Rezoning for a Better Evanston (RBE) is a group dedicated to making Evanston a more equitable and inclusive city. Our mission is to legalize multi-unit housing, by right, across all residential districts in Evanston. We advocate for more affordable housing options for individuals and families across a wide range of income levels.
Why is this so important? Right now, Evanston’s current zoning laws segregate the city by race and income. They prevent the creation of more diverse and affordable housing options across the city. This has also contributed to a significant decline in Evanston’s Black population. Since 2000, the percentage of Black residents has dropped from 22.5% to 14.8%. In addition, moderate- and middle-income professionals like teachers, police officers, firefighters, and city workers often drive long distances just to get to their jobs. RBE believes that everyone who works in Evanston should be able to live in Evanston.
By legalizing multi-unit housing, Evanston can provide the housing options needed to slow the outmigration of Black residents and welcome a wider range of neighbors. RBE is working to build an Evanston that is more equitable and accessible for everyone.
What this does for Evanston Residents?
- Makes Evanston more equitable and inclusive by reducing racial and economic segregation. Right now, Evanston is both diverse and segregated.
- Slow the outmigration of Black residents from Evanston.
- Provides affordable “workforce” housing for moderate-middle income professionals like teachers, police officers and city workers.
- Reduce the property tax burden.
- Revitalize business in downtown Evanston.
- Provides affordable housing for low-income renters.
- Help reduce displacement of residents in Evanston’s 5th Ward.
- Repopulate Evanston Schools.
- Enable retired Evanston single family homeowners to Age in Place through the purchase of multi-unit housing in Evanston.
- Provides affordable housing for 1st Time Home Buyers.
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
Our Vision of a Fairer, More Affordable Evanston
Legalize multi-unit housing, by right, in all residential districts in Evanston. Create more affordable housing options for various income levels.
Evanston Special
City Council Meeting
Public Comments –
Roger Williams, Frank Hill
July 30, 2025