Evanston has paid out just over $5 million in reparations so far

Evanston’s Reparations Committee announced last week that the city has spent $5.03 million on reparations for 203 individuals affected by unfair housing practices, including zoning laws, in Evanston from 1919 to 1969. The committee met in September to approve records regarding how the first round of reparations has been spent. Of the $5.03 million distributed to 141 people directly affected by unfair housing practices, which the program calls ancestors, and 71 people who are descendants of those who did, $1.36 million will be spent on home improvement projects, mortgage assistance, or be used in the down payment for a home. The remaining $3.69 million will be spent on direct cash benefits, with recipients eligible to receive a $25,000 check from the city of Evanston. Recipients will not need to pay taxes on the benefit, according to 2nd Ward Councilmember Krissie Harris. Harris said recipients who want to use the funds for home improvements will not be charged city permit fees and will be reimbursed by the city for the project. “That’s a big deal,” said 5th Ward Councilmember Bobby Burns. “I know once when the city puts something in place it just sort of becomes part of the background. I...