The Issues: a bold, progressive city government
Public Safety
Everyone has a fundamental human right to live in safety. As our nation finally begins to reckon with the intertwined challenges of white supremacy and police misconduct, it is time for Evanston to commit to and realize a truly reimagined vision of shared safety for all, rather than security for some.
Climate & Sustainability
Sustainability and resource stewardship are among the oldest challenges that humans have come together to face collectively, and climate change is perhaps the most severe problem in human history. Evanston’s approach to this issue must reflect both the urgency of the moment and the need to come together to find just solutions.
Housing
Affordable housing is both a challenge that can threaten Evanston’s very identity and an opportunity that can define what kind of community we are. We have a number of different affordability problems, each of which is critical in its own way. We must solve them with a clear, strategic, long-term affordable housing plan that is rooted in the values of racial equity, anti-racism, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Equity & Transparency
Evanston’s city government must be organized around the principles of justice and public accountability. First, white supremacy and segregation are fundamental to Evanston’s history, so municipal government must take a leading role in dismantling institutional racism. Next, government must be transparent, accessible, and responsive to residents. Finally, elections must be fair and accessible to all.
COVID-19
Everyone is hurting as a result of this pandemic, whether it be from the heartache that comes from the loss of a loved one, the lingering physical consequences of this terrible disease, the loss of economic stability and opportunity, or the mental health consequences of isolation and anxiety. It is critical that the city continue its record of extremely clear communication with residents, while making decisions based on science. The longer this pandemic goes on, the harder it will be for the community to abide by restrictions, but the less we follow the rules, the longer it will take. We have to heal our wounds and come together as a community more strongly than ever before.
Budget
There’s no sugar-coating it: Evanston, like all municipalities, is experiencing budget challenges as a result of the COVID pandemic. As we navigate these challenges, we must stick to the following priorities. First of all, if cuts are necessary, make sure that we put people first, especially those who have been most harmed by the coronavirus. Second, in looking for new funds, we must be creative about finding progressive sources of revenue. Third, use our cultural and economic assets, education institutions (including Oakton Community College), and businesses to create economic activity that benefits Evanstonians and grows our tax base. Finally, we urgently need help from the federal government -- and Daniel will work tirelessly with our legislators in Congress to ensure our priorities are met.
Economic Development
Coming on the heels of a decades-long nationwide decline in bricks-and-mortar retail, the pandemic has had a devastating impact on Evanston businesses, leaving us with fewer jobs, a dwindling tax base, and unsightly vacancies. Additionally, our economic history is marked by inequity with an overwhelming majority of businesses owned by white people. Fortunately, our assets are uniquely suited to address this situation. As remote work becomes more common, our vibrant downtown with access to transit and real estate that’s far less expensive than Chicago’s Loop will become increasingly attractive to businesses looking for different and smaller office arrangements. We must move aggressively to take advantage of this opportunity while enacting specific policies to ensure racial equity in our recovery.