Thomas, the founder of the Change Center and a Forest Park employee, used the public-comment period to thank supporters and to criticize the level of city assistance his organization received for a March 2 grand opening. He told the council he expected city outreach similar to other business openings — including photography and promotion on official social media — but said the city did not provide that assistance until a council member intervened.

“As a business owner, I am making a significant financial contribution to the city… I am paying taxes, fees, and licensing costs just like every other establishment in Forest Park,” Thomas said. He added that he was told by “some officials and employees subliminally that they won’t support my organization because I have the intent to run for office,” and he urged residents to “hold all of your city officials accountable.”

Council members addressed the comment in closing statements. Councilwoman Kimberly James said she attended the ribbon-cutting and thanked Thomas for his work with youth, while also noting that some staff attendance at events may be limited by timing and employees’ personal time. Council member Gutierrez encouraged Thomas to reach out to him directly and praised the program’s work with young people. Council member Akins Wells apologized that the business did not receive expected recognition and asked staff to ensure consistent outreach to new businesses.

City Manager Clark said he heard the concerns and that staff would work to address issues raised in public comment. The manager’s earlier departmental report noted staff would follow up on public-comment concerns.

Thomas urged residents to hold officials accountable and to be attentive during the election period; council members and staff reiterated support for youth programming and said they would review outreach practices for new businesses.