 City Council Preview
City offices will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m.
For more details, visit the City's website and watch the livestream.
2025 Calendar
Stay up to date with City services and programs! The City’s annual calendar was delivered to all residential addresses to kick off the new year. Digital versions, including translations into Polish and Spanish, are available at desplainesil.gov/annualcalendar.
Beyond the Call with the Des Plaines Fire Department
Last January, the Des Plaines Fire Department received a call for a pregnancy where the mother was in labor. They were able to transfer her to the hospital. While they were in the elevator bringing her up to the floor for labor and delivery, her water broke, and the paramedics stepped in and delivered the baby.
The Des Plaines Fire Department answers calls for service daily, always ready for whatever comes their way. Watch the first installment of Beyond the Call to see Lieutenant Colin Moon describe a call that resulted in the delivery of a baby in an elevator.
Snow Removal
During winter weather, home and business owners should clear sidewalks, fire hydrants (clear 3-feet around), and any handicap-accessible parking spaces on their property. This keeps travel safe for our community and will help you avoid being fined. For more information, visit desplainesil.gov/snowremoval.
Also note, after a two-inch (2") snowfall, it is unlawful to park any vehicle, or to allow any vehicle to remain parked, on snow routes until snow removal operations are completed. View our snow routes at desplainesil.gov/snowmap.
Active Transportation Plan
We are excited to announce that the City of Des Plaines is updating our Active Transportation Plan to improve safety and enhance connectivity for people walking, bicycling, and rolling across the City. This plan will build on the City’s current bicycle and pedestrian network and improve connections to regional trails and community destinations.
We want to hear from you! We invite all community members to share their insights through an interactive survey. Visit desplainesil.gov/bikenetwork to access the survey or subscribe to project updates.
We are forming a Community Advisory Group to guide key project stages. The first virtual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2:30-4 p.m. If you want to join the group or have questions about the plan, contact the Public Works and Engineering Department at engineering@desplainesil.gov.
Help Improve Traffic Safety
In addition to the Des Plaines Active Transportation Plan survey and advisory group, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is leading ‘Safe Travel for All,’ a regionwide initiative to significantly reduce, and ultimately eliminate, traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Northeastern Illinois. Northeastern Illinois is experiencing a traffic safety crisis. Roadway deaths have been increasing over the past decade and an increasing number of those killed are people walking or riding a bike. You can make a difference by participating in the regionwide Safe Travel for All initiative to reduce — and ultimately eliminate — fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
You know the roads in your community better than anyone, and your personal experience is key to understanding safety issues and developing solutions. Please visit the Cook County Safety Action Plan website to:
- Drop pins on the safety hotspots map
- Take the traffic safety survey (and get entered to win a $100 Visa gift card!)
- Get event and open house details
- Sign up for project updates
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Winter has hit the Midwest! During these cold periods, water freezes and expands in pipes, which can cause them to burst or freeze. As the weather warms up and pipes begin to thaw, the water stuck behind the freeze can cause the pressure inside the pipe to further increase, which can also lead to pipe bursts. Here are some ways to prevent and manage frozen pipes:
- Prevent freezes by running cold water in your sinks and leaving cabinets with pipes open.
- If possible, thaw frozen pipes using an electric hair dryer on a low setting.
- Never use an open flame to defrost pipes.
- If your pipes break, shut off your water and water heater and call a plumber.
Learn more about caring for your plumbing during winter weather at the Red Cross website.
Recycle Holiday Lights
The Des Plaines Public Works and Engineering Department is hosting a free holiday light recycling event throughout the months of January and February. Lights that will be accepted include C7 and C9 lights, rope lights, mini-lights (icicle lights), LED lights, and extension cords. Bring items between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Wednesdays, to the Public Works facility at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab (Campground) Rd. Any holiday light strands still connected to wreaths, garlands, or other materials cannot be accepted.
Welcome New Businesses
- Beacon Auto Repair LLC-S Series 11
- BIGMONKEYUSA
- Des Plaines Pickleball LLC
- Ghareeb Nawaz DP Inc
- Gil's Auto Center LLC
- Gold Health Home Care Corp
- HSI Trading LLC dba Exotic Snack & Smoke
- Invicto LLC
- Justpol Automotive LLC
- La Marina Mariscos
- La Nueva Michoacana y Sus Delicias #1 Inc
- Lea Hospitality Group LLC dba Brunch City
- Mango House Cafe LLC
- Norman Distribution, Inc
- Pete Auto Repair & Sales Inc
- Raising Cane's Restaurants, LLC
- Seed Realty LLC
- Sofias Takeria Inc
- The Serpents Lair Tattoo
- WellNow Urgent Care PC
Upcoming Meetings and Reminders
- 1/17: Last day of LRS Holiday Tree collection
- 1/20: Martin Luther King Day. City offices closed.
- 1/21: Council Meeting 7 p.m. (Tuesday Meeting)
- 2/3: Council Meeting 7 p.m.
- 2/10: Downtown Economic Development Strategic Planning Meeting 6 PM
Visit desplainesil.gov and check out our calendar to see what’s happening around town.
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