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Editor’s note: This article will be updated as new information is made available.
Evanston community members can soon vote in the city’s pilot Participatory Budgeting program, allowing them to choose how to allocate $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The city began planning its pilot for Participatory Budgeting, referred to in shorthand as “PB,” in December 2021, when the City Council set aside the $3 million and created a committee to oversee the process. More details on how the system works in general can be found in the RoundTable’s 101 guide, the city’s Participatory Budgeting rulebook and the website PB Evanston, a Northwestern-based group contracted by the city to administer the process.
Voting will be open online and in-person at locations around Evanston throughout September. Details on who is eligible to vote, where and how voting will happen, how winning projects will be selected and more will be covered in the RoundTable’s separate PB voting guide, which will publish on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
This ballot guide will provide details on each project on the ballot, as well as how they were selected and developed into full proposals.
Genesis of program
Two groups were responsible for creating the projects on the ballot: first the general public and then volunteers called “budget delegates.”
PB Evanston volunteers canvassed the public for ideas at community events like the Family Fun Fest and the mayor’s State of the City address, and held 10 idea-collection assemblies from November 2022 to February 2023. They collected around 1,300 different ideas, while also recruiting new volunteers to serve as budget delegates in the next phase.
Once idea collection was finished, budget delegates selected viable ideas and developed them into full project proposals. These delegates were organized into 12 subject committees focused on projects in a specific area – such as housing or economic development – or a demographic group – for example seniors or African and Caribbean immigrants.
The delegates worked with city staff from February through August 2023, narrowing the original 1,300 ideas into a ballot of 20 fully developed project proposals.
How ideas were selected
In the first round of proposal development, budget delegates filtered out ideas that were unclear, already addressed by city programs or failed to generate interest among the delegates. They also screened out ideas that didn’t meet ARPA’S eligibility criteria, which broadly require projects to respond to the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or fit other specific areas
From there, delegates worked with city staff to narrow the ideas further based on cost, timeframe, feasibility and community need. The delegates eventually arrived at the 20 proposals that appear on the final ballot, with price tags ranging from $50,000 to $2.5 million.
The way voting will work
Each person can vote for between one and seven projects out of the 20 on the ballot. Voters don’t need to run the numbers and make picks to fit the $3 million budget; just pick the projects you like best.
Once voting is done, winning projects will be selected based on the number of votes and their price tags. More details will be available in the RoundTable’s PB voting guide.
Matt Ouren, the city’s Participatory Budgeting manager, said voters should keep in mind that the ARPA funds are a one-time-only source, and some winning projects will need city funding beyond this PB cycle to continue.
“Once all of the allotted funding is used for a chosen proposal, the program may end,” Ouren told the RoundTable via email. “There is no guarantee that future funding will be allocated by the City to continue programs. Some proposals provide funding for three years; however, ARPA regulations require all funds to be spent by December 2026.”
Participatory Budget ballot
Projects are listed in the order they appear on the official ballot used for in-person voting. In online voting, they will appear in a random order. Each project is listed with its price tag, the budget delegate committee that developed it, the city office(s) that would likely administer it and a description provided by the delegates.
Delegates will provide more details about each proposal at two project expos, one on Sunday, Sept. 10 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center and another on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Levy Senior Center, both from 2 to 5 p.m.
Rental and Utility Assistance
– Price tag: $747,000
– Developed by: Housing Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Community Development Department
Project description: “The City of Evanston would increase the size of current rental assistance programs to provide more comprehensive coverage. This program would cover 100% of rent and utility costs. The program would also reform the structure of current rent assistance programs, having a direct application tenants will be able to fill out to request assistance instead of having to wait until they have missed several months’ worth of rental payments to receive support. Over time, the assistance will decrease to help beneficiaries sustainably afford their rent.”
Low-Income Ambassadors for Evanston Families
– Price tag: $220,000
– Developed by: Spanish-Speaking Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): Undetermined
Project description: “To ensure that existing programs as well as programs created by participatory budgeting are utilized by marginalized communities, this proposal would create an ambassador outreach plan made of existing low-income community leaders. Specifically, 10-15 low-income Evanston leaders would be hired and trained as ambassadors who would go door-to-door in marginalized communities as well as community events. By utilizing low-income parent leaders who are able to create relationships within their community, this outreach would ensure that marginalized communities are aware of the programs in Evanston being offered.”
Mental Health First Aid Training
– Price tag: $50,000
– Developed by: Health & Families Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Health and Human Services Department
Project description: “Mental health first aid training (MHFA) is a potential preventative solution to address increasing mental health concerns that arose throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this training, public service employees will be better equipped to respond to mental health challenges with greater care, knowledge, and experience. This budget will be able to train approximately 700 people”
Affordable Refugee Housing
– Price tag: $645,000
– Developed by: African/Caribbean Immigrant Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): Community Development Department; Health and Human Services Department
Project description: “This proposal provides funding under ARPA guidelines to 501(c)(3) organizations that support the migrant housing crisis. Specifically, addressing housing assistance to migrant Evanston residents that are disproportionately underserved due to language and cultural barriers and anti-Black sentiments. Efforts will go towards adding additional languages to assist this community to obtain housing. This proposal includes supporting housing services to Evanston citizens with refugee status, asylum-seekers, and grantees of Temporary Protected Status (TPS).”
Grants/Incentives for Activities & Education Support for Marginalized Students in Grades 3-12
– Price tag: $700,000
– Developed by: Education & Arts Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
Project description: “This proposal will improve positive student outcomes by providing grants and incentives to provide access to and encourage the participation of racially marginalized students in activities in Evanston and close the achievement/opportunity gap that has existed for decades. This proposal supports students in grades 3-12. Grants will be provided for students in grades 3-8 for after-school programming and summer camps. It will fund incentives for students in grades 9-12 that utilize resources to assist them in developing post-high school planning. Two community outreach individuals will be hired to serve as liaisons for residents so they are aware of available opportunities.”
African/Caribbean Resource Center
– Price tag: $628,500
– Developed by: African/Caribbean Immigrant Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): Community Development Department
Project description: “The African/Caribbean Diaspora Cultural and Resource Center is a one-stop location to provide wrap-around services. It bridges the gap between racially marginalized immigrants, by creating a safe space for individuals from different parts of the African and Caribbean diaspora to come together and share the similarities and differences of their cultures amongst themselves and the Evanston community. It will serve as the liaison for all people, servicing their needs, including partnerships with organizations that service this demographic. This proposal also includes a partnership with Shorefront Legacy Center to develop an archive on the experiences and contributions of Black immigrants in Evanston.”
Equitable Transit Fares
– Price tag: $700,000
– Developed by: Transportation Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department; City Manager’s Office; Sustainability Division
Project description: “This proposal aims to: (a) reduce the cost of transportation to low-income residents of Evanston, (b) encourage these users to incorporate more public transit into meeting their transportation needs, (c) strengthen Evanston’s participation in the RTA’s Free Transit Initiative and (d) serve as a pilot for expansion to other Evanstonians. These goals will be accomplished by designing and delivering a program for Evanton’s low-income residents that provides discounted fare prices. This proposal is for 2 years of funding.”
Evanston Urban Farm
– Price tag: $350,000
– Developed by: Environment & Food Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department; Sustainability Division
Project description: “After the pandemic demonstrated the problems with the food supply chain, let’s double down on proven small community garden efforts to create a one-acre urban farm, Evanston Farms, that sustainably grows four-season hyper-local vegetables as well as fruit and nut-tree orchards. The healthy, nutritious food grown here can be distributed free or at a low cost to food-insecure households and communities and eventually can become self-funding.”
Affordable Housing Subsidy
– Price tag: $810,000
– Developed by: Housing Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Community Development Department
Project description: “The City of Evanston would subsidize owner-occupied apartment landlords to reduce rental prices and promote housing affordability across Evanston. Households will also receive supportive services to help them sustainably afford the property they are renting once the funding runs out. This proposal would hope to support approximately 15 households for up to 3 years.”
Youth and Young Adult Drop-In Center
– Price tag: $210,000
– Developed by: Youth and Young Adult Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): Public Works Agency; Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
Project description: “There is a heightened need to create safe spaces for at-risk youth in the City of Evanston, not only for safety for the youth but for recreation and environments in which they are able to study in peace and quiet, increase their skills by way of workforce development and expand their knowledge of diverse S.T.E.A.M.-focused subjects. This proposal will assist approximately 500-1,000 pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults who will participate in structured programs. If funded, the proposal will make improvements to the drop-in center, and provide funding for team building, and mental and physical health retreats.”
Mobile Dental Van
– Price tag: $2,500,000
– Developed by: Health and Families Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Health and Human Services Department
Project description: “The Evanston Mobile Dental Van (EMDV) project will service the entire Evanston area, especially the 5th Ward. Services will include cleaning, screening, X-rays, sealants, dentures, extractions, and more. The EMDV would have three (3) to six (6) operative chairs, basin sinks, and typical dental equipment seen at a private practice. The van may include dental working space; X-ray facilities; a sterilization system; and computer for processing claims, updating medical records, and scheduling appointments. Both scheduled appointments (priority) and walk-ins would be welcomed. This proposal is for a 2-year pilot program.”
foresTREE Internships
– Price tag: $293,000
– Developed by: Environment and Food Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Workforce Development Division; Forestry Division; Sustainability Division
Project description: “foresTREE interns will be trained in the latest tree-care procedures and equipped to help make Evanston a more resilient, greener, climate-ready community. They will develop skills, learn about career opportunities in the growing field of green jobs, and develop a sense of environmental stewardship. This two-year project supports development of foresTREE interns as a program coordinated with the Workforce Development, and Forestry departments. Teams will attend workshops, become certified, and learn more about trees and the green industry in general.”
Small-Business Incubator
– Price tag: $495,000
– Developed by: Economic Development Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): City Manager’s Office; Economic Development Division
Project description: “An Evanston-owned small business incubator is a place where entrepreneurs with sustainable business models, but who lack resources can implement their ideas. The program’s goals are to increase Evanston resident-owned small businesses, increase commercial activity, and increase new businesses’ ability to survive beyond one year. The incubator will provide an avenue for vetted residents, especially those with socioeconomic barriers, to learn how to bring their business ideas to life. The social benefits of this program are economic self-sufficiency, innovation, and new offerings in the Evanston marketspace.”
Senior Transportation Assistance
– Price tag: $225,000
– Developed by: Seniors Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
Project description: “The City of Evanston currently has a subsidized transportation card where seniors are able to load money onto a transportation debit card and the City will match their contribution. This proposal would use ARPA funds to increase the amount of money available to seniors and decrease the amount they need to pay. If seniors load at least $25 onto the transportation debit card, they would have access to an additional $150 benefit from a combination of City Funds and ARPA funds. In total, qualifying seniors would have $175 between their contribution and the City’s contribution to use to cover taxi fees.”
Teen Parent Entrepreneurial Program
– Price tag: $300,000
– Developed by: Community Building Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
Project description: “The Empowered Parents program is a comprehensive entrepreneurial program designed specifically for teen parents who aspire to build successful businesses while effectively managing their parental responsibilities. By providing a nurturing environment, comprehensive education, and a strong support system, the Empowered Parents program aims to equip teen parents with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed as entrepreneurs while fulfilling their parental responsibilities and building a prosperous future for themselves and their children. This proposal provided funding for one year.”
Asian American Art and Cultural Center
– Price tag: $690,000
– Developed by: Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander (ASPA) Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): City Manager’s Office; Economic Development Division
Project description: “Help fund a community center that is dedicated to the research, preservation, celebration and creation of Asian American history, art and culture! This center will support our Asian American community (10% of Evanstonians!) by focusing on the diversity of the Asian diaspora and intersectional identities, and serving as a point of connection to outside mental health, immigration, translation, legal and social services. Programming will offer cultural experiences for the whole community, and raise awareness, education and engagement in Asian cultures through visual, musical, performance, language and culinary arts. Funding is for 3-year support to establish a location and ensure sustainability.”
Bike Vouchers
– Price tag: $680,000
– Developed by: Transportation Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): City Manager’s Office; Sustainability Division
Project description: “This proposal describes a new pilot program administered through the City of Evanston to provide residents with vouchers to purchase or service bicycles. Expanding bike ownership will help meet unmet transportation needs in less walkable wards, provide residents with proven environmental, health, and safety benefits, and promote active transit to mitigate climate change. This project can be implemented through local Evanston bike shops through an invoicing process run by City of Evanston staff. Other programs e.g. those in Denver, CO, provide similar vouchers.”
Small Business Grants
– Price tag: $150,000
– Developed by: Economic Development Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): City Manager’s Office; Economic Development Division
Project description: “Grants of $14,500 will be made available to 10 small businesses in Evanston. Small businesses in Evanston can apply for grants and receive ARPA funds if they qualify. These funds would support the growth and sustainability of local small businesses, especially those still recovering from the hardships of the pandemic.”
Community Events Fund
– Price tag: $230,000
– Developed by: Community Building Issue Committee
– Likely city office(s): Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
Project description: “The Community Events Fund would provide financial support for community-building events in Evanston for one year. Application for the fund would be available through the City of Evanston website where organizers can also request to have information about the different services accessible in Evanston at their event. This fund will not only help rebuild the community in the city, but it will also make community building through event planning more accessible to lower-income residents who see funds as a barrier.”
Roller-Skating Project
– Price tag: $530,000
– Developed by: Youth and Young Adult Affinity Committee
– Likely city office(s): Public Works Agency; Parks Recreation & Community Services Department
Project description: “To enable roller-skating, this proposal will be to purchase new roller skates for rental purposes and replace the gymnasium floor at Fleetwood-Jourdain, because the current floor is not conducive to all activities. A new multi-purpose gymnasium floor would truly allow everyone in Evanston to utilize the gym at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center to its full capacity. If successful, this proposal will assist approximately 500-1,000 pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, and families to participate in physical activities, as well as intergenerationally activities, and provide workforce development opportunities, and training in entrepreneurship for at-risk youth, young adults, and their families.”
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