Excellence in Finance Management and Reporting

The City of Des Plaines is a leader in government finance, demonstrated by its consistent awards for excellence in financial management and reporting. 

In 2021, the City received the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Triple Crown recognition for three outstanding achievements: Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Des Plaines is one of only 200 Triple Crown winners in the country.

In alignment with the City Council’s Strategic Plan and financial policies, the City of Des Plaines continues to maintain long-term financial strength and stability. The City Manager and Finance Director, in partnership with the City Council, have taken great strides over the past several years to better position the City to be fiscally sound and responsible. 

Those measures include:

• Reducing debt by 82%+ over the last since 2005.

• The City has maintained a 25% Fund Balance for 14 consecutive years excluding 2024, in alignment with Council’s financial policies that aim to preserve the City’s financial strength.

• $52M in capital improvements/investments (street, alley, water, sewer, facilities, IT and equipment improvements, etc.) with no bond issues planned for 2024.