Many may associate rats with mid-summer or even deep winter, after spotting one hot-trotting across an alley after lunching on food scraps from an overflowing dumpster. But in fact, the […]
Author Archives: Bob Seidenberg
Bob Seidenberg is an award-winning reporter covering issues in Evanston for more than 30 years. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism.
Posted inCity News
City Council moves to get ahead of decades-long pension curve
Evanston City Council members voted Monday night to place funding of police and fire pensions on a 100% track, a step forward toward addressing one of the city’s biggest financial liabilities […]
Posted inCity News
Creating a new political map is a real balancing effort
Wards Eighth and Ninth sit next to each other on the southern edge of the city. Ward Eighth, with 8,845 people, according to the 2020 Census, weighs in at just above […]
Posted inBudgets
City Council wrestles with pension funding, possible property tax hike
Evanston City Council members may consider a small property tax increase to firm up the plan to fund police and fire pensions at 100% the actuarial required amount. Officials have estimated […]
Posted inCity News
Library statement acknowledges land’s Indigenous history
Evanston Public Library officials led off their regular board meeting at the main library Nov. 16 with a reading of a land acknowledgment statement, recognizing that Evanston and the library facilities are on the land of Indigenous people.
Posted inNorthwestern
NU study says stadium project will produce huge economic benefits for Evanston
The redevelopment of Northwestern University’s Ryan Field will generate “extremely significant” economic benefits, generating about $659 million in economic impact during construction alone, according to a consultant speaking to the […]
Posted inBusiness & Economy
UL divisions moving in downtown brings hope for economic growth
Evanston business leaders and economic development officials have repeatedly spoken about the importance of increasing foot traffic downtown, particularly coming out of the pandemic. More workers downtown presumably means more people frequenting restaurants and buying at local stores during their lunch hours and after work – and just as important, increasing the city’s revenue stream.
Posted inCity News
A reparations program in search of a funding source
Evanston has a historic reparations program. Now it has only to find a funding source. Evanston City Council members balked at a request from the city’s Reparations Committee Nov. 14 for […]
Posted inCity News
Council members show support for full pension funding
In a very long and issue-filled meeting, the City Council seemed to make a significant move on budget negotiations by indicating support Monday, Nov. 14, for funding police and fire […]
Posted inCity News
Committee backs property tax increase to fully fund pension debt
Would residents be willing to pay, say, $32 more a year in city property taxes if the extra funds would place Evanston on track to meet its pension obligations to police and […]