From left to right: Forest Park Mayor Dr. Gwen Ellison; Councilmember Kimberly James, Ward 1; Councilmember Delores A. Gunn, Ward 2; Councilmember Hector Gutierrez, Ward 3; Councilmember Latresa Akins-Wells, Ward 4; and Councilmember Allan Mears, Ward 5.

Forest Park Welcomes Mayor Dr. Gwen Ellison

Congratulations to Dr. Gwen Webb Ellison, who was officially sworn in as the new Mayor of Forest Park on Friday, January 2, at Living Faith Tabernacle. A hometown native, Mayor Ellison graduated from Forest Park High School and earned an associate degree in psychology from Reinhardt College and a bachelor's degree in education from Georgia State University. She is also a licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as the owner of HOPE Funeral Home, which is located in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Mayor Ellison's leadership, dedication and commitment to service reflect the very best of public stewardship. We look forward to a future guided by unity, integrity and progress for all who call Forest Park home. To learn more about Mayor Ellison, click here.

Buddhist Monks Walk For Peace Stops In Forest Park

Last month, the City of Forest Park was able to share its deepest gratitude with the Buddhist monks during their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace. Their journey will span roughly 120 days and aims to promote peace, healing, mindfulness, and happiness through simplicity. During a recent stop at the Gillem Logistics Center in Forest Park, the group emphasized the importance of compassion, mindfulness and peace as we begin a new year.

On behalf of our residents and the Forest Park governing body, we wish them continued strength and safe travels on the path ahead. To learn more about the Walk For Peace, click here.

Roadway Work Continues For Intersection At Linda Way, West Street

A temporary road closure is currently in effect for Linda Way (at the intersection of West Street). During this time, crews will be installing a storm drainpipe, as well as other associated storm structures. The road is expected to reopen within the next two weeks. Prior to the upcoming scheduled road closure, detour signage was installed to assist with the flow of vehicular traffic.

Motorists are highly encouraged to use caution near the immediate area and follow all detour signage or traffic control measures. If there is a need for the road closure to be extended or if additional road closures are necessary, another public notice will be issued. For questions, contact the city's Public Works Department at (404) 366-4720.

Forest Park Selected For Georgia's Community Housing Initiative

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently announced that the City of Forest Park has been selected to participate in the 2026 Georgia Initiative For Community Housing (GICH) program. The official announcement was made during DCA's annual Fall Conference and GICH Fall Retreat in Savannah, Ga. Launched in 2004, GICH grew out of Georgia’s experience with the National League of Cities’ Affordable Housing Program and aims to assist communities with creating and implementing a locally based plan to meet their respective housing needs. Partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program also provides in-kind support by way assistance from organizations such as the University of Georgia Archway Partnership, Carl Vinson Institute of Government and UGA Cooperative Extension.

City staff have already begun collaborating with representatives from the GICH program, with the goal of developing new creative ideas on how to address the city's long-term housing needs. Additionally, staff plans to produce a community action plan that will include objectives and goals, while still focusing on neighborhood revitalization efforts and community planning. For more information about the GICH, click here.

Forest Park Business Owners: want to make a difference in your community? Are you looking to share important resources or simply want to connect more with local residents? If so, be sure to register for the 2026 Partners In Business Breakfast taking place Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Forest Park High School, located at 5452 Phillips Dr.

The event will be followed by the Back in School Jam and vendor market. All scheduled events are FREE to participate in. To register your business for the event, click here or email kimberly.james2@clayton.k12.ga.us.

Photo Recap: Annual Holiday Extravaganza Brings Seasonal Spirit, Joy

Annual Clayton County MLK Day Parade Scheduled For Jan. 19

ELEVATE Program Offers Employment, Skills Training Resources

Employee Spotlight: Tenisha Dixon, Council Aide

Join Our Team: Featured Job Openings

Looking for your next career move? The City of Forest Park has several job openings available. Below are a few of our featured employment opportunities (click the job titles below to learn more).

View All Current City Job Postings

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Community Events

About the City of Forest Park

Located roughly 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the City of Forest Park is home to a population of nearly 20,000 residents in Clayton County, Georgia, as well as many flourishing small, medium and large businesses. The city was incorporated in 1908 and is approximately five miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with easy access to I-75, I-285 and I-675. For more information, visit www.forestparkga.gov.

Media Contact:

Javon Anthony Lloyd

Public Information Officer

jlloyd@forestparkga.gov

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