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 Message from Mayor Goczkowski
Each fall, the City of Des Plaines begins its annual budget process. During this time, City staff and elected officials work together to plan how public dollars will be spent in the year ahead. From investments in public safety and infrastructure to community services and events, the choices we make help shape the future of our city.
In the coming weeks, the City Council will hold a series of meetings to review and discuss the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget meetings are open to the public and are also livestreamed for those who prefer to watch from home. For your convenience, details on meeting dates and times are listed below.
While we plan for the year ahead, we’re also excited to celebrate the season and enjoy all that’s happening right now in our community. On Saturday, October 18, we invite you to join us at Harvest Hoot, our annual fall festival held at Oakton College. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and features live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors, and seasonal activities for all ages. New this year are two performance stages and hands-on felting workshops for those looking to get creative.
For residents looking to safely dispose of personal documents, the City’s shred event on Saturday, October 25 provides a secure and convenient opportunity. It’s a great way to protect your information while helping keep our community clutter-free.
In the meantime, please share this e-news with your family, friends, and neighbors, and encourage them to subscribe. If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at 847-391-5301 or agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.
Yours in service,
Andrew Goczkowski
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ComEd Utility Expansion at Rand Road and Union Pacific Railroad
Road Closure October 8 through October 24
Commonwealth Edison will begin infrastructure improvements at Rand Road and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on Wednesday, October 8, with work expected to be completed by Friday, October 24.
Starting at 9 a.m. on October 8, Rand Road will be closed to all traffic at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing just northwest of Graceland Avenue. A posted detour will direct drivers to use Golf Road and Des Plaines River Road.
The project includes installing multiple electrical manholes and duct packages to support utility expansion.
Motorists should anticipate delays and give themselves extra time for trips through the area. Drivers are advised to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey posted speed limits, and stay alert for workers and equipment. For questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact ComEd directly at 779-231-1737 or visit www.comed.com.
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City Council Preview
City Council will meet on Monday, October 6, at 7 p.m. Noteworthy items from the agenda include:
For more details, visit the City's website here and watch the livestream here.
Special Budget Meetings
The City of Des Plaines will hold several special City Council meetings over the coming weeks to discuss the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
These meetings are open to the public and will also be livestreamed on our website.
City Offices Closed
City offices are closed on Monday, October 13, for the Columbus Day holiday. Refuse collection will follow its regular schedule.
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Whooo’s Ready for the Harvest Hoot?
Oakton College | Saturday, October 18 from noon to 4 p.m.
Des Plaines’ annual fall festival is back at Oakton College on Saturday, October 18, from noon to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, hands-on activities, food trucks, artisan vendors, and more.
Now in its third year, Harvest Hoot is expanding with two performance stages: the Lil’ Hoot Stage for kids’ entertainment, and the Hootenanny Stage, featuring a high-energy country rock band.
New this year: live needle-felting workshops led by FeltiFriends Studios. Make your own felt pumpkin (12 p.m.) or ghost (2 p.m.). $20 per session, all materials included. Space is limited; pre-registration is encouraged.
Learn more and register at desplainesil.gov/harvesthoot.
Community Paper Shredding Event
1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road | Saturday, October 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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.
This event is open to Des Plaines residents only. For full guidelines and details, visit:
desplainesil.gov/sustainability
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Curbside Leaf Collection
The City's collection (separate from the LRS weekly pick-up) begins October 20. Leaves must be raked by 6 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up date. The leaf pick-up zone numbers are the same as the refuse pick-up. Please position the leaves into one neat, continuous row, one foot (12") from the curb. Visit desplainesil.gov/leafcollection for more details.
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ICYMI: September Community Connection
Catch the latest episode of Community Connection with Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, where we highlight good news from around Des Plaines!
In this edition:
- Des Plaines Theatre turns 100
- A neighborhood park gets a fresh new look
- Cubs outfielder stops by town
Watch the full episode below and see what’s happening in your hometown.
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Welcome New Businesses
There’s no shortage of growth in Des Plaines. The following businesses were officially approved in August.
- Greater Family Health
- Glow Beauty By Amina LLC
Please note: The businesses listed above have recently received a City of Des Plaines business license. Some may already be open, while others could still be preparing to welcome customers. We recommend reaching out directly or visiting their websites for the latest information on hours and services.
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Upcoming Meetings and Reminders
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10/06 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
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10/13 - Columbus Day | City offices closed
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10/18 - Harvest Hoot | Noon - 4 p.m. at Oakton College
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10/20 - Leaf Drop Off at Public Works Begins | Check website for zone details
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10/25 - Community Shred Event | 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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11/03 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
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City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300 |
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
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