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“Councilmembers voted 6-2 in favor of an amendment by Clare Kelly (1st Ward) to remove $3 million from a property tax hike proposed to fund pensions and instead use excess reserves, thereby lowering the total tax levy.”
“Reducing the 2026 levy by $3 million tonight is a big win for residents,” Kelly declared in a statement after the vote. “We have more than enough in unrestricted revenues to absorb this reduction. Going forward, the City must show fiscal restraint and stop unnecessarily collecting money from residents when we have ample unrestricted surplus funds. I’m encouraged that the majority of Council recognized the affordability pressures so many of our residents are facing and voted with me to significantly reduce the proposed levy.”

In a 5-4 vote, council members approved Councilmember Clare Kelly’s amendment to remove $3 million from the pension property tax levy and instead use excess reserves, thereby reducing total levy by $3 million.

“Thank you Council Member Kelly, for pointing out the true costs of this project. Any sound business decision must weigh the benefits against the costs, and only transparency of those costs will allow for good decision making.” -Julia Forgash

Congratulations to NU service workers and UNITE HERE Local 1! Last night the Evanston Workers' Retention Ordinance passed with unanimous support! This ordinance, the first in the State of Illinois, ensures job stability and security for NU service workers by requiring...

Council member Clare Kelly, whose First Ward includes a portion of the university, made the original referral that the matter be considered, according to the records of the city’s Referral Committee. Council members Tom Suffredin (6th Ward) and Devon Reid (8th Ward)...

“I care deeply about Northwestern. It is a tremendous asset to our community, and I’m very much interested in strengthening our town-gown relations all the way around,” Kelly said. “I know there is some wonderful work that we could do together by working by relying on...

First Ward Envision Evanston Meeting with Council Member Kelly and Deputy City Manager Steve Ruger, Jan. 6, 2025 Watch Now (Passcode VTxS+x7k)

"The displacement of the Wesley units represents a betrayal of Evanston’s stated commitment to equity. Sixteen lives have been uprooted, leaving families traumatized and destabilized. Yet, with the exception of Council Member Clare Kelly, there was an appalling lack...

Kelly has been instrumental in the city’s long effort to bring a cafe to the Arrington Lagoon shelter building, which dates back to the depression era. The building is city-owned and -operated, and has been renovated over the past several months. The tiny kitchen got...

Reader Responses.... John McNulty says: September 16th, 2024 at 10:48 PM Clare Kelly, would you please run for mayor? I’ll max out my contribution to your campaign. Evanston needs your common-sense approach to solving problems and your careful and always informed...

Council Member Kelly Speaks at Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony, September 11, 2024  

"Meeting host and Council Member Clare Kelly (1st Ward) said she organized the program to help owners learn about how to “potentially offset the cost of doing business in Evanston.” Steele, herself an Evanston resident and business owner, said she hopes the...

August 7th, 2024 The City of Evanston First Ward Councilmember Clare Kelly invites you to attend a Zoom meeting with Commissioner Samantha Steele of the Board of Review Second District to learn about how to potentially reduce the cost of doing business in Evanston...

Don't miss episode 4 of Where The People Meet TV, broadcasting live from Fountain Square on Friday, July 26th, from 6 PM to 8 PM. This pivotal episode features an exhilarating line-up of special guests, including the courageous First Ward Alderman Clare Kelly....

First Ward Council Member Clare Kelly, the current chair of the city’s Administration & Public Works Committee, said she asked for the issue to be placed on the committee’s agenda “so there could be transparency as to the cause to better prevent this from...

Northwestern Daily Saul Pink, Assistant City Editor November 16, 2022 “We’ve heard loud and clear there’s tremendous interest and will to turn that pattern around and to begin fully funding,” said Ald. Clare Kelly (1st), who brought up the issue.Kelly estimated the...

Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) advocated for cost-saving efficiencies and stricter budget adherence to increase revenue. “I think we want to look at things like reduction in the reliance on consultants, which cost us an exorbitant amount of money,” she said.   The Daily...

At the meeting, committee members voted 4-2 against First Ward Council Member Clare Kelly’s motion calling for an escrow fund to be created for money generated by the Personal Property Replacement Tax, ensuring it funds pensions. Kelly and committee member Leslie...