The Youngest Citywide Official in Des Plaines History (with Dominik Bronakowski) | Ep. 9
The Youngest Citywide Official in Des Plaines History (with Dominik Bronakowski) | Ep. 9  
Podcast: Ground Floor Government
Published On: Tue Oct 21 2025
Description: Young, elected, and showing up. Host Hugh Plappert sits down with Dominik Bronakowski, the elected City Clerk of Des Plaines, sworn in at 24 and proud to be the youngest elected citywide official in Des Plaines history. Dominik shares how wearing many hats opened doors, from working full-time in the Illinois State legislature on constituent services and outreach to evenings and weekends in the clerk’s office. From ageism on the campaign trail to proving himself day in and day out, Dominik focuses on transparency, accessibility, and competitive elections. He talks about rolling out translation services for non-English speakers, making it easier for candidates to get on the ballot, and showing up to every city council meeting to learn how government works. His message to young people is simple: show up.ㅤ👤 Guest BioDominik Bronakowski is the elected City Clerk of Des Plaines. Sworn in at 24, he is the youngest elected citywide official in Des Plaines history. He also works in the Illinois State legislature for a state representative in the Lake County area, handling constituent services, outreach, and district office work. Dominik serves at city council meetings, community events, and leads initiatives around accessibility and elections while collaborating with strong staff in the clerk’s office.ㅤ📌 What We CoverWearing multiple hats: full-time in the Illinois State legislature and part-time as City ClerkShowing up to every city council meeting to learn how government works and operatesNavigating ageism and proving capability by doing the work day in and day outTransparency, accessibility, and competitive elections as priorities beyond the status quoRolling out onsite translation services to support non-English speakers at City HallCreating candidate guides to make it easier to get on the ballot locallyCommunity connection through farmers’ markets, permitting and licensing, and liquor licensesMentorship from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski and State Senator Laura Murphyㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedCity of Des PlainesDes Plaines City Council meetingsPlanning and Zoning BoardMayor Andrew GoczkowskiState Senator Laura MurphyLake MichiganDeputy FOIA officerFarmers’ markets