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Good Neighbor Fund Contribution

Luke Figora, President Schill and Dave Davis in front of purple firetruck

Commitment Overview

Under the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) between Northwestern University and the City of Evanston, Northwestern has committed to contribute $3,000,000 annually to the City of Evanston through the Good Neighbor Fund. This fund aims to support projects of mutual interest to both the City and Northwestern, with the final decision on funded projects resting with the City. Specifically, a minimum of $1,000,000 each year is allocated to the City's Affordable Housing Fund, and a minimum of $500,000 is allocated to the City's Climate Action and Resiliency Fund.

Objectives and Goals

  • Support Community-Driven Initiatives: Provide funding for projects that reflect the priorities of the Evanston community and Northwestern University.
  • Affordable Housing: Contribute to the City’s Affordable Housing Fund to support housing projects that ensure long-term affordability and address the housing needs of Evanston residents.
  • Climate Action: Fund initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the City’s resilience to climate change.
  • Economic Stability: Assist the City in maintaining financial stability, allowing it to pursue projects and services without increasing property taxes.

Projects Funded

Contributions to the Affordable Housing Fund

  • Annual Contribution: $1,000,000 from the Good Neighbor Fund has been allocated to the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. These funds have been utilized to support projects that aim to expand the availability of affordable housing for Evanston residents. Specific initiatives include the development of new affordable housing units and the rehabilitation of existing properties to ensure they remain affordable and safe for low-income families.

Contributions to the Climate Action and Resiliency Fund

  • Annual Contribution: $500,000 from the Good Neighbor Fund has been directed towards the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Fund. This funding has supported various sustainability initiatives, including the Sustain Evanston grants, which help local businesses reduce waste and energy consumption. Additionally, the Climate Action Accelerator has received funding to support community groups working on climate action projects.
  • Community Electrification Incentives: The City Council voted to allocate $400,000 from the Sustainability Fund earmark towards community electrification incentives, including subsidies for heat pumps, induction stoves, and bicycles. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions across Evanston.

Additional Contributions to City Budget

Property Tax Relief: In 2024, $1,500,000 of unallocated funds from Northwestern’s Good Neighbor Fund was used to avoid a property tax increase. These funds, along with other financial measures, allowed the City Council to finalize a budget without burdening residents with additional taxes.

Community Impact and Outcomes

The Good Neighbor Fund has made significant contributions to Evanston, reflecting a strong partnership between Northwestern and the City. The Affordable Housing and Climate Action initiatives have had a tangible impact on residents, supporting sustainability, housing stability, and financial resilience. Projects like the Community Electrification Incentives have been particularly well-received, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for Evanston.