‘Heading in the right direction’: Des Plaines council sets new 4-year strategic plan

Des Plaines’ latest strategic plan gives residents and city employees a new vision for the city and a new mission statement, both of which can be summed up in just six words: to be a caring, welcoming community.

Mayor Andrew Goczkowski unveiled the plan during Monday’s city council meeting. It sets goals for the city for 2027 through 2030.

The new vision statement encourages Des Plaines to be “a caring community with deep connections and a forward-thinking approach.” Des Plaines should be a city, it states, “where people come together to build a future abundant with possibilities.”

Similarly, the mission statement establishes Des Plaines as “a welcoming city” that delivers “the cost-effective services essential to a safe, sustainable, and engaged community.”

The plan establishes five strategic goals: economic development; maintaining infrastructure and sustainability; creating a workforce of excellence; financial stability; and boosting the community’s image.

Each goal has five proposed initiatives. For example, updating city codes and redeveloping city-owned properties are among the economic initiatives. Likewise, a marketing strategy, community events and improving public safety are among the initiatives envisioned for shaping Des Plaines’ image.

“These are all elements that, when put together, will help us to meet those vision and mission statements and help our community continue to grow into a place where more and more people want to come and raise a family, work and spend their time and money,” Goczkowski said.

The strategic plan will serve as a primary policy document, guiding annual budget development and city operations, Goczkowski said.

“We may disagree on details here and there, but we all definitely have the same guiding philosophy for where we want the city to go,” he added.

Aldermen Mark Walsten of the 6th Ward and Dick Sayad of the 4th Ward spoke in favor of the plan before it was approved by the council without objection. Sayad also talked of the talent and leadership at city hall.

“We’re heading in the right direction,” Sayad said.

The city’s previous strategic plan began in 2022 and runs through the end of this year.