City News

Vaccinations at the new Cook County mass vaccination site in Des Plaines, as well as other Cook County Health sites, are by appointment only. Appointments can be made through vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or by calling the hotline at (833) 308-1988 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday. Please be patient. We anticipate vaccine supply to increase in the coming weeks.

Cook County is currently in Phase 1b which includes individuals 65 and over and frontline essential workers.

Read the full release about the state-supported mass vaccination site.

The Cook County Clerk's Office is the chief election authority for more than 120 towns and villages in suburban Cook County. Their website is the perfect place to find key dates and deadlines for the upcoming Consolidated Election, information on how to register to vote, the ways voter ballots can be cast, the most current mail ballot FAQs, and polling places throughout the county. Please visit the Cook County Clerk's website at cookcountyclerk.com for more information.

The list of for Des Plaines candidates is posted here.

2/22/2021

The City of Des Plaines Media Services department is seeking the community's input as they are currently working to redesign the City's website and online presence. Please take a few minutes to provide some feedback by taking the online survey.

Got two minutes? Get a quick overview of where City funds come from, how they are spent and see how the City is managing a balanced budget despite the COVID-19 pandemic with this video.

We continue to focus on long-term financial stability with minimal tax increases to residents. Our emphasis is keeping City services affordable for taxpayers.

desplaines.org/budget

Des Plaines businesses are the threads that hold our economic fabric together. Our restaurants and large and small businesses drive our economic health and influence our distinct community character.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on all businesses, but especially retail and restaurants.

And, they need our support now more than ever.

When making purchases and dining in or out, we encourage you to look local first. You can help make our community stronger by investing your money where your heart is – in Des Plaines.

Find out how you can support our local businesses.

1/25/2021

As winter weather approaches, residents’ cooperation and patience with Public Works during snow plowing and salting operations is appreciated. Please place snow on parkways, leaving the street free for plow trucks. For snowfall over two inches, vehicles must be parked away from snow routes until snow removal operations are completed. There is a prioritization to the winter operations based on emergency response requirements, volume of traffic, and other criteria. Find out more about snow routes and winter weather operations.

3/1/2021

The City’s new waste and recycling hauler, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), will begin providing service March 1.

LRS will continue delivering carts as quickly as possible over the next few days. Drivers will be collecting all loose bags and servicing personal carts until all carts are delivered.

There have been a few isolated customers that requested a larger recycling cart and have not received them yet. These customers at a minimum will receive the default 65 gallon recycling cart and will receive the larger cart within the next two weeks.

For more information, Find out more information on our Public Works Page and the LRS City of Des Plaines Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Program website at LRSrecycles.com/DesPlaines/.

2/2/2021

Des Plaines is in Phase 4 under the Restore Illinois plan which aims to safely reopen our state based on public health metrics. Phase 4 mitigation measures continue to include limited indoor dining and limiting gatherings. City Hall is open. In adherence with State guidelines, residents are encouraged to conduct city-related business online, by email, or by phone. Learn more.

More information about testing and vaccine access can be found on the details page.

1/14/2021

The City is committed to keeping the community informed to increase transparency and promote overall public health and safety. Please continue to visit our website for updates, watch DPTV, connect with us on Facebook and subscribe to our E-News.

The Cumberland Crossing development team is reaching out to local property owners and residents to inform them of a series of upcoming neighborhood meetings to discuss the proposed redevelopment of 414 E. Golf Road as a new transit-oriented development.

The goal of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for members of the development team to share information, receive feedback, and respond to neighborhood questions and concerns about the proposed project from the local community in a more direct and open forum.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 Mitigation Requirements mandated by the State of Illinois, the meetings will be held virtually during the weeks of January 11th and January 18th, 2021. Click here to find out more details.

12/31/2020

The City's annual Community Calendar is now available online and in print. The calendar includes important information about city services, holidays, leaf and branch pick up, and important contacts including elected officials and city departments. If you did not receive your copy in the mail, or if you'd like an additional calendar, please e-mail mstern@desplaines.org and one will be sent to you. Residents can also view the calendar online at desplaines.org/communitycalendar.

11/30/2020

The City Manager recently appointed David Anderson as the City’s next Police Chief, replacing Chief Bill Kushner, who retired in December 2020. Chief Anderson brings transformational leadership focused on integrating the police department’s mission with the overall vision, mission, and objectives of the community. Learn more about the police department.

The City of Des Plaines Public Works Department is dedicated to assisting residents with the highest degree of service during leaf and branch collection season. Information about collection requirements and schedules is located on our interactive Leaf & Branch Collection website and in the 2020 Community Calendar mailed to homes. Please note: The leaf pick up zone numbers are the same as the refuse pick up zone numbers (click here to find your zone). However, the leaf pick up days are different than the refuse pick up days.

Save-the-Date for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Des Plaines Police Department encourages the public to drop-off old, or unwanted prescription drugs at its 24/7 collection site located in the Department's lobby at 1418 Miner Street.

The City of Des Plaines invites you to participate in this year’s Restaurant Week. Now more than ever our local businesses need community support. Restaurant Week offers a taste of local businesses at fantastic prices. This year's event runs from Friday, Oct. 16- Sunday Oct. 25, 2020! Thanks to our sponsor, Sysco Foods. Learn more about participating restaurants and offerings by visiting www.desplaines.org/restaurantweek

The City of Des Plaines encourages families to safely celebrate Halloween. The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued guidance for participating in trick-or-treating and Halloween celebrations this fall.

Click here for more details and recommendations.

The City of Des Plaines does not have designated hours for trick-or-treating. However, we encourage families to be aware of the hazards that exist after sunset.

The Cook County Clerk's Office is the chief election authority for more than 120 towns and villages in suburban Cook County. Their website is the perfect place to find key dates and deadlines for the upcoming Election. Please visit the Cook County Clerk's website at cookcountyclerk.com for more information. Early Voting is taking place through November, 2 at Des Plaines Public Library. To view estimated wait times at Early Voting locations visit here.

The first day to circulate petitions for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election is September 22, 2020. The City of Des Plaines will accept nomination papers from candidates for municipal office from December 14, 2020 – December 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. The City Clerk’s office will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM each day during the filing period. For additional information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 847-391-5311.More candidate information can also be found here.

The City of Des Plaines honors those who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks with a virtual observance.

The City of Des Plaines regrettably announces the passing of Linda DeTomasi, Director of Media Services on September 7, 2020.

Find out more about Linda and the celebration of her life here.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is accepting applications for emergency mortgage assistance grants from August 24 through September 4, 2020. Open Communities, a non-profit, housing-focused organization located in Evanston, is helping with the distribution of applications, as well as offering assistance completing and submitting applications. Click Here to view the informational flyer in both English and Spanish. Additional COVID-related updates can be found on the City's website at desplaines.org/cityupdates.

7/21/2020

If you live in Des Plaines and are behind on your utilities, rent, and/or mortgage payments due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the 2020 CARES Act. The City of Des Plaines expects to receive $180,767 of CARE Act funds to assist its low to moderate income residents struggling with basic living expenses. (Please Note: Applicants must reside in incorporated Des Plaines)

If you are a Des Plaines resident who may meet the criteria, please contact one of the following organizations to see if you qualify:

Center of Concern: Call 224.585.0078
Provides rent, mortgage, or utility assistance for up to three months.

Northwest Compass: Call 847.392.2344, EXT. 402
Provides rent assistance for up to three months.

The 1st floor of City Hall is open to visitors in a limited capacity. Residents are still strongly encouraged to conduct city-related business online, by email, or by phone, when possible. As a precaution, all visitors are required to wear face coverings and social distance upon entering City Hall. If you feel sick, we kindly ask that you stay home and utilize the City's DP311 Service Request System at desplaines.org/DP311 for questions or concerns .

With the initiation of Phase 4 under the "Restore Illinois" plan, many industries are able to reopen or expand operations based on their ability to implement and ensure compliance with the safety guidelines. The June 26,2020 Phase 4 announcement marks the opportunity for thousands of businesses and thousands of Illinoisans to return to work. To assist with the new and updated safety guidelines in Phase 4, the State of Illinois has developed a business toolkit complete with signage, posters, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest public health recommendations. (Source: dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois)

Lately, many of us have been feeling blue, so now’s the time to pick up our spirits, add some red and white to that shade of blue, and celebrate Independence Day! And, while we can’t all be together on Center Street to view our annual 4th of July parade, we can still honor our nation's birthday in a fun and safe way. You are all invited to participate in the Des Plaines Fourth of July “Red, White and (not so) Blue” Community-Wide Decorating Contest! Residents, not-for-profit organizations, and local businesses are encouraged to put a smile on your neighbors’ face by decorating a home or storefront in the spirit of the holiday. Visit desplaines.org/July4 for more information and registration, or call Special Events Coordinator Maureen Stern at 847.391.6122 to register over the phone.

During these challenging times, the City of Des Plaines has modified many of its services and operations for the good of the community. While City Hall remains closed to the public, the City Council will meet virtually on Monday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. Public comments will be accepted between now and Monday, May 4th at 5:00 p.m. via email at PublicComments@desplaines.org, or call the City Clerk's Office at 847.391.5311.

All public comments will be provided to elected officials before the meeting begins. These comments will not be read live, but will be included in the May 4^th minutes for public record. To view the live-streamed video, please tune in to Channel 17, or watch it on the City’s website at desplaines.org/accessdesplaines.

During this difficult time for most business sectors, the City has created a resource page for local employers and business owners who might benefit from assistance programs such as the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program, US SBA Small Business Loan Program, Illinois State Treasure’s Office Emergency Loan Program, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - Paycheck Protection Program, just to name a few. For specific details about these and other programs, please visit the City's dedicated website at desplaines.org/businessCOVID19.

The State of Illinois offers a robust, comprehensive website that offers the most accurate and current information, such as a map of COVID-19 cases by county, volunteer opportunities, number of persons tested versus number of cases confirmed to be positive, and more. Please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov to view this information.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT: City Hall is currently closed to the general public, limiting visitors to all of its facilities at this time. Staffing is down to a minimum, but building permits and exterior inspections can be issued on a limited basis. Permit-related questions can be directed to 847.391.5380. If you believe there's a high-priority, business-related issue that needs to be addressed, please call 847.391.5488 to request an appointment with the appropriate staff member. Read more about other services...