Carrie Malfeo, the sustainability coordinator for the Village of Park Forest, said on Mar. 23 that her lifelong connection to nature has guided her career in helping communities become more environmentally responsible and resilient.
Malfeo’s work matters as Park Forest continues efforts to address climate change and improve quality of life through community-driven programs. The village’s plans include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience against climate-related challenges.
Malfeo said her interest in environmental issues began early. “I was always more happy outside than inside,” Malfeo said. “That curiosity eventually turned into action and a desire to understand how everything is connected — people, the environment, and the choices that are made every day.” Now in her sixth year with Park Forest, she builds on over a decade of local planning focused on sustainability.
The village operates under a council-manager government featuring a mayor and six trustees as its governing body according to the official website. Its sustainability work is guided by foundational documents such as the 2012 Sustainability Plan and the Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which set targets like reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent below 2010 levels by 2025.
Malfeo has led several new initiatives including improvements to community gardens, creation of a tool lending library, support for expanded events like the Sustainability Expo, promotion of renewable energy projects such as solar installations and electric vehicle charging stations, and preparation for launching Roots & Vine Community food hub with local partners. She also connects residents—especially those with lower incomes—to resources that help reduce household energy bills through grants supporting outreach about home energy assessments and community solar programs.
“Part of the role is making sure people know these programs exist and understand how to use them,” Malfeo said. “Many of them can save money while also reducing environmental impact.” While data for 2025 is pending, she reported that Park Forest had already achieved a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from renewable energy initiatives.
The Village promotes health and engagement via dedicated commissions according to its official website, has received accolades for its town planning practices according to its official website, aims to bolster economic conditions through collaboration according to its official website, shows leadership by supporting national climate agreements according to its official website, and provides educational opportunities via its Civic Leadership Academy according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Malfeo emphasized continued focus on clean energy solutions while encouraging public involvement: “I want to be a resource for residents,” she said. “There are so many opportunities out there to save energy, save money, and make a difference. Sustainability is really about understanding that individual actions add up to a larger impact.”
Through ongoing planning partnerships and public engagement efforts led by staff like Malfeo, Park Forest continues positioning itself as an environmentally conscious community.
