At the public input portion of the Nov. 28 meeting of the Evanston City Council, residents asked council to commit to fully funding the police and pension funds in the 2023 budget using surplus funds rather than raising the tax levy or adding a new tax rate. Go To...
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Councilmember Kelly advocates for our city to do a better supporting existing affordable housing:
Because of this, Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) has been advocating for landlords to get city support — especially those who accept affordable housing vouchers from programs like Illinois’ Section 8. “We talk about wanting to support and promote affordability, but yet we’re...
CBS News Chicago,Relocation of Bookends & Beginnings
CBS News Chicago, Dec. 9, 2022, Relocation of Bookends & Beginnings See broadcast segment As many of you already know, the cherished and famous independent bookstore, Bookends & Beginnings, is being forced to move from its current location in Bookman’s Alley...
Council members show support for full pension funding
"This would put Evanston on track to avoid racking up unfunded interest that has served as one of the city’s biggest financial liabilities over the years." Under Kelly’s proposal, the city would tap reserve funds and other non-property tax revenues to support the...
Clare Kelly Presents at NLC, Inflation and Fiscal Uncertainty: Weighing the Best City Responses
Honored to be selected by National League of Cities to serve as a panelist to discuss inflation and best city responses at the NLC Summit in Kansas City last week. Fiscal responsibility and accountability are essential for strong cities. I will continue to work hard...
First Ward’s Kelly says city must increase police and fire pension contributions
Repeating what she said at the City Council meeting this week, First Ward Council member Clare Kelly reiterated that Evanston should step up contributions to the police and firefighter funds, striving for 100% funding by the state’s 2040 target date.At the First Ward...
Pay now or pay later: Officials urge city to fully fund pensions
"Kelly has called on the city to step up its contributions in the 2023 city budget from 90% level to 100% toward reaching the state’s target by 2040." https://evanstonroundtable.com/2022/11/01/pay-now-or-pay-later-officials-urge-city-to-fully-fund-pensions/
Council members show support for full pension funding
"This would put Evanston on track to avoid racking up unfunded interest that has served as one of the city’s biggest financial liabilities over the years" Under Kelly’s proposal, the city would tap reserve funds and other non-property tax revenues to support the...
City Council supports fully funding pensions, motor fuel tax increase
“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 city will need to allocate an additional $4.5 million this year to...
City Council discusses proposed 2023 budget, pension debt
Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) said she" believes the city can keep the property tax levy flat while still fully funding the pension debt." Read full story in Daily Northwestern
Residents and dogs rally support to reopen Evanston’s Dog Beach
Ald. Clare Kelly (1st), who joined the residents Saturday, said the city’s swift action reflects a change in leadership, including at the city manager and alderperson level. “It didn’t take that long. It didn’t take months of work and consultants,” Kelly said. “They...
Legacy Business Program to aid established businesses in surviving and prospering
"A working group headed by Councilwoman Clare Kelly of the First Ward is creating the programme." Read full story on BollyInside
Legacy Business Program to help long-time enterprises survive and succeed
“Evanston’s heritage resources are vitally important, bind its residents to their physical environment, and define the City’s unique character and identity. However, Evanston’s living heritage remains largely underrepresented and vulnerable from threats such as...
Council approves nearly $500,000 for firefighters who gave up salary increases during COVID-19
“..At the Sept. 19 meeting, First Ward Council Member Clare Kelly made the recommendation firefighters receive a one-time payment, a compensation for their sacrifice...In lieu of not losing firefighters,” Kelly said, the staffing “not only helped to cement the team...
Land Use Commission, Sept. 14, votes unanimously to recommend rejection of proposed Chicago Ave. 18 story residential high rise.
As Council Member for the First Ward where this 18 story development was proposed, I greatly appreciate the community’s involvement and participation in the discussions around this proposed planned development. In response to comments from “City Observer” and...
Committee OKs funding to honor legacy businesses
Council member Clare Kelly (First Ward) proposed creating the program, which officials hope to use to retain long-standing Evanston businesses, which have long been regarded as a key element in the city’s economic development strategy. Read Full Article Evanston...
Council Member Kelly Initiates Programs and Policies to Support Evanston ‘Legacy Businesses’
by Bill SmithMay 31, 2022 Councilmember Kelly’s initiative to promote and support Evanston's Legacy Businesses. Evanston’s Economic Development Committee is scheduled to vote Tuesday evening on a plan to provide financial support for existing small businesses. Read...
Thanks to Council Member Kelly! Bring Your Pup to These Evanston Restaurants
by Nancy McLaughlin May 30th, 2022 Good news, Evanston dog lovers! Ten local restaurant patios have been approved for doggie dining this year, and more permits are in the works, according to Ellyn Golden, Evanston’s Environmental Health Licensing Coordinator. Read...
Ban On Dogs On Outdoor Restaurant Patios In Evanston To Be Lifted
Pooches on patios will be permitted as the Evanston City Council Monday unanimously approved an ordinance allowing dogs at outdoor cafes. https://patch.com/illinois/evanston/ban-dogs-outdoor-restaurant-patios-evanston-be-lifted
Kelly Successfully Held Over 2021 Budget Increase to Ensure Fiscal Accountability Measures
"Kelly spoke with the city’s chief financial officer and treasurer, about ways to improve the process going forward. ..Gandurski said she found Kelly’s request for Desai to report any projected overages and surpluses of business units quarterly to the Finance and...