Key Issues
Effective and Actionable
Local issues are important and that is what we are focused on. We want to make certain that your voices and concerns are heard. We will always be sensitive to the needs of all residents of Forest Hills.
Public Safety
We recognize that safety is a quality of life issue. Our team members have years of experience in public safety and have worked closely with our first responders to provide them with needed resources and to develop policies that ensure the well-being of those responders and citizens alike.
Police
Our police officers are among the finest in Allegheny County. Our team members have been proactive in providing them the equipment and other resources they need to keep our community safe. The first female officer was hired and two officers were promoted to sergeant under their leadership. Our team is committed to continue building on those achievements.
Fire
Our volunteer fire department has received the funding and support needed to maintain a robust fire emergency response team. New fire trucks were purchased so that our fire fighters have the most up-to-date equipment to ensure their safety and their ability to address any emergency situation effectively. Our team fully supports an appropriately funded volunteer fire department.
EMS
Maintaining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) headquartered in our Borough is crucial because it ensures the ability to provide timely, life saving medical interventions to patients during emergencies. Our team fully supports appropriately funding Woodland Hills EMS to ensure their continued viability.
Communications
As elected officials we will be responsive to the needs of the community. Effective leadership requires receiving feedback from residents and ensuring that they know what important issues and plans are being considered on their behalf. Good communication aids in decision making. We will engage our citizens through good governance.
Website and Social Media
We will continue to ensure the website maintains necessary and up-to-date information that is easy to access. We will explore the appropriate use of social media to post important news.
Video, Email, and Print
Where possible, we will expand the use of video through Tree City TV to record public events and presentations for later viewing.
We will provide an opt-in for residents to receive email notifications and monthly newsletters; make better use of local newspapers to reach more residents and evaluate the use of other print media like postcards and other mailings for keeping the public informed.
Emergency Notification
We will make sure that the emergency notification system is effectively used and available for all residents.
Taxes
Forest Hills has always maximized services while striving to keep taxes affordable. We believe that we can continue the same level of services to our community with reasonable tax rates without compromise to the safety and well being of our residents.
Increase Our Tax Base
We seek to increase our tax base by attracting new businesses to enhance revenue.
We will work with our State and County Officials to enhance the amenities in the business district to encourage new occupants of business locations.
State and Federal Grants
We will identify and apply for state and federal grants to support and fund local community improvement projects.
Review Fee Structures
We will continue to examine fees collected for various services and permits with each budget cycle to ensure that they are equitable for all citizens.
Economy
In order to improve our economy we need to be innovative in attracting businesses and lowering costs. A resilient and vibrant business district increases our abilty to offer existing and expanded municipal services at a lower cost which benefits everyone.
Business District
We need to invest in making our business and retail district more walkable and bikable which helps businesses and restaurants fill empty storefronts and increase sales.
Environmental Resources
Protecting our environmental resources has been shown to promote fiscal strength in local governments.
Infrastructure and Service Delivery
Reducing costs through purchase of energy-efficient equipment, increasing use of solar electric generation and other similar strategies. Reduce service delivery costs for municipal services where possible.
Environment
The environment is important to the health of our citizens, our economy, and our land. Forest Hills is a proud American Tree City for 31 years. We maintain our tree canopy and public parks and trails for the enjoyment of all of our citizens. Advised by the Tree and Shrub Committee, native plantings are being placed in parks and public properties. Trail access and maintenance makes our parks accessible and enjoyable by citizens of all ages.
Recycling
Recycling is an important matter and we support efforts to properly collect and dispose of cardboard, paper, plastic, and glass in a safe and efficient manner.
Climate Action Plan
We fully support the Climate Action plan and the adopted goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050 with a goal of overall 5% reduction in emissions per year. Forest Hills continues to lead in innovation and implementation of goals that improve the reliability and resilience of our energy resources.
Community Resources
We fully support the Walk Ways initiative in the Active Transportation Plan to improve transportation and sidewalks in the borough. Safe sidewalks and bus stops make using public transportation easier for our commuters and safer for everyone.
Municipal Services
Municipal services are basic services that residents expect their government to provide. It is an essential facet of government.
Public Works
Our Public Works Department is the backbone of our municipal services. They maintain our roadways, parks, and recreation areas in a prompt and efficient manner. They offer another layer of safety for our community by responding to emergencies such as flooding, land subsidence, snow, ice storms, and other weather-related catastrophes. Our team members have fully supported their needs with adequate resources and equipment. We pledge to continue that support.