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Forest Park city manager Ricky Clark to leave; council praises his tenure
Summary
City Manager Ricky Clark announced his 30-day resignation Aug. 4, saying he will step down Aug. 31. Council members praised his leadership and cited programmatic gains; Clark urged continued momentum and said he submitted a final grant application while in office.
City Manager Ricky Clark announced on Aug. 4 that he is tendering his 30-day resignation, telling the Forest Park Mayor and Council he will step down effective Aug. 31, 2025.
"On this day, officially August 4, I'm officially tendering my 30 day resignation from local government," Clark said during his city-manager report. Clark framed the decision as a personal reset, saying it was made "with prayer, deep reflection" and that the date had personal meaning.
Clark used his report to review projects and accomplishments from his tenure, including a digital permitting initiative, senior programming expansions and a multi‑phase home-repair program. He said the city has "$43,000,225" of available cash to contribute toward the proposed city center and highlighted operational changes including a new resident app and an OpenGov performance dashboard.
Council members responded with extended thanks and tributes. Councilman Gutierrez said Clark is "the ultimate professional," and Councilwoman James praised Clark's compassion and leadership, adding, "I honor you, and I wish you well." Several council members noted Clark's work on staff development and financial recovery.
Clark said he had filed one last grant application on behalf of Clayton County for more than $3 million in funding before his departure, presenting it as an example of work he wanted to leave in motion.
The council did not take a personnel vote during the work session. Clark will remain in his post through Aug. 31 while staff and elected officials make transition plans; council members thanked him and said they will continue to engage on next steps for leadership transition.
