FORREST CITY FIRST
Moving FORWARD Together
OUR VISION
Forrest City’s best days are still ahead of us. By putting Forrest City first, we can strengthen our neighborhoods, create opportunities for our young people, improve public safety, prepare for future growth, and build a community where families and businesses can thrive.
PILLAR 1 – REVITALIZE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Strong neighborhoods create a strong city.
Priorities:
• Address abandoned and dilapidated properties
• Explore creation of a Land Bank and Redevelopment Initiative
• Support affordable housing development opportunities
• Improve streets, drainage, sidewalks, and public spaces
• Expand neighborhood beautification efforts
• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations and churches
PILLAR 2 – INVEST IN OUR YOUTH
Our young people are not just our future—they are part of our present.
Priorities:
• Establish a Mayor’s Youth Council
• Expand youth leadership opportunities
• Support summer employment and workforce development programs
• Increase mentorship opportunities
• Promote recreation, arts, and community engagement
• Connect students to career pathways and local employers
PILLAR 3 – PREPARE FOR GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY
We must be ready when opportunity comes.
Priorities:
• Pursue economic development opportunities
• Strengthen workforce readiness initiatives
• Expand partnerships with education and industry
• Support business recruitment and retention
• Promote housing development to support growth
• Position Forrest City as a regional destination for investment
PILLAR 4 – SAFE COMMUNITIES, STRONG COMMUNITIES
Public safety is the foundation of quality of life.
Priorities:
• Support Police, Fire, EMS, and First Responders
• Strengthen community partnerships to reduce crime
• Expand youth violence prevention efforts
• Improve emergency preparedness and disaster response
• Support technology, equipment, and training investments
Signature Initiative: EAST ARKANSAS REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER
Build upon land secured for a future fire training facility and pursue a regional public safety training center serving firefighters, law enforcement, EMS personnel, and emergency management professionals through public-private partnerships and regional collaboration.
PILLAR 5 – ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY PRIDE
Progress requires trust, transparency, and collaboration.
Priorities:
• Open and transparent communication
• Responsible financial management
• Collaboration with citizens, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits
• Regional partnerships to maximize opportunities
• Focus on customer service and responsiveness
• Celebrate and promote community pride
OUR COMMITMENT
This campaign is built on a simple principle: FORREST CITY FIRST.
Together, we can strengthen neighborhoods, support our youth, improve public safety, prepare for growth, and create opportunities for generations to come.