Flood Alert
The City of Des Plaines is preparing for possible flooding along the Des Plaines River.
City departments, including Public Works, the Des Plaines Fire Department, and the Des Plaines Police Department, are coordinating efforts to ensure residents’ safety and minimize property damage.
Sandbags are available for pickup at the Public Works facility, located at 1111 Joseph Schwab Road. If conditions change, Public Works may establish remote sandbag filling stations in areas impacted by flooding. Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s official website and social media channels for the latest information.
New Water Payment Portal
The City of Des Plaines has launched a new utility payment portal. This upgraded platform offers enhanced features and makes it easy for residents to manage their accounts anytime, anywhere on a desktop or mobile device.
All utility billing will now be processed through the new system. To get started, users will need to create a new account, even if they were registered on the previous site. Visit our utility payment help page for step by step written instructions and a video tutorial on creating a new account.
Community Garage Sale
The 2026 Community Garage Sale will take place Friday, May 1; Saturday, May 2; and Sunday, May 3. The event covers all Des Plaines zip codes and runs from 8 a.m. to sunset each day, rain or shine.
Residents looking to participate can fill out the sign-up form on our website. Prior to the sale, City staff will create an interactive map showing the types of items available at each location. Get ready to explore the neighborhood and uncover hidden treasures!
For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/communitygaragesale.
Tall Grass and Weeds Notice
Now that spring is in full swing and grass and weeds are beginning to grow, the City of Des Plaines is reminding residents and property owners that regular lawn care is not just about curb appeal, it is also required by City Code. Visit our website to review property maintenance requirements.
To keep our neighborhoods safe, attractive, and accessible for everyone, here are a few key guidelines:
- Grass and non-ornamental plants must be kept below 6 inches in height.
- Noxious weeds, as defined in City Code, must be removed by cutting, pulling, or other approved methods at least once per month from May 1 to October 1.
Thank you for helping keep Des Plaines clean and well maintained.
LRS Yard Collection
As a reminder, seasonal yard waste collection for the year began on April 5. The City’s contracted waste hauler, LRS, provides this service through the end of November.
Residents should place yard waste in approved containers or paper kraft bags. Containers must not exceed 50 pounds when filled. User-owned cans must be clearly marked “Yard Waste” and should not exceed 35 gallons in size.
LRS will also collect bundled branches, sticks, and twigs. Bundles must not exceed 4 feet in length or 18 inches in diameter.
Materials containing excessive soil, dirt, or earth may not be collected.
For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/wastecollection.
Food Truck Round Up Returns on May 19
Grab your forks and your friends! Our annual Food Truck Round Up series returns this summer, once again serving up tasty bites and toe-tapping beats for residents of all ages.
The first stop is set for Tuesday, May 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park & Conservatory (395 W Algonquin Road). Follow the City of Des Plaines on social media to see which food trucks and bands will be rolling in.
More chances to enjoy food and fun will come later in the summer:
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Tuesday, July 21, at Metropolitan Square
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Tuesday, August 18, at Library Plaza
Visit desplainesil.gov/foodtruckroundup to see all the details and mark your calendar for a summer of food and fun.
Spring Sustainability: By the Numbers
The City of Des Plaines’ ongoing commitment to sustainability is reflected in recent community events, summarized below by the numbers.
At the Community Shredding Event on Saturday, March 28, the document shredding truck from Shred First Inc. was filled to capacity, totaling approximately four tons of paper. Based on that success, two additional shredding events have been scheduled for Saturday, August 15, and Saturday, October 24.
More than 100 volunteers took part in the Earth Month Clean Up at Axehead Lake on Saturday, April 11, held in partnership with Clean Up Give Back. According to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, volunteers collected an estimated 375 pounds of trash during the event.
Thank you to the residents who participated and supported these efforts.
Recap Video: Mayor’s Address to Business
On March 19, 2026, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce hosted the Mayors Annual Address to Business and Community Enhancement Awards at Oakton College.
Watch the full event to see all the different community members and businesses doing great things in the City, and hear the Mayors remarks about the future.
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