Board members focused significant time on defining “equity‑prioritized buildings,” a core duty of the accountability board under the Healthy Buildings Ordinance. Staff read the ordinance language, which lists public institutions, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations and affordable housing as examples but leaves exact criteria to the board.

Members pushed for a broader definition of affordable housing that would include both restricted (LIHTC) properties and naturally occurring affordable units. They asked staff to research how other jurisdictions define affordability and how Building Performance Standards programs classify building types.

Funding and assistance: the board discussed how to direct resources to prioritized buildings. Staff read ordinance language that "at least 90% of fines collected under this ordinance shall be earmarked to a decarbonization fund established to provide financial assistance to cover properties that qualify on a need basis." Members noted that “need basis” may not exactly match an equity‑prioritized buildings list and asked staff to clarify the relationship.

Members also raised alternatives to direct grants, such as CPACE financing, green bank options, alignment with utility programs (ComEd, NICOR) and nonfinancial supports — technical assistance, planning help and simplified outreach. Staff said the FY2026 proposed budget would repurpose local programs (Sustain Evanston and Evanston Green Homes) to serve covered buildings if the budget is approved.

Why it matters: definitions determine which properties receive prioritized support and possible standard adjustments; alignment with the city’s reparations ordinance, ownership/racial equity considerations, and tenancy metrics were discussed as potential criteria.

Next steps: staff will return with research on definitions used elsewhere, lists developed earlier in the policy adoption process, and proposals for how to align limited FY2026 funds and potential DOE support with equity objectives.