Impact of Segregation - Research Study for Evanston

Evanston’s Restorative Housing Program was developed by the Reparations subcommittee focused on preserving, stabilizing, and increasing homeownership with an overarching focus on building intergenerational wealth among Black / African American Residents.

As the City of Evanston, Illinois, prepared to implement the Program, TMCRC and AARN developed an impact study that aims to discuss historical harms of housing segregation, the scope of its impact, and the need for remedial actions. The study demonstrates that there is a causal relationship between exclusionary zoning policies such as relocation and redlining and the current racial disparities in Evanston.

By investigating the historical impacts of racial segregation the study identified and provided specific details about the effects of past discrimination by the City of Evanston. In addition, the study provided a context for the examination of past discrimination, racial segregation, and racial injustice that can be used as a template for other cities exploring the harms of reparations.