CARP Implementation Task Force: Key Strategies for Council Outreach and National Environmental Initiatives in 2025

The Evanston Climate Action and Resilience Plan Implementation Task Force met recently to discuss its priorities for 2025. They talked about working with the City Council, the impact of upcoming local elections on environmental policies, and shifting national views on environmental issues.

At the start of the meeting, Matthew Cotter, co-chair of the Environment Board, revealed he would not seek a second term in April, creating an open position on the board.

As the conversation unfolded, members shared their concerns about the Envision Evanston 2045 plan and zoning codes. They expressed a desire to influence these plans before the Land Use Commission’s vote in February. James Cahan, a member of both the Task Force and the Environmental Board, emphasized that they needed more time to address important issues, including education and public health.

Jerri Garl, another task force member, stressed the necessity for stronger environmental input, especially after the previous federal administration rolled back many environmental protections. She argued that their feedback should highlight the critical role of local leadership in addressing climate change.

Members also discussed the influence of local advocacy in the upcoming council elections. Wendy Pollock pointed to the City Council’s unanimous declaration of a climate emergency in 2022 as a model for future actions. However, she expressed skepticism about whether a new council would follow through on similar commitments post-election.

Some members were frustrated by the recent Council decision to postpone the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, one of their key environmental initiatives. Paula Scholl discussed how the loss of federal environmental progress makes local actions even more vital. She believes that strong local policies could inspire nearby communities to adopt similar measures.

Given the disconnect between the Task Force’s objectives and City Council policies, many members called for a revision of the city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. This plan, established in 2018, aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

To strengthen their commitment to the plan and foster more environmental discussions within local policy, Task Force members advocated for more direct communication with city leaders, particularly regarding Envision Evanston.

“We need to focus on the critical points we want in these documents, understanding that they may not be perfect,” Cahan noted. “That’s how these processes work.”