This report by SPEAK Des Plaines presents the findings of a community strengths and needs assessment conducted in 2024 in the City of Des Plaines. With approximately 60,000 residents, Des Plaines is a diverse community where 33% of residents were born outside the U.S. and 45% speak a language other than English at home. The assessment was conducted in two parts – focus groups with 22 total participants from local service-providing organizations, and a resident survey which collected 1,160 responses from residents.

This assessment report highlights key community strengths including schools, public safety, and social service organizations, and also identifies challenges such as residents lacking knowledge of how to access essential support services like food, mental health care, and housing assistance, and the need for revitalization downtown and solutions for traffic at train crossings.

As a result of this assessment, suggestions for future action include improving communication between residents and the city, exploring non-police responses to non-violent 911 calls, and enhancing collaboration among local service organizations. These steps aim to build a more connected and inclusive Des Plaines.