Evanston Council to Appoint Mayor, Debate 2027 Budget

The city council will convene on October 26 to select an acting mayor and review upcoming municipal spending plans.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in City Hall

Evanston Council to Appoint Mayor, Debate 2027 Budget

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Evanston City Council will hold a meeting on October 26, 2026, to appoint an acting mayor following the resignation of former Mayor Daniel Biss. The council will also begin deliberations on the 2027 budget, which City Manager Luke Stowe released on October 6.

Why it matters

The appointment will fill the mayoral vacancy until a special election winner is sworn in, providing leadership during the critical budget adoption process. Councilmembers are currently reviewing staff proposals with a focus on cutting costs to manage expenses.

The city plans to spend $1.8 million in federal stimulus funds on affordable housing initiatives. Additionally, the city is considering a $3.45 million loan for sewer improvements, structured with a 2.44% interest rate over a 20-year term.

The players

Daniel Biss

He is the former mayor of Evanston who recently resigned from his office.

Clare Kelly

She serves as a councilmember who has requested further review of staff memos regarding city spending.

Luke Stowe

He is the City Manager of Evanston who is responsible for the drafting and release of the municipal budget.

The details

Councilmember Clare Kelly removed reports regarding motor fuel tax spending from the meeting agenda, citing material omissions and errors in staff memos. Meanwhile, the council faces a recommendation from the Land Use Commission, which voted 4-1 in October to move forward with a 360-unit, 26-story apartment tower at 900 Clark St.

Oct. 6, 2026: City Manager Luke Stowe released the draft budget.
October 2026: The Land Use Commission recommended the 900 Clark St. project.
October 26, 2026: The City Council is scheduled to meet.
Nov. 2, 2026: The council will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing.
Nov. 9, 2026: Initial budget approval is scheduled to occur.

Political Context

The budget adoption process follows the legal requirements set by the Truth in Taxation hearing, which mandates public transparency for tax levies. This oversight process provides a counter-balance to the administration's proposal, forcing the council to publicly address fiscal concerns.

Residents may see impacts on local infrastructure through proposed street resurfacing projects funded by motor fuel tax allocations. Decisions regarding the apartment tower and municipal spending will influence local housing availability and city-wide tax obligations for the coming year.

The takeaway

The city council is balancing a major transition in leadership with pressing financial decisions regarding housing and infrastructure. Residents should monitor the upcoming November hearings to understand how budget cuts or new project approvals will shape municipal services.

What happens next

The council will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing on Nov. 2, 2026, followed by an initial budget approval vote on Nov. 9, 2026, and final budget adoption on Nov. 23, 2026.