New director for Neighborhood Services Department

NEWS RELEASE

Forest Decker has been appointed Director of the Neighborhood Services Department, accepting the mission to implement a new vision for the department to focus on enhancing services that improve the livability of KCMO neighborhoods.

City Manager Brian Platt said Decker, who currently serves as Deputy Director in the Public Works Department, shares his vision to build a forward-thinking department that relies on data and community-centered solutions, rather than enforcement when problems are reported.

"Our vision is to move the department towards greater collaboration with the community," Decker said. "We'll be supporting active, vibrant neighborhoods by focusing on neighborhood improvements rather than ticketing and enforcement as a first response. Our goal is to be helpful to neighborhoods."

"We will be expanding the capacity of this department to serve neighborhoods better," Platt said. "Wouldn't it be great if your calls to 311 led to faster services for the neighborhoods, rather than just being focused on enforcement against people who need help maintaining their homes and cutting high weeds?"

Charting this new course will include resident feedback. Decker and his staff will seek community input on suggested organizational changes, as well as listening to residents and neighborhood leaders for their vision about neighborhood needs. Watch for an announcement soon to attend a series of listening sessions.

Decker has worked with the city for nearly 20 years, working in several departments and holding positions such as City Forester, Parks Superintendent and Environmental Manager. His professional experience outside of the City includes working for the Missouri Department of Conservation, Kansas Bioscience Authority, and Premium Standard Farms.

He graduated from Central Missouri State University with a B.S. in Biology. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Baker University and a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Maryland.

Media questions may be directed to our media relations staff at [email protected].

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.