Park Forest continues to require vehicle stickers for residents, despite some neighboring towns discontinuing similar programs. Village officials state that the revenue from these stickers is a crucial source of funding for street maintenance.
Finance Director Mark Pries said the sale of vehicle stickers brings in about $290,000 each year. “Vehicle sticker revenues directly fund street maintenance work,” Pries explained.
The annual budget for street maintenance in Park Forest is approximately $800,000. Of this amount, around $500,000 comes from the property tax levy, with the remainder funded by vehicle sticker sales. Officials note that without this revenue, the village would need to find another way to raise nearly $300,000 annually to maintain current service levels.
Some residents have questioned why Park Forest maintains its sticker requirement when other communities have eliminated theirs. In response, Pries noted that those communities still need to pay for road upkeep through other means. “Typically, when a surrounding community gets rid of vehicle stickers, the revenue lost from that is either added to the tax levy or comes from a new source of revenue,” he said. “Normally, a different source of revenue replaces the need to sell vehicle stickers.”
Officials emphasize that removing the sticker program would not eliminate costs but would change how they are covered.
Village ordinance requires all residents operating vehicles in Park Forest to purchase and display an annual sticker. According to officials, this ensures those who use local roads contribute directly to their maintenance.
Leaders describe the program as a user-based funding model designed to preserve neighborhood streets without shifting all costs onto property taxes.
As sales begin March 1 for 2026–27 vehicle stickers, officials reiterate that maintaining this program remains essential for keeping Park Forest’s roads in good condition each year.
The official website notes that Park Forest promotes community health and engagement through various commissions and programs and has received recognition for its sustainability efforts in town planning and practices. The village operates under a council-manager government structure with a mayor and six trustees as its governing body. Additionally, it supports educational opportunities like its Civic Leadership Academy and demonstrates leadership in sustainability by backing national climate protection initiatives. The village also aims to improve economic conditions and deliver municipal services through collaboration and innovation.
