Guiding DG represents an unprecedented planning innovation in Illinois – the development of four concurrent and integrated planning initiatives. Rather than creating isolated plans that risk conflicting recommendations, Downers Grove developed its Comprehensive Plan, Active Transportation Plan, Environmental Sustainability Plan, and Downtown and Fairview Streetscapes Plan as a cohesive framework to guide 20 years of community growth. This process included a unifying brand and engagement strategy, which: (a) reduced burnout and highlighted the importance of collective planning to the public; (b) strategically designed and implemented a robust communication and engagement plan; (c) ensured interrelated plans that provide consistent recommendations throughout and are implementable; and (d) created recommendations on very timely issues occurring in communities throughout Illinois (i.e. micromobility, ADUs, environmental sustainability, and permanent outdoor dining solutions).
Award submitted by: Village of Downers Grove
Funding agencies: Village of Downers Grove, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, Downers Grove Downtown Management
Supporting organizations: Houseal Lavigne, All Together, Baxter & Woodman, Hitchcock Design Group, GZA