Forest Park moves to seek FY2027 congressional funds for sidewalks and a youth development program

Forest Park staff asked council March 2 to authorize applications for FY2027 congressionally directed spending that staff said were identified through communications with the offices of U.S. Senators. Public Works presented three phase-1 project priorities: Waldrop Road sidewalk ($600,000), Rock Cut Road sidewalk and drainage ($600,000), and gym equipment for Star Park renovations (phase 1) ($300,000). Council authorized staff to submit the applications and, where required, to accept awards.

Separately, staff presented a proposal to pursue federal funding for a coordinated youth-development and family-wellness initiative. The city selected the Save Our Kids of Incarcerated Parents ("SKIP") Georgia chapter as a program partner; staff said SKIP’s cohort-based model integrates mentoring, academic enrichment and workforce-readiness programming, and that the organization has prior experience running similar programs in local school systems. Staff said the program would start with a concentrated 10-week summer workforce institute for ages roughly 16–20 and would expand services year-round.

Council members asked procedural questions — whether council resolution or action was required to support application submission — and staff said the city would prepare appropriate documentation. The council moved and approved authorization to submit the congressionally directed spending applications and to approve the youth program submission by voice vote.

If funded, staff said projects would advance the city’s livable-centers and youth-development goals; any awards will require standard grant acceptance procedures and future council oversight.