City of Evanston Equity and Empowerment Commission met Feb. 19
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
COMMITTEE MEMBER PRESENT: Josephine Bostic, Commissioner; Shana Sexton, Commissioner; Amari Radcliffe, Commissioner; Akilah Jones, Commissioner
COMMITTEE MEMBER ABSENT: Jacqueline Mendoza, Commissioner; Krissie Harris, Councilmember;
STAFF PRESENT: Tasheik Kerr, Staff Liaison
1. CALL TO ORDER/DECLARATION OF A QUORUM
Chair Josephine Bostic called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Official Quorum: 6:59 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of the January 15 EEC Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Radcliffe moved to approve the January 15 meeting minutes. Co-Chair Jones seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
No one was present for Public Comments.
4. DISCUSSION
A. Presentation on the Environmental Equity Investigation
Chair Bostic acknowledged the time and effort invested in the Environmental Equity Investigation (EEI) report.
Brett Weidl, Principal Landscape Architect from MKSK, presented on the EEI. MKSK was consulted to review environmental equity in Evanston. The team analyzed current and historical inequities that have contributed to environmental disparities and developed a shared definition of environmental equity. Findings revealed that disparities were most prominent in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th wards.
The MKSK team conducted multiple community conversations and identified four key themes of disparity. The team also reviewed policies, programs, and projects under the City’s control or influence.
Commissioner Bostic asked about the most urgent and structural issues. Brett highlighted the importance of developing a coalition group to unify local advocacy organizations as the first priority. She also asked about likely outcomes for impacted groups if no changes are implemented.
Commissioner Jones inquired about the Commission’s role. Brett indicated that the Commission could serve as an active member of the coalition.
B. Climate Action Evanston Presentation
Janet Alexander Davis and Jerri Garl of Environmental Justice Evanston, a subgroup of Climate Action Evanston, presented on the 2020 Environmental Justice (EJ) Resolution and highlighted health disparities resulting from environmental issues.
They noted that the interactive EJ mapping tool is currently not user-friendly and lacks dedicated management. They also called for a formalized Public Engagement Policy.
Chair Bostic suggested that the EEC develop a working group to support the EEI initiatives.
C. Update on Outreach for EEC Scorecard Survey
Commissioner Radcliffe reported that only seven survey responses have been received to date. Tasheik suggested that the EEC engage more actively with the community regarding the scorecard. Commissioners agreed to attend local events and use QR codes to collect resident feedback directly.
D. Nominations and Vote on Chair of the Equity and Empowerment Commission
Commissioner Radcliffe nominated Josephine Bostic to remain as Chair for the 2026–2027 term. Bostic accepted the nomination. The motion, seconded by Co-Chair Jones, was approved unanimously.
E. Recruitment for New EEC Members
The Commission discussed recruiting new members. Chair Bostic reported reaching out to the Mayor regarding appointments and plans to meet with City Manager Stowe about EEC initiatives. Commissioners were encouraged to invite residents to apply for the Commission.
F. Approval of EEC 2026 Meeting Calendar
Commissioners discussed quorum challenges during the summer. Commissioner Radcliffe motioned to cancel the August 20, 2026, meeting; Commissioner Saxton seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously. Discussion of a September retreat will be placed on the next month’s agenda to select a specific date.
G. Discussion of Equity Issues in the Community
Commissioners discussed the Mason Park expansion project and the potential use of Ryan Field.
H. Review of City Council Referrals
The Commission tabled the review of the City Council Referral Tracker until the next meeting. Tasheik will include a direct link to the tracker in the next agenda email to facilitate pre-meeting review.
I. Update on Outreach for EEC Scorecard Survey
Commissioner Radcliffe reported that only seven survey responses have been received to date. Tasheik suggested that the EEC engage more actively with the community regarding the scorecard. Commissioners agreed to attend local events (e.g., ward meetings, expos) and use QR codes to collect resident feedback directly.
5. CONSIDERATION
6. COMMUNICATION
7. REPORTS
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned.
https://cityofevanston.civicweb.net/document/446527/Equity%20and%20Empowerment%20Commission%20-%20Feb%2019%202026%20-%20.pdf?handle=56B35D8ADB70495494184A7A0FC06EC2
