Other Boards, Committees and Commissions:
Economic Development Committee
Nine-member Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters of business district redevelopment, including but not limited to the following:
- to review and make recommendations concerning all redevelopment proposals, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the sponsor of a rejected proposal from petitioning City Council directly;
- to use resource persons for assistance and advice on specific proposals for consideration by the Committee; and
- to gather and disseminate appropriate information regarding the economic vitality of the City.
Observer Report: Economic Dev– Aug 26, 2026
2025 Observer Reports: Economic Development
Housing & Community Development Committee
Duties and Responsibilities:
The 9-member Housing and Community Development Committee (HCDC) guides City policy on the use of federal entitlement funds and local resources to:
• Develop vibrant, welcoming, sustainable neighborhoods
• Improve housing, combat homelessness
• Maintain and expand housing affordability and diversity
• Support local businesses and job creation
• Revitalize public spaces (parks, community centers, and other community amenities)
The Committee oversees the City’s HUD Consolidated Plan that governs the use of CDBG, HOME and ESG funding, and the annual Action Plans and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports to implement programs and activities to achieve its goals.
Land Use Commission
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Land Use Commission is made up of nine volunteer community members. They help provide for planning future development and redevelopment; hear and decide major variations from provisions of the Zoning Ordinance; hear and decide appeals; and hear and make recommendations to the Planning and Development Committee and City Council on applications for certain major variations, all special use permits including planned developments, and applications for map amendments and text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Most land-use proposals, both major and minor, are required to go through the commission either for a final decision or a recommendation.
Observer Report: Land Use Comm– April 16, 2025
Evanston Public Library Board
Since 2014, EPL has been a city library with an independent, appointed Library Board, rather than a City department or a separate district. This model gives the Board municipal authority over Library policy, funds, and the Executive Director, while the City remains an essential partner for space and key support services. The City owns the main library building and the Crown branch building; the Library pays the City for some services (e.g., HR, IT, legal, facilities) by agreement.
The Library has an independent, appointed Library Board. The Mayor appoints Library Board Trustees with City Council advice and consent. The Evanston Public Library Board of Trustees is responsible for the Library’s overall governance and long-term stewardship. The Board helps set policy, provides financial oversight, oversees the Executive Director role, and ensures the Library stays true to its mission while serving the evolving needs of the Evanston community.
Observer Report: Library Board– Sept 2, 2026
Reparations Committee
Purpose: The City of Evanston’s reparations planning process began in June 2019 following the City Council’s adoption of a resolution affirming the City's commitment to end structural racism and achieve racial equity. The City Council’s Equity and Empowerment Commission held two community meetings to gather public input on reparations in July, and summarized input and recommendations in a report to the City Council. In September, the Council accepted the Equity and Empowerment Commission's report and authorized the creation of a City Council subcommittee to begin the planning process.
As of November 9, 2020, the new Reparations Committee expands the number of the members on the committee to include non-aldermanic members, along with updated roles and responsibilities that reflect the work being completed by the Reparations Subcommittee.
Observer Report: Reparations– March 5, 2026
2025 Observer Reports: Reparations
Social Services Committee
Purpose: The Social Services Committee is made up of 9 volunteer community members who make allocation recommendations for the use of federal Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") funds and City of Evanston Human Services funds to provide the following services:
- Holistic case management that enable households to thrive in our community
- Safety net services including, but not limited to, provision of food, domestic violence services, emergency shelter and street outreach
- Support services for low- and moderate-income Evanston residents including mental health care, child care, legal services, employment services, substance abuse counseling, etc.
Observer Report: Social Services– Sept 12, 2025
Utilities Commission
Purpose: To protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens, businesses and institutions of Evanston, it is necessary to participate in the planning and improvement of electrical, natural gas, telephone, water and sewer services in Evanston to insure reliable and competitive service. Members of the Commission will listen to citizens' concerns.
The Mayor appoints 7 commission members with the advice and consent of the City Council. In making appointments, the Mayor may consider an individual's engineering or finance experience and their familiarity with utilities industries and regulations. Members must be residents of the City or work in the City.
Observer Report: Utilities– May 15, 2026
2025 Observer Reports: Utilities