Forest Park is taking matters into their own hands regarding economic development. A former Eckerd Drugs-Rite Aid building next to city hall on Forest Parkway will become The Grapevine. This dynamic project will serve as a full-scale business incubator for those in the food industry, such as catering, and provide restaurant space for three firms to provide needed amenities to the community and create a new gathering spot in the downtown area. The brick-and-mortar space will also be home to a coffee shop, event stage and even flex office space.

Forest Park Municipal Court has launched its Warrant Amnesty Program to assist individuals facing arrest and other penalties due to delinquent traffic tickets or other misdemeanor violations. The program, which will run from Feb. 1 through June 30, offers limited amnesty to those with open warrants and/or citations from 2021.

Individuals interested in the program are encouraged to visit the Forest Park Municipal Court, located at 320 Cash Memorial Blvd., in person on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information about the program, click here or contact the Forest Park Municipal Court at (404) 366-4720 or email Nacori Chambers at nchambers@forestparkga.gov. 

The Georgia State University Alumni Association has named Forest Park City Councilman Hector Gutierrez to its 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. The honoree program, which was started in 2018, aims to recognize some of the most influential and impactful Georgia State graduates who embody the values of the university.

Along with serving as the Community Schools Coordinating Supervisor for Clayton County Public Schools, Gutierrez has also served on the National Association of Latino Elected Officials board, the GALEO (formerly the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials) Impact Fund board, the City of Forest Park Development Authority and the Georgia Municipalities Literacy Committee, and is a member of the steering committee of the Latinx Alliances.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is proposing bus service modifications for Routes 192 and 195, which would impact areas along Old Dixie Highway, Tara Boulevard and Forest Parkway. All proposed bus route modifications are available to view during regular business hours at MARTA's headquarters, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Proposed Route Maps: 192 | 195)

Last month, more than 120 individuals attended the City of Forest Park's Job Fair held at the Leonard Hartsfield, Sr. Community Center. Jobseekers had the chance to meet one on one with over a dozen local companies, including Bulldog Insurance Inc., Kroger, Clayton County Water Authority, Technique Concrete, JenCare Senior Medical Medical Center and more. Thank you to Councilwoman Latresa Akins-Wells Ward 4, all our participating employers and city staff for hosting such an incredible event for the community.

Educators from Clayton County Public Schools, along with several elected officials, business owners and community partners, met at Forest Park High School to talk about strategic ways to develop Clayton County's future workforce. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, individuals participated in a joint networking event designed to connect local businesses with students seeking career opportunities.

Please help us celebrate Ms. Lisa Waller for an impressive 24 years of unwavering dedication and service to the Forest Park police Department!  Thank you, Lisa, for your commitment, hard work, and the positive impact you've made throughout your remarkable career. Your contributions have not only shaped our organization but have also left a lasting mark.

Here's to the countless accomplishments and the legacy of excellence you've built, and congratulations on this incredible milestone! 

Meet the Forest Park team! This month's Employee Spotlight features Tonya Thomas, Administrator Supervisor for the city's Public Works Department. Tonya has been with the City of Forest Park for 25 years. Her duties include helping to ensure smooth operations within the department, coordinating work orders, spearheading grant funding, managing fleet operations and much more. Tonya says the best part of her job is being a part of the amazing Public Works team!

Mayor Butler’s Book Club recently made a stop at Fountain Elementary School in an effort to share the importance of reading at a young age. Representatives from city hall, along with Clayton County School Board Member Victoria Williams, took time out of their busy schedules to read two books to Ms. Martin’s Kindergarten class and to Ms. DiNino’s first-grade class. The books featured a positive message about believing in yourself and being the change in community you want to see.