Priorities

Transparency

Lead an "open book" administration with full transparency of all options being considered.

Culture

• Create a culture of inclusivity that actively seeks and incorporates resident input

• Reinforce upon City Council members their duty to question and thoroughly examine proposals

• Set clear expectations for City Council regarding fiscal responsibility and rigorous representation
   

Communications

• Modernize the city website for improved accessibility and effectiveness

• Implement a multi-channel communications plan using web and text messaging for broader outreach

• Hold quarterly resident listening sessions and attend monthly ward meetings

• Establish consistent metrics for measuring public engagement and satisfaction

• Create a direct communication channel from 311 to the mayor's office to monitor issues and trends.

• Develop procurement policies requiring full disclosure of proposals and pricing

​

​

Affordability

Address the widespread concern that Evanston is "too expensive" for many residents.
 

• Recognize that high taxes plus numerous fees for applications, licenses, permits, and fines create a regressive cost burden

• Conduct a study to determine the how pervasive the problem is at several income levels

• Control the city budget - the portion of property taxes we can directly influence

• Create a "rapid analysis" team to identify operational efficiencies across city departments

• Implement strict budget discipline with no overspending

• Establish a local "circuit breaker" program to reduce tax burden for long-term, low-income residents

Read my letter to Evanston's voter on Affordability​
 

​​

District 65

The current board has significant challenges in fulfilling its educational mission.

• Acknowledge District 65's significant impact on Evanston's tax structure

• Address how district finances and academic outcomes directly affect Evanston's attractiveness

• Establish mayoral consultation and collaboration with District 65 leadership

• Broker assistance for district reorganization, educational improvement, and minimizing impacts of financial decisions

• Revitalize the City/School Committee to achieve its chartered purpose including financial coordination

• Ensure regular meetings between city government and school boards focus on financial review and community concerns

• Have separate meeting nights for each school board and City Council

Read my letter to Evanston's voter on District 65

 

Envision Evanston

Acknowledge and support increasing resident engagement in the planning process.
 

• Reject blanket upzoning in favor of nuanced neighborhood-specific approaches

• Halt all current zoning code rewrites and dismiss any drafts written to date

• Release the complete compilation of original community input and Post-It notes

• Complete the Comprehensive Plan with robust public presentation and review periods

• Begin new zoning code development only after the Comprehensive Plan is finalized
   

​

Affordable Housing

Create and expand sustainable, permanent affordable housing solutions.
 

• Begin actually building affordable housing units

• Amend the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) to require minimum 5% on-site affordable units in all new developments

• Invest in mixed income/ability housing through community land trusts and low-equity cooperative housing models

• Explore and develop assistance programs including rent-to-own options, down payment support, and first/last month rent assistance

• Ensure that inspections of subsidized housing are up-to-date so we do not lose any existing affordable housing
   

Downtown & Economic Development

A vibrant downtown is essential to Evanston's brand and identity.  

​​​

• Coordinate with Parking staff to hold a one-day "parking summit" to resolve Evanston's parking challenges.

• Formalize a task force of staff, business owners, building owners, and resident experts to create a holistic downtown revitalization plan 

• Address reasons that deter visitors to downtown Evanston

• Develop branding and marketing strategies to attract new businesses

• Support existing businesses while incentivizing new ventures, particularly resident and minority-owned establishments

• Recognize and develop  the characteristics of downtown's distinct neighborhoods

The Arts​

• Leverage Evanston's visual, music, and theater arts to enhance downtown appeal

​
 

​Northwestern University Relationship

Recognize Northwestern as an integral community asset while pursuing a genuine partnership.

​

• Acknowledge the permanent, interdependent relationship between university and city

• Promote that a vibrant, stable Evanston benefits NU

• Approach negotiations with an open hand to establish authentic collaboration

• Attempt to move beyond transactional interactions toward meaningful partnership

• Ensure Evanston maximizes value from all university transactions when necessary

• Protect resident interests and community wellbeing in all university-related decisions

​​

​

Budget & Financial Priorities

Our budget reflects our values and priorities - it links all our priorities and requires strategic resource allocation.
 

• A top priority will be to revitalize our boards and commissions

• Financial accuracy is vital with Washington threats - we must track funds to maintain strong finances and protect vulnerable communities

• Use the budget as a precision management tool

• "Affordability" should be integrated across all budget decisions, not treated as a separate issue

• 2026 target: flat or slightly reduced budget to address affordability concerns

• Establish a rapid analysis team to identify potential reductions and efficiencies

• Create a simplified, consistent budget format for improved transparency and public review

Boards and Commissions 

Currently criticized as "slow," "not working," and "difficult to fill."
 

• Make it a top priority to revitalize existing boards and commissions

• Focus on filling all vacant positions

• Ensure full engagement of board/commission members

• Establish working groups under boards/commissions to improve effectiveness