Housing & Community Development Committee Meeting 10-20-2026

The City of Evanston Housing & Community Development Committee met on October 20, 2026. Members approved a 2027 renewal of the landlord-tenant services agreement with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization and the Law Center for Better Housing, covering January 1 through December 31, 2027. The motion passed 4–0, with one abstention. Staff reported that 2026 authorization was up to $91,600, while projected spending was about $63,000; the 2027 proposal increases the basic scope by 42% in response to sharply higher hotline demand and includes a $28,255 allowance for additional services. The committee also reviewed the service report, which showed hotline calls rising from 385 to 724 year over year and increased use of text support.

The committee approved an expansion of the housing rehabilitation loan program for multifamily properties with 5–35 rental units. The program provides deferred loans of $50,000–$150,000 for critical repairs, with a goal of limiting assistance to $25,000 per affordable unit; members supported a 20-year repayment term and allowing an eligible new owner to assume an existing loan. Members also approved creating time-limited Housing for All advisory working groups, including groups addressing fair housing and renter protections, housing costs and assistance, and first-time homeownership. Public commenters raised concerns about equitable access to grants and assistance for small landlords, but no related funding award was considered or approved at the meeting.