During the board meeting on Monday night, Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill addressed the Park Forest Board of Trustees, expressing her commitment to providing assistance and resources to local officials.

Speaking during the public comment section of the meeting, McCaskill emphasized her desire to connect with Village leaders. 

"I just wanted to come out and let you all know that I have not forgotten about Park Forest," McCaskill stated. "You all are extremely important to the 5th District."

The 5th District of Cook County encompasses the Village of Park Forest, several other southern suburbs, and extends to Chicago's South Side. McCaskill emphasized the importance of keeping Village officials informed about upcoming grants so that they can be used for various projects. She pointed out that some communities fail to take advantage of these funding opportunities and expressed her desire to ensure that Park Forest utilizes them effectively.  McCaskill noted that Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle is actively working to make funding available to the southland area.

Last August, Preckwinkle held a press conference in Park Forest, announcing that the county would award the Village approximately $460,000 in grant funding for an upcoming construction project on Forest Boulevard, which will begin this summer. The project involves the removal of the entire southbound section of the street and the relocation of all road lanes to the east roadway section.

Park Forest officials stated that the revitalization of Forest Boulevard will create ample green spaces along the downtown area. Conceptual plans have been developed for a proposed linear park that will include public spaces, botanical gardens, and water elements.

During the board meeting, the Park Forest Board of Trustees thanked McCaskill for her visit to the Village. 

"I just have a comment," Trustee Erin Slone said. "I want to thank you for coming out. We hadn't had a visit from the county in a while, so I really appreciate you extending that branch of service to us."

McCaskill was appointed to the Cook County Board of Commissioners for the 5th District in January of this year. This position became vacant after the previous commissioner, Monica Gordon, was elected as the Cook County Clerk last year. According to multiple reports, McCaskill holds a PhD in public administration and organizational leadership. Additionally, she has a master's degree in public service administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Western Illinois University.