Tisdahl talks affordable housing, police relations at final ‘State of the City’ address as mayor

The Daily Northwestern CloseMayor Elizabeth Tisdahl speaks at a council meeting. Tisdahl delivered her final "State of the City" address as mayor on Friday. Daily file photo by Daniel Tian)Daily file photo by Daniel Tian)Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl speaks at a council meeting. Tisdahl delivered her final "State of the City" address as mayor on Friday. Billy Kobin, ReporterMarch 11, 2017
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Less than one month away from the election that will unseat her as mayor, Elizabeth Tisdahl told community leaders Friday that the city has much more work ahead to keep the city safe and affordable for all.
The Evanston Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual “State of the City” luncheon at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston, 1710 Orrington Ave., and Tisdahl addressed the audience of more than 300 at the event for her final time as mayor. Tisdahl announced in July that she would not run for re-election.
During her speech, Tisdahl said the city must sustain its focus on keeping Evanston affordable to all citizens. The city has revamped affordable housing units and offered rental assistance to promote affordability, Tisdahl said, but not all city residents’ needs are met.
“We are trying. We are not meeting the need, but we are trying,” Tisdahl said of housing affordability. “The community is committed to keeping Evanston as affordable as possible and so is the council that represents you.”
Tisdahl said preserving diversity in Evanston is vital.
“The city is doing everything possible to celebrate, retain and increase diversity,” Tisdahl said.
Tisdahl also highlighted the recent water agreement the city negotiated with Morton Grove and Niles, as well as continuing negotiations with Skokie and Lincolnwood. The agreement with Morton Grove and Niles will bring $70 million to Evanston over 40 years, Tisdahl said.
The mayor said providing jobs to youth remains a priority, highlighting the partnership between the city and Northwestern in which Northwestern’ ...


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