Starting in 2026, the Village of Western Springs embarked on a 15-month process to update its Comprehensive Plan. Last updated in 2003, the Comprehensive Plan has guided the Village through the past two decades and has been largely implemented in many ways, such as new development guidelines, downtown revitalization, and strategic infrastructure investments. Like any policy document, however, the Comprehensive Plan must be periodically revisited and updated to reflect current realities, trends, and community goals.

The “Spring into our Future” Western Springs Comprehensive Plan aims to do just that. Through a holistic process of community engagement, technical analysis, and conversations, a vision for Western Springs’ next two decades will be formed. Though the Comprehensive Plan is primarily a land use plan, it will analyze, envision, and set forward recommendations for other aspects of the Village, including transportation, sustainability, community character and design, economic development, facilities, and more!

To ensure the Plan accurately reflects the community’s values and aspirations, we need you! We encourage you to subscribe to the plan below to receive updates on events and documents as they come out.

Timeline (2026-2027)

Phase 1: Project Kick-Off | Summer 2026

Phase 2: Engagement & Visioning | Summer 2026

Phase 3: Draft Plan | Winter 2026

Phase 4: Final Plan| Spring 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is a roadmap for managing change and shaping the future. It fuses findings from community outreach with data and local analysis to create a framework for proactive decision-making.

How will plan priorities be determined?

Priorities are shaped by findings from: (1) public input to understand shared goals, (2) analysis of data and Village conditions, and (3) experience and expertise of the planning team. Insight and input from residents, Village Boards & Committees, organizations, and staff will inform the big picture and guiding principles of the Comprehensive Plan.

Who is involved in the planning process?

First and foremost, the Western Springs residents! This is your plan and we hope to have participation from as many residents, business owners, and organizations as possible. Village staff and the Steering Committee are taking the lead on the planning process, with technical assistance from our consultant, Teska Associates, Inc.

How will the plan get used?

The Adopted Plan will serve as a tool for decision makers. It often comes into play at budgeting times when deciding how to allocate Village resources, and with policy decisions that shape quality of life. Both the planning process and outcome (the document itself) initiate proactive discussions to avoid reactive debates when issues arise.

How do I get involved?

Be sure you are subscribed to the project website to stay up-to-date on all Comprehensive Plan news and get notified when there are meetings, events, and draft documents for review. Start sharing ideas by visiting the comment map today!