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A MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR
Dear Friends & Neighbors:
It is my distinct honor to serve as the mayor of Des Plaines. In 2025, our city has made remarkable progress in revitalizing, rejuvenating, renewing, revamping, and redefining itself for the next generation.
We continue making progress in our downtown and in each of the City’s eight beautiful and vibrant wards. When you travel through the City, you see new businesses, restaurants, and refreshed roadways.
This summer, the City Council approved a lease and operations agreement for a new restaurant inside the historic white bank building in our downtown. That restaurant is expected to open in 2027, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the landmark building.
City Events
This summer was truly one for the record books as we hosted a variety of popular and engaging events for everyone. We kicked off the season with the Taste of Des Plaines in June, followed by our Community Fireworks and Independence Day Parade. Our Police Department enjoyed bringing the community together at National Night Out, and three highly successful Food Truck Round Up events drew big crowds to different locations across the city.
Also, this summer, I was honored to participate in the celebration of the Des Plaines Theatre’s centennial. During this incredible event, we welcomed several notable guests: Priscilla Presley, Micky Dolenz from the Monkees, Danny
Seraphine of the band Chicago, and Jim Peterik from the Ides of March and Survivor.
This fall, we are excited to host our third annual Harvest Hoot event at Oakton College on Saturday, October 18. In addition, we will be hosting two fantastic sustainability events: the Community Paper Shredding Event on Saturday, October 25, at Public Works, and the Pumpkin Smash in partnership with the Des Plaines Park District at the Prairie Lakes Community Center on Saturday, November 8.
Looking ahead to winter, I am eager to see all of you at our annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5, and at the City’s Winter Fair the following day, Saturday, December 6.
You can find details about all these events on our website at desplainesil.gov/events
City Budget
We are entering budgeting season this fall. As usual, you will see that the Members of the City Council aim to run a city that reflects the community’s values. We will invest in infrastructure and public safety, which means our Police and Fire Departments will have the tools they need to keep us safe, and address the ongoing needs of the community in the most fiscally responsible way possible.
I continue to feel deeply humbled to serve as Mayor of Des Plaines. Growing up here as a child has given me a great appreciation for our wonderful community, and I am always looking for ways to help move it forward. As always, I want you to know that if you have questions or concerns about the community, you are welcome to contact me anytime via email at agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.
Yours in Service,
Mayor Andrew Goczkowski
Des Plaines continues to see steady growth in its local restaurant scene, with several new spots opening in recent months. To help you explore what’s new, this illustrated map highlights the locations of 10 recent additions across the city. It’s a
5. Pronto Sandwiches (1641 Oakton Pl)
Fine Italian sandwiches, bakery and cuisine.
6. Island World Jamaican Cuisine (632 W Algonquin Rd)
Authentic Jamaican cuisine restaurant.
7. Guzman Y Gomez (2741 Mannheim Rd)
Mexican Restaurant with Tacos & Burritos.
8. Sharks Fish & Chicken (2392 S Wolf Rd)
Crispy Fried Chicken and Seafood Restaurant.
1. Galaxy Hot Pot (1417 Ellinwood St)
Hot pot, sushi, and Korean BBQ restaurant in the heart of downtown.
2. Kow Korean BBQ (1518 Market St)
Korean BBQ restaurant in Metropolitan Square.
3. Mi Tierrita Colombia (1942 E Touhy Ave)
Latin bakery and restaurant.
4. Little Villa Pizza (933 E Oakton St)
A familiar name with a fresh location and menu.
9. Marciano Ice Cream (36 E Northwest Hwy)
Homemade ice cream with all natural ingredients.
10. Gigiotto Pizzeria (1603 E Oakton St)
Classic Italian American restaurant.
Hungry for More? Stay up to date on new restaurants, business openings, and more with the City E-News.
Subscribe at desplainesil.gov/mycity
From Harvest to Holidays
City-Sponsored Events Update
Summer event season was full of fun, with great turnouts for the Taste of Des Plaines, the Community Fireworks, the Independence Day Parade, and all three Food Truck Round Ups. We loved seeing so many familiar faces come out to celebrate with us.
As we turn the page to fall, there’s even more to look forward to in the coming months!
Join us on October 18 from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakton College for this free outdoor event featuring an inflatable corn maze, live pumpkin carving, and up-close encounters with birds of prey at the Stillman Nature Center’s Squawk and Gawk booth. Shop more than two dozen local vendors at the artisan market and grab a bite from your favorite food trucks.
As the event continues to grow, we’re doubling the fun with two stages of live entertainment. Kids will love the family-friendly acts on the Lil’ Hoot stage, while the Hootenanny stage will feature a band sure to get everyone on their feet. Also new this year: a special appearance by Glinda the Good Witch! Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with the most “popular” Ozian in Des Plaines.
Families can also enjoy pumpkin painting, sugar skull decorating, and other seasonal surprises. Learn more at desplainesil.gov/harvesthoot.
Mark your calendars for our annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Metropolitan Square on Friday, December 5, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the season with live entertainment, community group performances, festive activities, food trucks, and photos with Santa.
Learn more at desplainesil.gov/holidaylighting.
Head to the Des Plaines Public Library on Saturday, December 6, for the return of the Winter Fair. Shop local at the indoor artisan market, then hop on a trolley for a historic tour of the city, hosted by the Des Plaines History Center.
Advance registration is required for trolley tours, and will open in early November. Register and learn more at desplainesil.gov/winterfair.
Seasonal Sustainability in Des Plaines
The City of Des Plaines brings its commitment to sustainability to life each fall with programs that support cleaner, greener neighborhoods.
From paper shredding to pumpkin smashing, here are a few seasonal services that help residents reduce waste and protect our environment.
Shred Event
Clear out your clutter the eco-friendly way! Join us for the City’s Fall Shred Event on Saturday, October 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Public Works facility (1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road). Safely dispose of sensitive documents and help reduce landfill waste.
Pumpkin Smash
Don’t be scared by Halloween cleanup! In partnership with the Des Plaines Park District, we’re hosting the Pumpkin Smash composting event on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north parking lot of Prairie Lakes Community Center. Just toss your pumpkins, jack-o’lanterns, and gourds into the designated dumpster, and WasteNot Compost will do the rest.
New this year, we are also collecting plastic and foil candy wrappers for recycling both at the Pumpkin Smash event and in a special drop-off bin in the City Hall lobby throughout November. It’s a simple way to keep those wrappers where they belong and avoid post-Halloween mess.
Learn more about both the Shred Event and Pumpkin Smash at desplainesil.gov/sustainability
Sustainability is a year-round process! Check our social media pages and website in early January for information on recycling holiday lights.
Police Department Updates
The major renovation of the Des Plaines Police Department is set to be completed by the end of 2025, marking an important step in modernizing the city’s public safety infrastructure. This project will significantly upgrade the police station located next to City Hall, introducing new features designed to enhance officer operations, improve overall safety, and foster community engagement.
As part of the renovation, the Des Plaines Police Records Division has moved from the second floor of City Hall to the newly renovated Police Department building located next door.
Members of the public who need to access Records Division services can now do so by using the link that connects City Hall and the Police Department.
The expansion includes the addition of new jail cells, enhanced facilities for patrol officers, a state-of-the-art roll call room, and an updated lobby that reflects the department’s commitment to excellence in public service. By investing in these improvements, Des Plaines aims to provide its police force with modern facilities and technologies. The renovated space will enable officers to respond more swiftly to calls, strengthen relationships within the community, and support ongoing police initiatives for years to come.
Understand Your Flood Risk
Review FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to learn about your flood risk. If you think your property is located within a regulatory floodplain, floodway, or area with known flooding, the City of Des Plaines Engineering Division can review the FIRM for you and assess your risk. At desplainesil. gov/floodplainrequest , you can request a free floodplain determination letter for any property within the City.
If you believe that your home has been incorrectly mapped within FEMA’s regulatory floodplain, you can contact the Engineering Division at 847-391-5390.
5 New Recruits
Fire Department Updates
The Des Plaines Fire Department is taking steps to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community, both today and in the years ahead.
One of the most exciting developments is the upcoming renovation of Fire Station 62, located on Oakton Street. This multimillion-dollar project, which is projected to be completed in 2026, represents a major investment in public safety and will support enhanced day-to-day operations, expanded training capabilities, and improved emergency response across the city. The redesigned station will also accommodate modern equipment and staffing needs, helping the department serve Des Plaines more efficiently and effectively.
The department looks forward to sharing more as planning progresses and to creating a station designed to serve the community well into the future.
In addition to the facility upgrades, the department has five recruits who are filling currently open positions: Odi Nano, Noah Bulka, Zack Geib, Aidan Murray, and Michael Velazquez. Our new hires represent the next generation of Des Plaines firefighters, and the department is proud to welcome them aboard.
5 New Recruits
Looking further ahead, the department has also launched a new internship program in partnership with Maine Township District 207. Six junior and senior students are spending the semester job-shadowing firefighters and riding along on calls. This hands-on experience is designed to spark interest in fire service careers and provide students with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the firehouse. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support recruitment and workforce development.
Leaf Collection
The City’s annual curbside leaf collection program will be back starting October 20 and continuing through early December (weather permitting). Crews will collect loose leaves raked to the curb from homes across the community. This seasonal service complements the weekly yard waste pickup provided by LRS.
Prefer to bag your leaves instead? Bagged leaves can be dropped off at the Public Works facility at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road from October 20 through December 19. Visit desplainesil.gov/leafcollection for more details and pickup dates for your zones.
Halloween Information
The City of Des Plaines does not have designated hours for trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. However, we encourage parents to be aware of the hazards that exist after sunset. If children are trick-or-treating at dusk or after dark, glow sticks and flashlights will enhance their visibility. Drivers should exercise caution at all times, with special attention given when driving near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods on Halloween. Homes welcoming trick-or-treaters are asked to turn on porch or outdoor lights, while those who are not participating are requested to keep their outdoor lights off.