The City of Evanston is exploring environmental equity in the community.

The City contracted consulting team MKSK and subcontractors who specialize in urban planning, social and environmental issues, engagement, and community empowerment. The consulting team, together with City Staff and the Evanston Community, will lead the Environmental Equity Investigation.

Over the next year, this team will:

• Embrace the community in conversation and decision making.
• Document and define today’s environmental injustices.
• Create strategies for equity and restoration.
• Educate, promote, and foster environmental justice.

Get Involved!

Complete a short survey to share your story or follow the progress:

In English

En Espanol

• Volunteer as a leader. (Compensation provided.)
• Join a small group. (Compensation provided.)
• Attend workshops.
• Take online surveys.
• Receive updates.

What is Environmental Equity?

Environmental equity is removing unfair environmental burdens to enable all people the same opportunities for success and happiness.

• Physical settings
• Economic opportunities
• Community services

Physical Settings include:

• Housing types and options.
• Streets and transportation.
• Parks, open space, and trees.
• Water, soil, and air.

We will explore:

• Who is exposed to pollutants, hazards, or toxins that impact physical health?
• Do transportation systems make it easy or hard to get around?
• Does everyone have access to safe affordable homes? Parks?

Economic Opportunities include:

• Access to healthy food and goods.
• Access to safe, good-paying jobs.
• Access to quality education.
• Opportunities for homeownership and wealth-building.

We will explore:

• Does everyone have a grocery store nearby?
• Does everyone have access to good schools?
• Are there opportunities for all to buy a home?

Community Services include:

• Access to healthcare.
• Access to libraries and community centers.
• City services, such as: trash collection, snow plowing, street sweeping, and code enforcement.

We will explore:

• Does everyone have access to quality healthcare providers?
• Do libraries and communities centers serve everyone?
• Are streets maintained the same in all neighborhoods?