purchased.Such invoices shall
include proof of payment to all contractors,suppliers,and vendors.Documentation must be
submitted within 45 days of project completion.The participant shall also submit unconditional
lien releases and other documentation as required by this Program.The participant is
responsible for all payments to all contractors, material suppliers, and vendors.
Any rebates paid by the City of Evanston pursuant to this Program constitute loans made to the
Participants. Said loans will be forgiven,as described in the Program Agreement,however,if
the property owner or successor-in-interest assumes the Participant’s obligations of the
Program Agreement pursuant to a City-approved assignment and assumption agreement,and
continues to own and/or occupy the rehabilitated property and maintain the improvements for a
period ending five (5)years from the date of receipt of the rebate without removing or
significantly altering the Improvements,as determined by the City of Evanston in its sole
discretion.
If the property owner sells the property or the business owner fails to occupy the property prior
to the end of the fifth (5th)year,the remaining share of the loan (prorated on a monthly basis)
shall become due,plus three percent (3%)interest per annum payable to the City of Evanston is
due within thirty (30)calendar days,unless the succeeding property owner or business owner (i)
assumes the obligations of the Program Agreement pursuant to a City of Evanston approved
assignment and assumption agreement,and (ii)does not make any changes to the property
resulting in the removal of significant alteration to the Improvements,and maintains the
Improvements for a period of five (5)years from the date of receipt of the rebate.The prorated
amount due will be obtained by multiplying the original rebate amount times the percentage
obtained by dividing the number of months remaining in the five (5)year period that commences
on the month that the project was recorded by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds (for projects
receiving $5,000 or more in forgivable loans)and ends on the 5th anniversary date by 60,which
is the total number of months in the loan period.
Prevailing Wages:Projects utilizing CDBG must comply with Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages.
Participants will be informed if they will have to comply with Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages.
Project Completion:Projects must be completed within ninety (90)days of approval date as
specified in Section VI of the Program Agreement (extensions will be considered on a
case-by-case basis);
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Property Taxes and Liens:Property taxes must be current,and participants may have no
debts in arrears to the City when the Commitment Letter is issued.The property must also be
clear of all other non-debt related liens and.
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ATTACHMENT A: Program Agreement
THIS PROGRAM AGREEMENT [Agreement]is entered into on this ____day of
_______________20____[Effective Date],by and between the City of Evanston [City],and
_______________________________[Participant],owner (or tenant)of property located at
__________________________________________[Property],with regard to Participant’s
participation in the “City of Evanston – Storefront Modernization Program” [Program].
RECITALS
WHEREAS,the City desires to enhance the visual appearance,functionality,
accessibility,and environmental sustainability of buildings and structures,stimulate private
investment,and complement other community revitalization efforts throughout Evanston as
identified in the Program Guidelines; and
WHEREAS,investment in commercial storefront,interior,and sustainability
improvements will beautify the subject properties and surrounding area,create a positive
visual and environmental impact,increase the volume of business by making the subject
properties and businesses more attractive,stimulate private investment,and complement
other community revitalization and sustainability efforts within the City; and
WHEREAS,the City has authorized Economic Development Division Staff to
manage and administer the Program on behalf of the City including,without limitation,
authorizing the City Manager to execute this Agreement with the Participant thereby
establishing the terms,conditions,and requirements for participation in the Program in
accordance with the Guidelines for the Program approved by the City Council [Program
Guidelines]; and
WHEREAS,the City Council has approved the Participant and the proposed project
for participation in the Program,subject to the terms and conditions of the Program
Guidelines and this Agreement.
NOW,THEREFORE,in consideration of the foregoing recitals,which are
incorporated herein by this reference,and the mutual obligations of the parties as herein
expressed, the City and Participant agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
I.DEFINITIONS
The following terms shall have the following meanings whenever used in this
Agreement,except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.Any ambiguity as to the
intended meaning or scope of the terms set forth below will be resolved solely by the City
through its designated representative.
a.“Economic Development Division”means the City’s designated representative
responsible for managing and administering the Program on behalf of the City.
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b.“Completion Date”means the date that the contractor has finished the Project
pursuant to the design and architectural plans approved by City Council,the City
Manager,or his/her designee,and to the satisfaction of the Participant,as evidenced
by final payment to the contractor from the Participant.
c.“Declaration”means the Declaration of Covenants Affecting Real Property
Participant is required to execute and record against the Property in order to obtain
the Rebate in the form attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “B”.
Projects approved for $5,000 or less are not subject to recorded an executed
Declaration of Covenants document
d.“Improvements”means any agreed storefront,interior,and/or sustainability
improvements made to the Property as part of the Program.
e.“Owner Consent”means a Certification of Ownership and Consent to be executed
by the owner of the Property,if the Participant is not the owner,in the form attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “C”.
f.“Participant”means the person applying for a rebate for Improvements on the
Property and determined eligible by the City Council or City Manager or his/her
designee to participate in the Program.Participant may be the owner of the Property
or a business owner who has obtained written consent of the Property owner to
participate in the Program and to proceed with the improvements identified within
this Agreement.
g.“Program Guidelines”means the “City of Evanston --Storefront Modernization
Program Guidelines”approved by the City Council that govern the Program and this
Agreement.The Program Guidelines are attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Exhibit “D”.All terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in
the Program Guidelines.
h.“Project”means the storefront,interior buildout,and/or sustainability improvements
on the subject property as proposed by the Participant and approved by the City
Council.
i.“Project Completion Date”means the date agreed upon by the Participant and the
City of Evanston when the approved Storefront Modernization Program project will
be completed by.
j.“Property”means the subject property owned or occupied by the Participant on
which the improvements shall be completed.The Property is located within the City
of Evanston and is legally described in Exhibit “A”,which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference.
k.“Rebate”means the total amount of the City’s loan provided to the Participant,which
is equal to no more than half the final total project cost up to the amount approved by
City Council (whichever is less).
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l.“Total Allowable Expenses”means the actual costs incurred,paid for,and
documented by the Participant and approved by the City Manager or his/her
designee for the proper performance of the improvement work required by the plans
and specifications and/or architectural/design renderings for the Project.
m.Total Project Expenditure”means the total actual Project costs incurred by and
paid for by the Participant including,without limitation,the costs of construction,
materials, and supplies.
II.CERTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP
If Participant is not the fee owner of the Property,Participant shall,prior to the City’s
execution hereof,obtain and provide to the City from the fee owner of the Property
his/her/its approval in writing for Participant to participate in the Program and proceed with
the Project,and for the recordation against the Property of a Declaration in the Official
Records of the County Recorder of Cook County,by and through the Owner’s execution of
a Certification of Ownership and Consent substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit “C” and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Owner Consent”).
III.TERMS OF REBATE - FORGIVABLE LOAN OVER FIVE (5) YEARS
a.The Participant hereby agrees to comply with all terms and conditions of the
Program as set forth in the Program Guidelines. (See Exhibit “D”.)
b.The Rebate paid by the City pursuant to this Program shall not be made until all of
the improvement work comprising the Project has been completed,all of the
improvement work comprising the Project has been inspected and approved by the
City Manager or his/her designee,and all payments for said work have been made
to contractors,materials suppliers,and vendors.Thus,the Participant shall finance
the Project,with tenant/owner funds (cash)and/or private funding (bank loan),during
construction the Participant shall submit to the City Manager or his/her designee
itemized invoices detailing the work completed and materials purchased.Such
invoices shall include proof of payment to all contractors,suppliers,and vendors.
The Participant is responsible for all payments to the contractors,materials
suppliers,and vendors,and for providing true and correct copies of unconditional
lien releases to the City.
c.The Rebate paid by the City pursuant to the Program constitutes a loan to
Participant.Said loan will be forgiven,provided that the Participant or
successor-in-interest that has assumed the obligations of Participant hereunder
pursuant to an City-approved assignment and assumption agreement,either
continues to own or occupy,as the case may be,the rehabilitated Property for a
period of five (5)years from the date of receipt of the Rebate without removing or
significantly altering the Improvements,as determined by the City in its sole
discretion,and agrees to maintain the improvements for said five (5)year period.
The total amount of the loan will be forgiven in twenty percent (20%)increments,on
an annual basis,such that at the end of five (5)years,the entire loan amount will be
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deemed forgiven and the loan balance will be zero.If the Participant sells the
Property or fails to occupy the Property,as the case may be,prior to the end of the
fifth (5th)year,the remaining pro rata share of the loan,with interest at the rate of
three percent (3%)per annum,is due and payable to the City within thirty (30)
calendar days,unless the succeeding property owner or business owner,as the
case may be,(i)assumes the obligations of Participant pursuant to an City-approved
assignment and assumption agreement,and (ii)does not make any changes to the
Property resulting in the removal or a significant alteration to the Improvements,and
maintains the improvements,for a period of five (5)years from the date of receipt of
the Rebate.
IV.PARTICIPANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
a.In preparation for submission of an Application,the Participant shall obtain a
minimum of three (3)written bids from qualified,licensed contractors to perform the
Project.Once the Participant awards a bid to a qualified,licensed contractor,the
Participant shall provide to the City Manager or his/her designee information on the
awarded bid and rejected bid.At least one (1)bid must be from an Evanston-based
contractor.If an Evanston-based contractor is not sought,written evidence must be
provided that documents why an Evanston-based contractor was not considered and
provided in the original submission.
b.The Participant shall obtain and submit all required certificates of insurance,as set
forth in the Program Guidelines,to the City Manager or his/her designee upon
execution of this Agreement and prior to City’s execution.
c.The Participant shall be responsible for hiring a licensed contractor to complete the
Project.The City Manager or his/her designee may require submission of proof of
the State License issued to the selected contractor.
d.The Participant shall be responsible for contacting the City Manager or his/her
designee to arrange for obtaining all City and other approvals and/or permits
required for construction and completion of the Project.
e.The Participant must issue a notice to proceed to the contractor within thirty (30)
calendar days of receipt of the Notice to Proceed issued by the City to Participant.
f.The Participant shall be fully responsible for managing,monitoring,and scheduling
the construction of the Project,for ensuring compliance with the payment of
prevailing wages (if applicable),and for ensuring that all improvements are
completed properly and in conformance with the approved project.
g.The Participant shall be fully responsible for making all payments to contractors,
suppliers,vendors and/or other third parties and for ensuring that all contractors,
subcontractors, suppliers, vendors and/or other third parties are paid in full.
h.The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the improvements to be constructed
in anticipation of a Rebate,in the form of a forgivable loan provided by the City,
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constitutes the construction,alteration,demolition,installation,or repair work done
under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of public funds.The Participant
shall comply with all requirements of Federal, Illinois and City of Evanston law.
i.The Participant shall be responsible for ensuring approved project is completed by
project completion date agreed upon by the Participant and the City detailed in
Section VI of this agreement.
j.Upon completion of the Project,the Participant shall notify the City Manager or
his/her designee and call for an inspection of the Project.City Manager or his/her
designee will arrange for the Property to be inspected.
k.The Participant shall submit to the City Manager or his/her designee a written
request for a Rebate within forty-five (45)calendar days of the Completion Date,and
shall include the following:
i.Cover letter indicating the Project is completed and the Total Cost
Expenditures for the Project and requesting the Rebate;
ii.All contractor invoices detailing the specific tasks completed in accordance
with approved Project;
iii.Proof of payment of all invoices for all expenditures associated with the
Project;
iv.Unconditional lien releases;
v.Any additional back up material requested by the City Manager or his/her
designee;
vi.Before and after photographs;
vii.An executed (with signatures acknowledged)Declaration (for projects
approved for a forgivable loan of $5,000 or more only); and
viii.For the five (5)year term of the Declaration,the Participant shall maintain the
façade improvements in good condition and shall not make any changes to
the Property resulting in an alteration to the Improvements.
V.THE CITY’S RESPONSIBILITIES
a.City Manager or his/her designee shall review the bids for construction submitted by
Participant and prepare a submission to the appropriate City Committee that
approves the Project based on the particular funding source for the project.
b.City Manager or his/her designee shall issue the Notice to Proceed to the Participant
upon his/her receipt of this Agreement and any other required or requested
documentation.
c.Within a reasonable time after Participant notifies City of the completion of the
Project,the City Manager or his/her designee shall inspect the improvements to
ensure they were completed in accordance with approved project scope.
d.City Manager or his/her designee shall review Participant’s request and
accompanying documents for a Rebate.If all the terms,conditions,and obligations
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of Participant under this Agreement and the Program Guidelines have been met,the
City Manager or his/her designee shall issue the Rebate in an amount not to exceed
one-half (1/2)of the Total Allowable Expenses,within the maximum allowable limits
set forth in the Program Guidelines.
VI.TIME OF PERFORMANCE
The Participant shall complete the Project by the agreed upon project completion date
between the Participant and the City in order to remain eligible for receipt of the Rebate.
Failure to complete the Project by the agreed upon project completion date below will result
in termination of this Agreement.Requests for additional time and extensions in project
completion time will be granted,but only if submitted in writing prior to the expiration of the
agreement.
Project Completion Date: _____________________________
Applicant Signature: ___________________ City Signature: __________________
VII.AMOUNT OF REBATE – FORGIVABLE LOAN
The total amount of the Rebate to be made by the City pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement,shall not exceed the amount equal to one-half (1/2)of the Total Allowable
Expenses approved by City Council for the Project up to the maximum allowable rebate
amount stated above.The Total Allowable Expenses will be determined at completion of the
Project at which time the total amount of the Rebate to be made by the City shall be
calculated based on actual expenditures,and not to exceed program maximums,and such
amount will be stated in the Declaration.
Approved Rebate Amount: _____________________________
Applicant Signature: ____________________City Signature: __________________
VIII.INSURANCE
a.During the entire period in which work on the Project is performed until termination of
the Declaration,the Participant shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect
during said period the following insurance policies:(i)Comprehensive General
Liability Insurance in a general aggregate amount of not less than one million dollars
($1,000,000),$1,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate,and
$1,000,000 each occurrence and including;(ii)Automobile Insurance,maintained in
full force and effect in an amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000)per
accident;
b.The Comprehensive General Liability Insurance and Automobile Insurance policies
shall name the City of Evanston,and their respective elected officials,officers,
employees, agents, and representatives as additional insured.
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c.All deductibles on any policy shall be the responsibility of the primary holder of such
policy and shall not be the responsibility of the City of Evanston.
d.Participant shall provide evidence of required insurance to the City Manager before
execution of this Agreement.
IX.OBLIGATION TO REFRAIN FROM DISCRIMINATION
a.Participant covenants and agrees for itself,its successors and its assigns to the
Property,or any part thereof,that it will not discriminate against any employee or
applicant for employment because of race,color,religion,sex,sexual orientation,
marital status,national origin or ancestry,or age or physical or mental disabilities
that do not impair ability to work,and further that it will examine all job classifications
to determine if minority persons or women are underutilized and will take appropriate
affirmative action to rectify any such underutilization.
b.That,if it hires additional employees in order to perform this contract,or any portion
hereof,it will determine the availability of minorities and women in the area(s)from
which it may reasonably recruit and it will hire for each job classification for which
employees are hired in such a way that minorities and women are not underutilized.
c.That,in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by it or on its behalf,
it will state that all Participants will be afforded equal opportunity without
discrimination because of race,color,religion,sex,sexual orientation,marital status,
national origin, ancestry, or disability.
X.NO AGENCY CREATED
The Participant and any contractor,supplier,vendor or any third party hired by Participant to
complete the Project are not agents of the City.Any provisions of this Agreement that may
appear to give the City any right to direct the Participant concerning the details of the
obligations under this Agreement,or to exercise any control over such obligations,shall
mean only that the Participant shall follow the direction of the City concerning the end
results of the obligations.
XI.OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
All documents,including,without limitation,designs,plans,bids,bills and receipts,prepared
and submitted to the City pursuant to this Agreement (including any duplicate copies)shall
be the property of the City.The City’s ownership of these documents includes use of,
reproduction or reuse of and all incidental rights thereto.
XII.INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS
To the maximum extent permitted by law,the Participant agrees to and shall defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the City,and their respective officers,officials,employees,
contractors and agents from and against all claims,liability,loss,damage,costs or
expenses (including expert witness fees,reasonable attorneys’fees,and court costs)
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arising from or as a result of the death of any person or any accident,injury,loss or damage
whatsoever caused to any person or the property of any person resulting or arising from or
in any way connected with the following,provided Participant shall not be responsible for
(and such indemnity shall not apply to)any negligence or willful misconduct of the City,or
their respective officers, officials, active employees, contractors or agents:
a.The development,construction,marketing,use or operation of the Property by the
Participant,its officers,contractors,subcontractors,agents,employees or other
persons acting on Participant’s behalf [Indemnifying Parties];
b.The displacement or relocation of any person from the Property as the result of the
development of the Project on the Property by the Indemnifying Parties;
c.Any plans or designs for the Project prepared by or on behalf of Participant including,
without limitation, any errors or omissions with respect to such plans or designs;
d.Any loss or damage to the City resulting from any inaccuracy in or breach of any
representation or warranty of Participant,or resulting from any breach or default by
Participant, under this Agreement; and
e.Any and all actions,claims,damages,injuries,challenges and/or costs or liabilities
arising from the approval of any and all entitlements or permits for the improvements
by the City, and their respective officers, officials, employees, contractors or agents.
The foregoing indemnity shall continue to remain in effect after the Completion Date or after
the earlier termination of this Agreement, as the case may be.
XIII.DUTY TO DEFEND
The Participant further agrees that the hold harmless agreement in Article XII,and the duty
to defend the City,and their respective officers,officials,employees,contractors and
agents,require the Participant to pay any costs that the City may incur which are associated
with enforcing the hold harmless provisions,and defending any claims arising from
obligations or services under this Agreement.If the City chooses at its own election to
conduct its own defense,participate in its own defense,or obtain independent legal counsel
in defense of any claim related to obligations or services under this Agreement,the
Participant agrees to pay the City’s attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and all costs.
XIV.COMPLIANCE WITH LAW
The Participant agrees to comply with all the requirements now in force,or which may
hereafter be in force,of all municipal,county,state and federal authorities,pertaining to the
development and use of the Property and construction of the Project,as well as operations
conducted on the Property.The City Manager or his/her designee will not issue any Rebate
to the Participant if there is in violation of any law,ordinance,code,regulation,permit or
Program Guideline.
XV.TERMINATION
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If Participant shall fail to cure any Event of Default upon notice and within the time for cure
provided for in XVII below,the City may,by written notice to the Participant,terminate this
Agreement.Such termination shall trigger the “Repayment of Pro Rata Share of Rebate
defined in XVII.
Participant may not terminate this Agreement without the express written consent of City.
XVI.NOTICES
All notices permitted or required hereunder must be in writing and shall be effected by (i)
personal delivery,(ii)first class mail,registered or certified,postage fully prepaid,or (iii)
reputable same-day or overnight delivery service that provides a receipt showing date and
time of delivery,addressed to the following parties,or to such other address as any party
may, from time to time, designate in writing in the manner as provided herein:
To City:City of Evanston
Economic Development Division
2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Email: economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org
To Participant:_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Phone No.: ______________________
Email:__________________________
Attention: _______________________
Any written notice, demand or communication shall be deemed received immediately if
personally delivered or delivered by delivery service to the addresses above, and shall be
deemed received on the third day from the date it is postmarked if delivered by registered or
certified mail.
XVII.DEFAULT; REMEDIES; DISPUTE RESOLUTION
a.Notice of Default.
In the event of failure by either party hereto substantially to perform any material
term or provision of this Agreement,the non-defaulting party shall have those rights
and remedies provided herein,provided that such non-defaulting party has first
provided to the defaulting party a written notice of default in the manner required by
Article XVI hereof identifying with specificity the nature of the alleged default and the
manner in which said default may be satisfactorily be cured.
b.Cure of Default
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Upon the receipt of the notice of default,the alleged defaulting party shall promptly
commence to cure,correct,or remedy such default within such thirty (30)day period,
and shall continuously and diligently prosecute such cure,correction or remedy to
completion.For purposes of this Agreement,“business days”shall refer to Monday
through Friday,inclusive,other than State,Federal,or other locally declared
holidays.
c.City Remedies; Repayment of Pro Rata Share of Rebate.
In the event of a default by Participant of the terms of this Agreement that has not
been cured within the timeframe set forth in Paragraph B above,the City,at its
option,may terminate this Agreement or may institute legal action in law or in equity
to cure,correct,or remedy such default,enjoin any threatened or attempted
violation,or enforce the terms of this Agreement.In the event of a default by
Participant that occurs after the City has disbursed the Rebate,the “Pro Rata
Repayment Amount”and interest,at the rate of three percent (3%)per annum,
commencing on the date City disbursed the Rebate to Participant,shall become
immediately due and payable.The rate of interest applicable to periods of default for
the defaults set forth in this paragraph shall be calculated at the lesser of three
percent (%)per annum or the maximum legal rate,and shall accrue as of the date
such payment was originally due.
The “Pro Rata Repayment Amount”shall be the amount obtained by multiplying the
original Rebate amount times the percentage obtained by dividing the number of
months remaining in the five (5)year covenant period that commences on the month
the Declaration is recorded,and ends on the 5th anniversary (the “Covenant Period”)
by 60,which is the total number of months in the Covenant Period (12 months x 5
years).For example,if the amount of the Rebate is $15,000,and the breach occurs
after 3 years and two months (38 months),Participant shall repay $5,500 plus any
interest that has accrued during this time.
All payments shall be first credited to accrued interest,next to costs,charges,and
fees which may be owing from time to time,and then to principal.All payment shall
be made in lawful money of the United States.Payments shall be made to City at the
address set forth in Article XVI herein or at such other address as City may direct
pursuant to notice delivered to Participant in accordance with Article XVI.
d.Participant’s Exclusive Remedies.
The parties acknowledge that the City would not have entered into this Agreement if
it were to be liable in damages under,or with respect to,this Agreement or any of the
matters referred to herein,including the Project,except as provided in this Article.
Accordingly,Participant shall not be entitled to damages or monetary relief for any
breach of this Agreement by the City or arising out of or connected with any dispute,
controversy,or issue between Participant and the City regarding this Agreement or
any of the matters referred to herein,the parties agreeing that declaratory and
injunctive relief,mandate,and specific performance shall be Participant’s sole and
exclusive judicial remedies.
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XVIII.APPLICABLE LAW
The internal laws of the State of Illinois without regard to principles of conflicts of law shall
govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement.
XIX.CONFLICT OF INTEREST
a.No member,official,or employee of the City shall have any personal interest,direct
or indirect,in this Agreement,nor shall any such member,official,or employee
participate in any decision relating to the Agreement which affects his/her personal
interests or the interests of any corporation,partnership,or association in which
he/she is, directly or indirectly, interested.
b.The Participant warrants that it has not paid or given,and will not pay or give,any
third person any money or other consideration for obtaining this Agreement.
XX.NON-LIABILITY OF CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
No member,official,agent,legal counsel or employee of the City shall be personally liable
to the Participant,or any successor in interest in the event of any default or breach by the
City or for any amount which may become due to Participant or successor or on any
obligation under the terms of this Agreement.
XXI.BINDING EFFECT
This Agreement,and the terms,provisions,promises,covenants and conditions hereof,
shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
XXII.AUTHORITY TO SIGN
The Participant hereby represents that the persons executing this Agreement on behalf of
Participant have full authority to do so and to bind Participant to perform pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.
XXIII.COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed by each party on a separate signature page,and when
the executed signature pages are combined, shall constitute one single instrument.
XXIV.ENTIRE AGREEMENT, WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS
a.This Agreement and the Exhibits and references incorporated into this Agreement
express all understandings of the parties concerning the matters covered in this
Agreement.This Agreement integrates all of the terms and conditions mentioned
herein or incidental hereto,and supersedes all negotiations or previous agreements
between the parties with respect to all or any part of the subject matter hereof.
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b.All waivers of the provisions of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the
appropriate authorities of the City or the Participant,and all amendments hereto
must be in writing and signed by the appropriate authorities of the City and the
Participant.
XXV.NON-ASSIGNMENT
The Participant shall not assign the obligations under this Agreement,nor any monies due
or to become due,without the City Manager ’s prior written approval,and Participant and
Participant’s proposed assignee’s execution of an assignment and assumption agreement
in a form approved by the City.Any assignment in violation of this paragraph is grounds for
immediate termination of this Agreement,at the sole discretion of the City Manager.In no
event shall any putative assignment create a contractual relationship between the City,and
any putative assignee.
XXVI.NO WAIVER
No failure of either the City or the Participant to insist upon the strict performance by the
other of any covenant,term or condition of this Agreement,nor any failure to exercise any
right or remedy consequent upon a breach of any covenant,term,or condition of this
Agreement,shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or of such covenant,term or
condition.No waiver of any breach shall affect or alter this Agreement,and each and every
covenant, condition, and term hereof shall continue in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City, and the Participant have signed this Agreement as of the
dates set opposite their signatures.
”CITY”
Dated: ___________________________
By: ________________________________________ (signature)
Name: ______________________________________
Title: _______________________________________
“PARTICIPANT”
Dated: ___________________________
By: ________________________________________ (signature)
Name: _____________________________________
Title: ______________________________________
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f.Page 336 of 346
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit A – Legal Description of Property
2. Exhibit B – Declaration of Covenants Affecting Real Property (for projects approved for
$5,000 or more in forgivable loans only)
3. Exhibit C – Certification of Ownership and Consent
4. Exhibit D – Program Guidelines
Return this form to:
City of Evanston – City Manager’s Office
Economic Development Division
2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
For Official Use Only
Exhibit A: LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
(Attach behind this page)
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f.Page 337 of 346
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[EXHIBIT B]
This instrument was prepared by
And upon recording return to:
Economic Development Division
City of Evanston
2100 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
[RECORDING AREA]
DECLARATION OF COVENANTS AFFECTING REAL PROPERTY
THIS DECLARATION OF COVENANTS AFFECTING REAL PROPERTY
(“Declaration”) is entered into this _____ day of ____________________, _____ (“Effective
Date”), by and between the CITY OF EVANSTON, a public body corporate and politic
(“City”), and _____________________________ (“Participant”).
RECITALS:
A.Participant owns fee title to,or holds a valid leasehold interest in,that certain
improved real property located at __________________.in the City of Evanston,
County of Cook,State of Illinois (hereinafter referred to as the “Property”).The
property is improved with a commercial building currently used as
_________________.A legal description of the Property is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit “1”.
B.The Site is within the City of Evanston (“City”).
C.Participant has entered into a Storefront Modernization Program Agreement (the
“Program Agreement”)with the City,dated as of ______________________,20__,
concerning the “Project”(as defined in the Program Agreement),City’s provision to
provide the Participant a rebate in the amount of half of the total project cost not to
exceed ______________($_____),in the form of a loan,to assist Participant in
developing the Project (the “Rebate”),and related matters,which Program
Agreement is on file with the City as a public record and is incorporated herein by
reference.All defined terms used herein shall have the same meaning as in the
Program Agreement unless otherwise stated.
NOW,THEREFORE,in consideration of the foregoing Recitals,which are
incorporated herein by this reference,and for other valuable consideration,the sufficiency
of which is hereby acknowledged, City and Participant hereby agree as follows:
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1.Participant hereby covenants as follows, which covenants shall run with land and
shall be binding upon itself and its assigns, and each successor-in-interest to the
Property or any portion thereof:
a)To not transfer or encumber the Site or any portion thereof or assign any
of its rights or obligations hereunder,under the Program Agreement,or
under this Declaration without obtaining the prior written consent of the
City.
b)To maintain the insurance required pursuant to the provisions of Article
VIII of the Program Agreement.
c)To indemnify,defend,and hold the City,and their respective officers,
officials,members,employees,agents,and representatives (collectively,
the “City and City Personnel”),harmless from and against all liabilities,
losses,damages,costs and expenses,including reasonable attorney’s
fees,expert witness fees,and court costs (hereinafter,collectively,
“Claims”),arising from or as a result of the death or injury to any person or
any accident,injury,loss,or damage whatsoever caused to any person or
to the property of any person and which is caused by any acts or any
errors or omissions of Participant or any of its employees,agents,
servants,invitees,contractors,or subcontractors;provided,however,
Participant shall not be required to indemnify,defend,and hold harmless
the City if the Claim arises from or is caused in whole by active negligence
or willful misconduct of the City,or any of their employees,agents,
servants, invitees, contractors, or subcontractors
d)To not devote the Property to uses inconsistent with applicable laws,
rules, and regulations of any governmental agencies having jurisdiction.
e)To maintain the Property and all improvements including the
Improvements constructed as the Project,in first class condition and
repair and in accordance with all applicable laws,rules,ordinances,
orders,and regulations of all federal,state,county,municipal,and other
governmental agencies and bodies having jurisdiction and all their
respective departments,bureaus,and officials.Participant shall not permit
any accumulation of weeds,rubbish,or debris on the Property,and shall
promptly remove any graffiti or other defacement of the Property.
Participant shall not permit any unlawful use or public or private nuisance
to be maintained on the Site.
f)To repay the Rebate pursuant to the terms of Article XVII Paragraph C of
the Program Agreement,when such repayment is required under the
terms thereof.
g)That there shall be no discrimination against,or segregation of,any
persons,or group of persons,on any basis of race,color,religion,sex,
sexual orientation,marital status,national origin or ancestry,or age or
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f.Page 340 of 346
physical or mental disabilities that do not impair ability to work,and further
that it will examine all job classifications to determine if minority persons
or women are underutilized and will take appropriate affirmative action to
rectify any such underutilization.
h)That,if the Participant hires additional employees in order to perform this
contract,or any portion hereof,it will determine the availability of
minorities and women in the area(s)from which it may reasonably recruit
and it will hire for each job classification for which employees are hired in
such a way that minorities and women are not underutilized.
i)That,in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by it or on
its behalf,it will state that all Participants will be afforded equal opportunity
without discrimination because of race,color,religion,sex,sexual
orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, or disability.
2.All of the covenants,easements,agreements,conditions and restrictions contained
herein,whether affirmative or negative:(a)are made for the direct benefit of the
Benefited Property;(b)are covenants running with the land;(c)are appurtenant to
and shall not be conveyed or otherwise transferred separately from the Benefited
Property,or the Site;and (d)bind and inure to the burden or benefit,as the case
may be,of the respective heirs,personal representatives,successors and assigns of
the parties hereto,including,without limitation,successive owners of all or any
portion of, respectively, the Benefited Public Property and the Site.
3.The covenants and agreements established in this Declaration shall,without regard
to technical classification and designation,be binding on Participant for the benefit of
and in favor of the City,regardless of whether the City own or hold any interest in
real property butting or adjacent to the Site or within the Project Area.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein,neither Participant
nor any assign or successor-in-interest to the Site shall have any liability or
responsibility for the breach of any covenant or agreement contained herein by any
other assign or successor-in-interest to the Property that would constitute a breach
or violation of the provisions hereof.At the termination of the Program Agreement,
Participant may request that the City release the covenants set forth herein.The
decision whether to release said covenants shall remain in the sole discretion of the
City, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
[end - signature page follows]
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f.Page 341 of 346
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City and Participant have entered into this Declaration as of the
Effective Date.
(“City” )
CITY OF EVANSTON, an Illinois Municipal Corporation
By: __________________________________
Its: City Manager
Dated: _______________________________
(“Participant”)
______________________________________ (signature)
By: __________________________________
Its: __________________________________
Dated: ______________________________
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f.Page 342 of 346
State of Illinois )
County of Cook )
On _________________________,before me,
___________________________(insert name and title of the officer)Notary Public,
personally appeared __________________________,who proved to me on the basis of
satisfactory evidence to be the person(s)whose name(s)is/are subscribed to the within
instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their
authorized capacity(ies),and that by his/her/their signature(s)on the instrument the
person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of Illinois that the
forgoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature________________________________(Seal)
State of Illinois )
County of Cook )
On _________________________,before
me,_______________________________(insert name and title of the officer)Notary
Public,personally appeared ___________________________,who proved to me on the
basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s)whose name(s)is/are subscribed to the
within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in
his/her/their authorized capacity(ies),and that by his/her/their signature(s)on the instrument
the person(s),or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)acted,executed the
instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of Illinois that the
forgoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature________________________________(Seal)
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Owner Consent to Declaration
CONSENT TO RECORDATION
______________________________(owner of the fee interest in the real property legally
described in Exhibit “A”hereto,consents to the recordation of the foregoing Declaration of
Covenants Affecting Real Property against said real property and agrees to be bound by the
terms thereof applicable to the participant.
Dated:___________________________
__________________________________________(signature)
By:________________________________________
State of Illinois )
County of Cook )
On___________________________________,before me,
_________________________________(insert name and title of the officer),Notary
Public,personally appeared_______________________,who proved to me on the basis of
satisfactory evidence to be the person(s)whose names(s)is/are subscribed to the within
instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their
authorized capacity(ies),and that by his/her/their signature(s)on the instrument of the
person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of Illinois that the
foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature______________________________________________(Seal)
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EXHIBIT C: CERTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP AND CONSENT
This CERTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP AND CONSENT (this “Consent”)is executed by
the undersigned (“Owner”) at the request of ____________________________ (“Tenant”).
1.Owner is the owner in fee of that certain real property located at _____________,in
the City of Evanston, County of Cook, State of Illinois (the “Property”).
2.The Property is improved with a building (the “Building”).The Property is currently
leased to __________________, who operates a business thereon (the “Tenant”).
3.The Tenant has submitted an Application to the City of Evanston (the “City”)pursuant
to the City’s Storefront Modernization Program (the “Program”)for a rebate in
connection with certain improvements the Tenant contemplates making to the
Building (the “Improvements”).
4.The Tenant has entered into a Program Agreement with the City that sets out the
terms and conditions of the Program,and includes the Program Guidelines.
Pursuant to the Program Agreement if the Tenant completes construction of the
Improvements within ninety (90)days after the date of the Program Agreement,and
satisfies certain other requirements set forth therein,the Tenant will be eligible for a
rebate (the “Rebate”).The Rebate will be in the form of a loan,the repayment of
which will be forgiven if the Tenant maintains and does not alter or remove the
Improvements for a period of five (5) years from the Tenant’s receipt of the Rebate.
5.If the Tenant sells the business without obtaining the prior written consent of the City
and/or fails to maintain or alters or removes the Improvements before the close of
the five (5)year period referenced above,the Tenant will be required to repay a
prorata share of the Rebate.
6.One of the City’s conditions to providing the Rebate to the Tenant is that a
Declaration of Covenants Affecting Real Property is recorded against the Property
which imposes certain maintenance and other requirements on the Property (the
“Declaration”).This condition pertains to projects receiving a forgivable loan of
$5,000 or more.
Owner now wishes to provide its written consent to all of the foregoing.
NOW THEREFORE,in consideration of the foregoing Recitals,which are
incorporated herein by this reference,and for other valuable consideration,the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Owner hereby declares as follows:
1.Owner hereby consents to all of the following:
a.Tenant’s execution of the Program Agreement and participation in the Program.
b.Tenant’s construction of the Improvements.
c.The recordation against the Property of the Declaration,which Owner hereby
agrees to execute,with signature(s)acknowledged,and deliver to the City when
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f.Page 345 of 346
requested by the Tenant.This condition pertains to projects receiving a
forgivable loan of $5,000 or more.
2.The person or persons executing this Consent on behalf of Owner is fully
empowered to do so and in so doing binds Owner according to the terms hereof.
3.Owner acknowledges that Tenant and City are relying upon the provisions of this
Consent and that the City would not agree to provide the Rebate to Tenant without
this Consent.
4.City is a third party beneficiary to this Consent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Owner has executed this Consent as of ___________________
(date).
“OWNER”
By: ______________________________
(signature)
Its: ______________________________
By: ______________________________
(signature)
Its: ______________________________
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