Park Forest Mayor Joseph A. Woods and Village Manager Tom Mick traveled to Washington, D.C., in mid-May to meet with federal officials and advance a "proactive" agenda aimed at securing funding for key local priorities.
This visit was part of the SouthCom Coalition's annual federal advocacy efforts and brought together leaders from Park Forest, Richton Park, and Matteson. While all three municipalities were represented, Woods and Mick concentrated specifically on meeting Park Forest's needs. Their focus areas included home rehabilitation, water and sewer infrastructure improvements, public safety, parks, and economic development.
The meetings, which spanned two tightly scheduled days with seven meetings in one day, were part of a broader strategy to advocate for funding ahead of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations cycle. Park Forest officials engaged with representatives from the Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, and the offices of U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth in addition to Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
"This wasn't just a ceremonial visit," Mick emphasized. "We came with a clearly defined agenda that directly reflects the needs of Park Forest residents. Our message to federal partners was straightforward: investing in our infrastructure and services benefits our 22,000 citizens."
A Targeted Federal Agenda for Park Forest
At the top of Park Forest's federal agenda was a request for $1.4 million in home rehabilitation assistance for low- and moderate-income homeowners. This initiative encompasses funding for energy-efficient window replacements, roof repairs, and plumbing upgrades—all aimed at reducing utility costs, improving housing safety, and promoting long-term sustainability.
"These programs are not just about fixing homes," Woods stated. "They are about preserving affordability, enhancing quality of life, and revitalizing our neighborhoods."
Park Forest also requested $600,000 in funding to retrofit its Recreation Center to meet ADA accessibility standards. These upgrades would include reconfiguring entrances and mechanical system separations from neighboring school district infrastructure. Additionally, the Village is seeking $250,000 for hazardous tree removal and a tree planting initiative to enhance safety and support climate resilience.
Public safety was another priority. The Village is requesting $100,000 to purchase more than a dozen solar-powered radar speed signs and trailers to address dangerous speeding on local roads, as well as $200,000 to install surveillance cameras to protect safety and quality of life in Central Park and the DownTown business district. A $1.45 million SAFER grant application is also in progress to support fire department staffing, alongside a request for $346,000 for a new tow/rescue vehicle and a virtual-reality training manikin for paramedics.
Meanwhile, Park Forest continues to advocate for significant water and sewer infrastructure funding, including a request for $2.57 million for water main replacements. Many of the Village's water lines are over 70 years old and prone to breaks. Federal support would expedite improvements that are already planned through local and state funding sources.
Another important request was for $350,000 to implement the Village's new Wayfinding Plan. Developed in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago and aligned with Park Forest's DownTown Master Plan, this initiative aims to install modern signage to improve navigation, support local businesses, and strengthen community identity.
A Demanding but Purposeful Schedule
Woods and Mick's schedule was packed but strategic. On May 14 alone, they had seven back-to-back meetings at various federal agencies and congressional offices.
The day began with a 9 a.m. meeting at the Department of Transportation's Build America Bureau, followed by visits to the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Meetings with Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Senator Dick Durbin were also part of the agenda, with Durbin attending in person.
Although the pace was rigorous, Mick noted that the tightly packed itinerary was essential to maintain momentum behind Park Forest's funding efforts.
"These meetings may only last 30 minutes, but months of preparation go into each one," Mick explained. "Every conversation brings us closer to obtaining real resources for our community. In many cases, the people we met with are very familiar with Park Forest officials based on previous lobbying efforts and successful funding partnerships in previous years. It speaks volumes when Mayor Woods and I are talking to federal officials, and they know our staff on a first-name basis."
While federal funding is never guaranteed, Woods highlighted that the trip was a vital opportunity to present the Village's needs directly to decision-makers.
"In this environment, face-to-face advocacy makes a difference," Woods remarked. "When we can sit across the table from our federal partners and explain exactly what we're trying to achieve for Park Forest, it helps them understand the urgency—and that's how you get results."
Why It Matters to Residents
The Village's federal agenda isn't merely a wish list—it's a roadmap for tackling the daily challenges residents face. The agenda reflects the community's pressing needs, from making homes safer and more energy-efficient to addressing speeding and crime and upgrading water infrastructure. Both Mick and Woods are hopeful that their message was heard and that funding on the federal level will help them accomplish the agenda they set forth.
