Des Plaines Economic Development Strategy

Building consensus around a shared vision for investment in Downtown Des Plaines

Teska, joined by Goodman Williams Group and The Planera Group, partnered with the City of Des Plaines to align community leaders, businesses, and residents around a vision and set of policies for Downtown investment. Through interviews, focus groups, and City Council work sessions, the team assessed market conditions, housing, and post-pandemic retail trends, and identified development and placemaking opportunities to strengthen Downtown's vitality.

The team refined the City's economic development programs to match current market realities and created clear investment criteria for both local businesses and large developments. With those criteria in place, the City is now pursuing land assembly, transit-oriented development around Metra and Pace, and business improvements guided by a shared set of goals and strategies. The recommendations chart a path toward a more active, welcoming Downtown.

• HIGHLIGHTS

  • Market, housing, and retail trend analysis

  • Updated economic development programs

  • Investment criteria for small businesses and large developments

  • Transit-oriented development around Metra and Pace

  • City Council work sessions, interviews, and focus groups

SERVICES

Economic Development
Market Analysis
Subarea Planning

CLIENT

City of Des Plaines

PARTNERS

Goodwin Williams Group
The Planera Group