Monday, September 16, 2024 | View in browser
City Receives the 2024 Strategic Plan Award from the American Planning Association Illinois Chapter
 EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston has been awarded the Strategic Plan Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-IL) as part of its 2024 Project Awards. Out of 24 nominations recognizing outstanding examples of planning across the state, Evanston was selected for its One Howard Street Economic Recovery Plan, an inter-municipal initiative designed to revitalize the Howard Street business corridor. The plan is the result of a collaboration between the City of Evanston and the Rogers Park Business Alliance, with MUSE Community + Design contracted to lead its development.
The visionary One Howard Street Plan, which was adopted by the Evanston City Council in February, focuses on the 1.25-mile business corridor that straddles the border between Evanston and Chicago. It is centered around achievable strategies that prioritize pedestrian-friendly spaces and anti-displacement measures while emphasizing the importance of honoring human dignity, social cohesion, and fostering a sense of belonging in the community.
The APA-IL Award Committee stated “One Howard is very focused on the “now,” and lots of “easy” first steps that will lead the way for future development and growth. The public engagement features in One Howard Street’s planning process felt like the authors truly cared about the community. They seemed to get a lot of feedback on their engagement and surveys, and it was great to see youth input being actively sought out. One Howard does a great job of bringing people and human experience back into the focus of a planner's job.”
"We are incredibly proud of the One Howard Street Economic Recovery Plan and the recognition from APA-IL," said Economic Development Manager Paul Zalmazek. "This award affirms our commitment to creating a community-driven plan that respects the diverse history and potential of Howard Street while prioritizing those who live, work, and shop here today."
Key features of the plan
-
Anti-Displacement Recommendations: Strategies to ensure that current residents and businesses can continue to thrive without being forced out by rising costs.
-
Pedestrian-Focused Design: Prioritizing pedestrians and creating a welcoming environment for all who visit or live along the corridor.
-
Placemaking and Social Equity: Recommendations that celebrate the corridor's history and ensure a sense of belonging for all community members.
-
Public Engagement: Extensive community input, with a focus on capturing the voices of youth and other underrepresented groups.
For more information about the One Howard Street Economic Recovery Plan, visit the City’s webpage, call 847-448-4311, or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.
-END-
Media Contact:
Jessie Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041
|
