North Cook News

The Evanston City Council recently amended the 2023 budget to set aside funding for Shorefront Legacy, a black legacy and historical organization.

This was one of three budget amendments made at the council meeting on Dec. 12, but one that drew discussion in appreciation for the legacy group that celebrated its 25th anniversary at the last council meeting.

As a result of the council's action, $70,000 was set aside for Shorefront Legacy.

Founder Dino Robinson was at the celebration and also spoke at this meeting. Councilmember Devin Reid thanked Robinson at the meeting, saying that he helped him find out much of his family’s history and his own history as well as their place in Evanston. He said his life is enriched due to the work he has done, and it is an extremely worthwhile investment.

Councilmember Krissie Harris said she echoed Reid's sentiments.

“We are so appreciative you have made Evanston a richer place and to be such a humble person, it just exemplifies what we should be doing for our community,” Harris said. “With no expectation, he did the work. He helped put our city on the map. And I'm just so appreciative of that. Sorry to see you leaving, but you've left us in capable hands, I believe.”

Also included was $68,000 in funding for a virtual assistance program called Workspeed for the city council. This agreement would be short term, between six and 12 months, and with a U.S.-based organization that offers virtual assistance. Council members said that in light of their current pension difficulties and hiring needs, the virtual assistance program would be a good first step to improve email and calendar coordinating.

Another amendment was to change the schedule of the proposed $10 million reparation payments. The city proposed moving an additional $2 million from the real estate transfer tax into the general fund to pay $3 million in reparations. The plan is to pay $7 million paid over seven years.