On November 22, EDC appeared on WCGO Radio’s Sunday morning talk show “Inside the Skev,” a show about all things Evanston and Skokie.

We talked through the new opportunities available to Evanston homeowners and residents in their backyards, such as garage conversions and ground-level backyard studios. If you’re curious to learn what you can do under the new ADU ordinance, you can always call (847-497-0167) or email (info@evanston.coop) EDC to understand what’s possible on your property.

We also discussed the historically racist connotations of the term “coach house,” which is why EDC uses the term “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU). You can watch the full show on our YouTube channel or Facebook page. 
 

Because capitalism’s marriage with the pandemic has produced “the most unequal recession in modern U.S. history”, according to the Washington Post, EDC joined fellow worker-owners to envision the future of the solidarity economy at the Chicagoland Regional Worker Cooperative Convening on Saturday, November 21.

Active worker cooperatives shared a wealth of experiences and lessons learned on how to start a worker co-op, with a focus on Black and POC. You can watch the introductory presentation from the Convening on the Co-Op Ed Center’s Facebook page!

In early November, the City of Evanston Zoning Committee voted to advance regulations which allow for “micro dwelling units.”

Currently, small or irregular properties which defy the “minimum lot size” requirement in Evanston sit vacant, as seeking a variance to build a home is often too costly or too uncertain. Through this ordinance, “micro dwelling units” would be allowed on these properties, as well as in any of the City’s residential zoning districts.

Seeing the opportunity to add units to underutilized land in Evanston, EDC and Joining Forces for Affordable Housing teamed up to advocate for this affordable housing policy. It will go to Plan Commission next, before heading to City Council. Evanston Now wrote about the proposed zoning changes in this article.