Community Planning

What is "Community Planning"?

Community planning is essential to Des Plaines' vitality. It's taking the initiative to clearly identify community needs and local concerns. The planning process can range from community participation in focus groups and surveys, to staff preparing of a comprehensive plan for official adoption.

The City of Des Plaines completed the important process of developing a Comprehensive Plan in 2007, and revised in 2019 with special emphasis on the City's business districts, gateway entrances, and surrounding unincorporated areas.

The Plan is the City's official policy guide for future land use and development, transportation, community facilities, and urban design. A steering committee was created to provide ongoing feedback and direction to the City and its consulting team, HNTB Corporation and Goodman Williams Group. The final version of the plan was approved by the City Council on March 5, 2007.

By using the Plan to guide future decisions, the City has succeeded in preserving neighborhood character, facilitating new development, and realizing new business growth.