Evanston Pumps the Brakes on Upzoning — A Lesson for Chicago?

Evanston’s “Envision Evanston 2045” plan—a comprehensive citywide development and rezoning proposal—has hit the pause button after significant community feedback. Though Mayor Daniel Biss initially pushed for swift adoption, he ultimately backed the Land Use Commission’s recommendation to slow down the rezoning portion of the plan to allow for deeper community engagement.

This stands in stark contrast to Chicago’s approach on the Broadway Corridor. In neighborhoods like Edgewater, residents have criticized the city’s Broadway upzoning plan as rushed and top-down, with little room for public input. Unlike Chicago’s process, Evanston has hosted over 100 community meetings, reflecting a commitment to transparency and resident involvement.

The Evanston City Council responded to public concern by separating the city’s long-term planning goals from zoning changes—delaying the contentious rezoning vote until at least August.

📄 Read the full News-Star article Evanston slows down upzoning at residents’ urging, upzoning process vastly different from Chicago’s (Bob Zuley) - Mar.. 19, 2025 (pdf)