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Decker, Forest
- Divisions:Department Directors
- Title:Neighborhood Services Director
Forest Decker was appointed Director of the Neighborhood Services Department in October 2021, accepting the mission to implement a new vision for the department to focus on enhancing services that improve the livability of KCMO neighborhoods.
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.
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.”
The new vision for the Neighborhoods Department will include more proactive and robust services and support for those things that neighborhoods need most, including beautification efforts, community building events, streetscapes, and safety," Platt said. "This new approach will pivot away from an enforcement-first focus and will rely more on education and directly supporting the needs of neighborhoods and residents."
Return to full list >>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.
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.”
The new vision for the Neighborhoods Department will include more proactive and robust services and support for those things that neighborhoods need most, including beautification efforts, community building events, streetscapes, and safety," Platt said. "This new approach will pivot away from an enforcement-first focus and will rely more on education and directly supporting the needs of neighborhoods and residents."