Evanston City Council Reviewed 2027 Budget Proposal

The city proposed tax and water rate hikes as Mayor Daniel Biss prepared for his upcoming resignation.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in City Hall

Evanston City Council Reviewed 2027 Budget Proposal

Live Poll

Do you support the proposed tax and utility rate increases in your local city budget?

Evanston City Council met to review a proposed 2027 budget that includes significant tax and utility rate increases. The meeting preceded the scheduled resignation of Mayor Daniel Biss on October 18.

Why it matters

The proposed fiscal plan arrives as the city prepares for a leadership transition, with Mayor Biss stepping down to pursue a seat in the 9th Congressional District.

The proposed budget includes a 10% property tax levy increase and a 25% hike in water rates. It also mandates the elimination of 5.81 full-time equivalent positions out of the city's 700-person workforce.

The players

Daniel Biss

He is the current mayor of Evanston and the Democratic nominee for the 9th Congressional District.

The details

City staff presented the financial plan to the council, which must now balance these proposed increases against the city's operational needs. The council recently rejected two early retirement incentive proposals intended to reduce labor costs.

October 12, 2026: City Council met to review the budget and housing plan.
October 18, 2026: Mayor Daniel Biss will resign at 11:59 p.m.
October 19, 2026: The council will appoint an acting mayor.
November 3, 2026: Midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
April 6, 2027: A special election for the mayoral term will occur.

Political Context

The city's budget process is unfolding against the backdrop of the 9th Congressional District election, which necessitates the mayor's resignation. Local opposition may push back against the steep tax and utility hikes, arguing that the city should find further operational efficiencies before burdening taxpayers.

If approved, the proposed 10% property tax levy and 25% water rate increases will directly raise the cost of living for residents. Taxpayers will see these adjustments reflected in their municipal bills in the coming fiscal year.

The takeaway

Residents should track upcoming council meetings to see how budget cuts and rate hikes affect municipal services. Monitoring the special election timeline is essential for understanding how the city will manage its transition to new leadership.

What happens next

The city council plans to hold budget discussions over the coming months, with a final vote to adopt the budget expected around Thanksgiving. Additionally, a special mayoral election is set for April 6, 2027.