Exploring Environmental Equity: Investigative Team Probes Housing Issues in Evanston

On Tuesday, Evanston’s Environmental Equity Investigation team held its first listening session. They aim to provide the city with recommendations by September.

The focus of this investigation is to ensure every resident has equal access to health and safety opportunities. To gather more input, the team plans to host two additional listening sessions.

Brian Hurd, an investigative partner, mentioned they hope to draft a report by September that will suggest ways to enhance environmental equity in the city.

One key area of focus is homeownership. Hurd pointed out that property values can vary based on racial factors. He explained, “If your property is appraised at a certain value compared to your neighbor’s, it might be influenced by the color of your skin.” This discrepancy in property appraisals can affect tax assessments, impacting everyone in the community.

Cynthia Vargas, the city’s communication manager, noted that issues like lead paint, lead pipes, and mold are significant environmental hazards that contribute to inequality. These health risks highlight the connection between housing quality and environmental equity.

The investigative team collaborates with various community partners, including the Evanston Public Library, school districts, the Environmental Justice Coalition, and the Reparations Committee. Vargas emphasized that both the Reparations Housing Program and the investigation team see housing as a way to reduce environmental hazards and carbon emissions through better efficiency.

According to the city’s impact study, historical housing practices have resulted in environmental justice issues. For instance, Black communities were often zoned near large construction sites, leading to significant health disparities.

More than ten people participated in the recent session, and the next listening session is scheduled for April. This process is crucial in identifying and addressing long-standing inequalities in environmental health.

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Environment,Environmental Equity Investigation,reparations