History has been made! Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, along with eight other black women mayors were recently celebrated for their remarkable achievements across various metro Atlanta cities, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. From Clayton County to Douglas County, from DeKalb County to Fulton County, these trailblazers were honored for their outstanding leadership and commitment to public service.

During their March 4 general meeting, Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, and members of the Forest Park City Council adopted a municipal blight tax ordinance as part of the city's ongoing effort to improve neighborhood sustainability, while also focusing on maintaining a clean, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.

The new legislation increases ad valorem taxes by 10.0 mills on residential and commercial properties deemed blighted, abandoned or unsafe and subsequently decreases the millage rate for a period of time once the property is remediated or redeveloped. Once an inspection has been completed by the city, a determination shall be provided to the respective property owner, in writing, confirming that the property – per ordinance standards – is in a blighted condition.

Tax-exempt properties, such as churches, cemeteries and land owned or operated by charitable organizations, would not be impacted by the ordinance. City officials also plan to work directly with residents and business owners who may face additional financial burdens due to the new adopted ordinance. Click here to view a copy of the city's blight tax ordinance (PDF format). For additional information about the city's Beautification Plan or to speak with a member of the Code Enforcement Department, call (404) 366-4720.

The City of Forest Park had the privilege of hosting members of the Forest Park Ministers Association for their monthly membership meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss ways in which both the city and local clergy can work together to address some of the many needs facing our community. A special thank you to, Pastor, Supt. Kenneth Paden, and all those who attended today's special event. To learn more about the Forest Park Ministers Association, visit www.forestparkministersassociation.org.

Hey, Forest Park, how are those new year fitness goals coming along? Think you can handle an intense, full-body workout with El Malone Fitness? If so, come prove it! Don't forget to grab your workout gear and join us for next week's Wellness With Wells workout session presented by Councilwoman Latresa Akins-Wells Ward 4. Upcoming session dates include March 19, March 26, April 2 and April 9. The program is FREE, so be ready to dance, move and enjoy amazing fellowship with neighbors in your very own community.

It was a beautiful Sunday Funday for the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Hunger Walk/Run. Team Captain Councilwoman Kimberly James (Ward 1) joined Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, and more than 60 residents and community leaders for this year's fundraiser in an effort to end hunger throughout metro Atlanta. Kudos to all who came out for such a worthy cause. Together, we are working to help ensure that no family goes without food in Forest Park and beyond. 

In recognition of Arbor Day 2024, the Forest Park Code Enforcement Department planted two trees at Alder Drive Park and Second Street Park. Residents who were interested in planting their very own tree were also able to stop by Starr Park to pick up the remaining seedlings.

Click here for more details about Georgia's Arbor Day and ways you can support local tree growth and forestry.

Career Day at Utopian Academy of the Arts proved to be an incredible experience , as members of the Forest Park Police Department gave students an inside look at the role of police officers in the community. Students were captivated by the demonstrations and gained insightful perspectives into the world of how K9 officers are used to aid law enforcement.

A special acknowledgment to the city's exceptional K9 officers, Officer Cruzleon, Officer Taylor, and Officer Hunter, who brought both excitement and valuable education to the day.

Getting down to the nitty gritty when it comes to emergency response. Crews from the Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department recently held an in-person comprehensive training where first responders had the opportunity to get their hands on some new life-saving equipment. Members of the department were also able to learn additional emergency response tactics that can be used when responding to all types incidents, including car accidents, medical calls and more.

This month's Employee Spotlight features our very own Director of Information Technology, Mr. Joshua Cox! As a core member of the city's executive team, Director Cox is responsible for overseeing the city's network operations, managing the IT infrastructure, identifying hardware and software needs, project implementation and more. Director Cox joined the city in 2021 and says that his favorite part of the job is being able to work with such an incredible team of IT professionals. He is a die-hard fan of the University of South Carolina Camecocks, and during his spare time, he enjoys boating and listening to his favorite music artist, Darius Rucker!