Des Plaines Downtown Economic Development Strategy

Refining a vision and set of policies for Downtown investment in collaboration with the City.

Des Plaines, IL

Project Highlights

  • Assessed market conditions, housing, and post-Covid retail trends
  • Refined economic development programs and initiatives to meet current market conditions
  • Developed criteria for investment for local businesses and large developments
  • Engaged City Council, local businesses, and residents
  • Drafted recommendations for creating a more lively, vibrant downtown

Teska, joined by Goodman Williams Group and The Planera Group, was asked to develop consensus around a vision and policies for investing in Downtown Des Plaines. Through interviews, focus groups, and City Council work sessions, our team worked with the community to assess market conditions and identify development and placemaking opportunities to strengthen the vitality of Downtown. Through developing criteria for investments, the City is pursuing land assemblage, transit-oriented development surrounding Metra and Pace, and business improvements that meet a shared set of goals and strategies.