Rezoning for a Better Evanston is a group dedicated to making Evanston a more equitable and inclusive city. Our mission is to legalize multi-unit housing in all residential districts.
Why is this so important? Right now, Evanston is segregated by both race and income. Our current zoning laws prevent the creation of more diverse and affordable housing options, which has contributed to a significant decline in our Black population. Since 2000, the percentage of Black residents has dropped from 22.5% to 14.8%. We believe that everyone who works in Evanston should be able to live here, including moderate- and middle-income professionals like teachers, police officers, firefighters, and city workers, many of whom are currently forced to drive long distances just to get to their jobs.
By allowing multi-unit housing, we can provide the housing options needed to slow the outmigration of Black residents and welcome a wider range of neighbors. We’re working to build an Evanston that is more equitable and accessible for everyone.
How We Got Started
RBE’s president and vice president discovered their shared commitment to racial equity when they met in the fall of 2024 at one of Joining Forces for Affordable Housing’s training sessions for people wanting to help shape the priorities of Envision Evanston 2045. Roger and Frank believe that Evanston’s zoning policies continue to segregate the city along the lines of race and income. They decided to collaborate to work to eliminate exclusionary zoning and stem the ongoing loss of the city’s Black population due to a lack of affordable housing.
Our Board of Directors
- Roger Williams, President & Treasurer
- Frank Hill, Vice President
- Julie Englander, Secretary
Evanston Special
City Council Meeting
Public Comments –
Roger Williams, Frank Hill
July 30, 2025