Project Scope
Overview
Trees are a vital part of Raleigh’s environmental and community health. They contribute significantly to the City’s ecological resilience by improving air and water quality, reducing the impacts of urban heat islands, and capturing carbon dioxide. Trees also play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, supporting biodiversity through wildlife habitats, and managing stormwater. Beyond these environmental contributions, trees enhance the aesthetic character of our urban spaces, increase property values, and foster a sense of well-being in our neighborhoods.
To ensure Raleigh continues to benefit from its urban tree canopy, the Leaf Out: Goals and Guidance for Trees on City Property (Leaf Out) initiative has been developed. This comprehensive, data-driven plan focuses exclusively on the protection and expansion of trees across City-owned properties, ensuring a resilient, sustainable, and vibrant future for generations to come. While Leaf Out is a critical part of Raleigh’s sustainability efforts, it does not address tree regulations in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance or policies affecting private developers.
This plan was initiated following City Council’s directive during their July 2, 2024 meeting. The Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB) work plan was first presented, followed by the Report and Recommendation of the Growth and Natural Resources Committee. City Council approved the PRGAB work plan as proposed, which included a work item for the Sustainability, Wildlife, and Urban Trees committee to begin work on a non-regulatory master plan for tree conservation and planting. The motion was unanimously adopted by City Council.
The Leaf Out aligns with key planning efforts, such as the City Strategic Plan, Raleigh Parks Plan, and the Climate Action Plan, while also taking into account Reflecting Raleigh – The Next Comprehensive Plan. It emphasizes equity, ensuring that the benefits of an expanded urban tree canopy are shared across all communities, addressing historic environmental disparities. By focusing on underserved areas and promoting tree planting and canopy growth, the plan aims to tackle long-standing inequities in environmental health. The plan also acknowledges the long-term vision of this initiative will help raise awareness about best practices, encouraging private property owners and developers to voluntarily enhance tree conservation and planting on their land.
The Spectrum of Landscapes chart below highlights the variety of landscapes on City properties where trees are present. While it does not encompass all City landscapes, it reflects the diversity of spaces where tree management is a priority. Given that these landscapes are managed by various City of Raleigh departments, the chart serves as a critical reference for ensuring collaboration across departments, making Leaf Out comprehensive and strategically aligned with the City’s diverse green spaces.
FIGURE 1: SPECTRUM OF LANDSCAPES
Goals
Leaf Out: Goals and Guidance for Trees on City Property sets forth a clear vision for preserving, enhancing, and nurturing Raleigh's urban tree canopy. Like a tree, this initiative is built on interconnected elements that are essential to creating a resilient, green future for Raleigh. The primary goals Protection, Expansion, and Stewardship are key to our sustainable urban development strategy, ensuring that Raleigh’s urban forest will thrive, now and for future generations.
• Roots – Protection of Trees and Sensitive Habitats: Like the roots of a tree, the protection of Raleigh’s existing urban forest provides the foundation for a resilient and thriving ecosystem. This goal focuses on safeguarding mature trees, which deliver the greatest environmental benefits, and preserving sensitive habitats on City-owned properties. Protecting these areas is essential for maintaining biodiversity, preventing erosion, and supporting Raleigh’s natural resilience to climate change. By prioritizing the preservation of older trees and fragile ecosystems, we are securing critical habitats that support a wide range of species and contribute to the City’s overall ecological health. The roots of this initiative dig deep into Raleigh’s environmental legacy, ensuring that vital green spaces remain intact for future generations.
• Trunk – Expansion of the Urban Tree Canopy and Habitat Connectivity: The trunk represents the strength and central pillar of this initiative expanding Raleigh’s tree canopy and connecting fragmented habitats. By increasing tree coverage, particularly in underserved areas, we aim to cool urban spaces, improve air quality, and bolster the City’s natural defenses against the impacts of climate change. Expanding the canopy is not only about planting more trees but also about the strategic placement of trees to create robust green corridors and strengthen urban wildlife networks. The trunk of the Leaf Out initiative supports Raleigh’s growth by integrating sustainability with urban development, ensuring that trees are a vital component of the City’s infrastructure.
• Leaves – Stewardship and Environmental Education Campaign: Like the leaves of a tree that provide shade, shelter, and nourishment, the stewardship and education components of this plan spread benefits throughout the community. This goal emphasizes the importance of engaging residents and stakeholders in the care and preservation of Raleigh’s urban forest. Through outreach and educational programs, Leaf Out will empower the community to become active participants in protecting and expanding the City’s tree canopy —both on cityowned properties and in their own backyards. By raising awareness of the benefits of trees from improving mental well-being to mitigating stormwater runoff this initiative seeks to grow a culture of sustainability across all neighborhoods.
By focusing on these three fundamental areas Protection, Expansion, and Stewardship Leaf Out ensures that Raleigh's urban forest will not only survive but thrive, enriching the City's ecosystem, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and providing benefits to future generations.
Situation Assessment: Leaf Out
Schedule
The schedule below outlines the key phases of the project. Each phase represents critical milestones as we move from assessing existing conditions to setting long-term goals and developing a clear action plan.
Scope
Staff will produce an existing conditions report, summarizing current efforts related to urban trees. This report will include:
• Ongoing programs and planning initiatives within Raleigh Parks, such as environmental stewardship, the Urban Forestry program, and the Raleigh Parks Plan.
Research
• Collaborations with other City of Raleigh Departments, including the Advancing Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan.
• Relevant initiatives from peer jurisdictions and local partners, like the Wake County Tree Canopy Assessment and Project Pando.
• Data collection strategies and relevant datasets, including current and future metrics like heat island data.
Through community engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders, staff will:
• Leverage community outreach efforts through the Next Comprehensive Plan, to ensure broad and representative participation.
Vision & Goals
• Develop a long-term vision and set of goals for preserving and expanding the urban tree canopy on City-owned properties.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen environmental stewardship and education for Raleigh’s residents.
• Benchmark these goals against peer cities, to ensure best practices are integrated.
In this phase, staff will use the gathered data and community input to develop:
Next Steps
Approval
• A prioritized, data-driven 5-year action plan, grounded in best practices and equity, for protection of trees and sensitive habitats, canopy expansion, and environmental stewardship
• An internal development guide that outlines best practices for balancing tree conservation with infrastructure development, ensuring coordination among departments for sustainable decision-making across City-managed landscapes
• A summary of potential funding needs for future initiatives.
During this final phase, the Leaf Out document will be reviewed and presented for approval through the following key steps:
• Staff will present the finalized Leaf Out plan to the Sustainability, Wildlife, and Urban Trees Committee for feedback and endorsement.
• Following the committee’s approval, the document will be presented to the Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board for their review and recommendation.
• Finally, the Leaf Out plan will be presented to the Raleigh City Council for final approval and adoption, ensuring the plan aligns with the City’s broader sustainability and growth strategies. Early 2026
Planning Context
The Leaf Out initiative began in response to key factors, including a letter from the Oak Folk Collaborative highlighting the need for bold action to protect Raleigh’s urban forest amidst the challenges of rapid development and climate change. While this letter was a catalyst, the plan also draws from ongoing citywide efforts that aim to enhance environmental resilience, improve public health, and promote equity.
The goals of the Leaf Out plan build on the established frameworks found in documents such as the Raleigh Parks Plan, the Community Climate Action Plan, the Advancing Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan, and the Wake County Tree Health Assessment. These plans collectively emphasize the vital role that trees play in mitigating urban heat, managing stormwater, and enhancing biodiversity. By integrating these goals, Raleigh is committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient urban environment.
Reflecting Raleigh – The Next Comprehensive Plan (2024- 2027)
The City of Raleigh’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan serves as the long-term vision for the City’s built environment and is mandated by state law to enforce zoning and development regulations. Originally adopted in 2009 and subsequently updated from 2014-2019, the plan includes policies that guide Raleigh’s growth in alignment with the City’s Vision Themes, Growth Framework, and tools such as the Future Land Use Map and Urban Form Map.
Beginning in 2024, the City of Raleigh is beginning development of its next Comprehensive Plan, which will include a focus on sustainable growth, policy development, and enhanced community engagement. Phase I – Community Conversations (July 2024 – July 2025) will feature extensive community engagement, organized around six core themes. One of the themes - ”Branching Out: Trees and Urban Forestry” - is especially pertinent to the Leaf Out planning effort, and it will provide an opportunity to engage with a broad citywide audience. This conversation provides a valuable platform to expand on the role of trees in Raleigh’s growth, while also addressing broader concerns related to tree preservation and urban management.
While the Leaf Out project focuses on trees located on City-owned properties, the Comprehensive Plan update allows citizens to engage with tree-related development regulations. As the update progresses through its various phases, it will play a central role in shaping Raleigh’s future urban landscape, ensuring alignment between tree management policies and broader growth strategies.
Raleigh's Strategic Plan (2021- 2025)
Raleigh’s FY2021-2025 Strategic Plan outlines key objectives that promote sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and equity within the community. The Growth and Natural Resources Focus Area is particularly relevant to the Leaf Out plan, as it commits to preserving the City’s natural resources, supporting resilient urban development, and addressing environmental justice.
A central focus is Growth and Natural Resources Objective 1, which aims to refine policies and programs that protect Raleigh’s natural assets, including the tree canopy and open spaces. This objective aligns directly with Leaf Out’s goals of conserving and expanding the City’s urban forest to support climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
By integrating these objectives into Raleigh’s strategic approach, Leaf Out is positioned to drive progress using data, equity, and best practices. The initiative ensures that Raleigh’s growth is both environmentally sustainable and inclusive, making the city a model of urban resilience.
Raleigh Parks Plan (2024)
The Raleigh Parks Plan serves as a strategic guide for the development of Raleigh's park system, ensuring its growth and adaptation as the city continues to expand. In recent years, Raleigh Parks has made notable progress, completing over 91% of the 300+ action items from the previous Parks System Plan, including efforts to expand park access in underserved areas, develop the greenway network, and launch inclusive programs for residents of all ages.
This document focuses on four main health-based lenses: Individual Wellbeing, Community Cohesion, Environmental Resilience, and Organizational Commitment. These lenses emphasize how parks contribute to public health, ecological sustainability, and overall quality of life in Raleigh. A crucial aspect of this plan is its emphasis on Raleigh Parks’ role in mitigating environmental challenges, like rising temperatures and tree canopy loss. By prioritizing environmental resilience, Raleigh Parks actively contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The plan aligns closely with the goals of Leaf Out, particularly in its focus on expanding tree canopy coverage, protecting sensitive habitats, and encouraging environmental stewardship. Raleigh’s parks and green spaces remain key to advancing urban ecology, improving air and water quality, and promoting community involvement through stewardship programs and educational initiatives.
Wake County Land Cover Analysis & Tree Canopy Assessment (2022)
The Wake County Tree Canopy Assessment provides valuable data on the extent, health, and distribution of tree cover throughout Wake County. The report highlights key areas where the canopy is strong and identifies regions where tree cover is sparse or declining. It also quantifies the environmental benefits of the canopy, such as improvements to air quality and reductions in urban heat islands.
This assessment is instrumental in informing the Leaf Out plan, as it allows the city to identify priority areas for tree planting and canopy restoration. By targeting these efforts strategically, Leaf Out ensures that resources are directed toward areas where they can have the greatest impact, helping to create a more sustainable and equitable environment for all residents of Raleigh.
Community Climate Action Plan (2021)
The Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) outlines Raleigh’s commitment to tackling climate change through a strategic framework designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Adopted in 2021, the plan aligns with international climate goals, setting ambitious targets for an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050, with an interim target of 40% by 2030.
Key focus areas include:
1. Energy Efficiency: Encouraging more energy-efficient practices across city operations.
2. Renewable Energy: Promoting clean energy sources like solar power.
3. Transportation: Expanding public transit, bike lanes, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
4. Waste Reduction: Implementing improved recycling and composting programs to reduce landfill emissions.
5. Sustainable Development: Advocating for green building standards and land-use planning.
6. Resilience & Adaptation: Preparing for the impacts of climate change by improving infrastructure and protecting natural resources.
Leaf Out plays a critical role within the CCAP by contributing to carbon sequestration and reducing the urban heat island effect. The protection and expansion of Raleigh’s urban tree canopy directly support the city’s broader sustainability and climate resilience goals, ensuring that the natural environment plays a significant role in achieving the city’s climate objectives.
Advancing Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan (2021)
The Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan promotes the use of natural systems to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve water quality. Through features like green roofs, bioretention systems, and permeable surfaces, the GSI plan helps mitigate the effects of urbanization, including runoff and heat islands.
Leaf Out complements the GSI plan by focusing on urban tree planting, which addresses many of the same challenges. Trees, like green infrastructure, provide essential services by absorbing excess rainfall, reducing extreme temperatures, and improving environmental quality. Together, urban trees and GSI initiatives help Raleigh build more resilient, equitable communities that are better prepared for the challenges posed by climate change.
Trust for Public Land Report: The Power of Parks to Address Climate Change
The Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) Special Report on Parks and Climate Change highlights how parks and green spaces help combat climate change by reducing urban heat, improving air quality, and managing stormwater objectives that align directly with Leaf Out. The report emphasizes that these natural spaces act as buffers against climate risks, and the Leaf Out plan will incorporate these principles through urban tree planting and canopy expansion to build climate resilience in Raleigh. Additionally, the report stresses the importance of equity in park access, which mirrors Leaf Out’s focus on ensuring that all Raleigh communities, especially underserved areas, benefit from tree preservation and an expanded tree canopy.
Community Framework
Leaf Out is a city-wide initiative designed to engage all Raleigh residents and foster broad community involvement. The initiative aims to ensure that residents across all neighborhoods are actively involved in shaping the future of the city’s urban tree canopy.
To ensure that Leaf Out reaches all residents, particularly those from historically underserved communities and areas most impacted by environmental challenges, our community engagement strategy is both inclusive and equitydriven. This approach prioritizes active participation from all sectors of the community, recognizing that diverse voices are critical in shaping Raleigh’s green spaces. Leaf Out will also prioritize areas with limited tree canopy coverage and those that experience higher heat island effects. By utilizing these metrics, we aim to focus efforts on the communities that will benefit the most from increased canopy, aligning our goals with areas in greatest need.
Citywide Demographic Analysis
Raleigh’s population is diverse and rapidly growing, with significant representation across different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. This demographic diversity is central to the Leaf Out initiative, which aims to reflect the perspectives of all communities within Raleigh. By ensuring broad representation in our outreach efforts, we can better understand the varied needs and priorities of our residents when it comes to expanding and protecting our urban forest.
As of 2023, Raleigh is home to approximately 500,000 residents, reflecting a vibrant and diverse population. Of Raleigh’s residents, about 52% identify as white, 26% as African American or Black, 14% as Hispanic or Latine, and 6% as Asian, with the remainder consisting of other ethnicities and multiracial identities. Known for its youthful and well-educated community, nearly 40% of Raleigh’s residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for talent and innovation.
However, while Raleigh’s growth and diversity are strengths, socioeconomic disparities still exist. Approximately 17.3% of Raleigh households make less than $35,000 annually, and these communities may be disproportionately impacted by a lack of green infrastructure and increased urban heat island effects. By addressing both socioeconomic and environmental inequities, Leaf Out will ensure that tree canopy expansion efforts are targeted where they are needed most, prioritizing low-income communities and areas with limited existing canopy.
Raleigh has experienced sustained and rapid growth in recent years, driven by a strong job market, exceptional educational institutions, and an overall high quality of life. With a median age of approximately 35, the city’s population is balanced across various age groups, offering a family-friendly environment alongside a dynamic and evolving urban landscape.
Leaf Out is designed to engage and connect with residents from all neighborhoods and backgrounds across Raleigh. This initiative aims to foster a deeper sense of community, ensuring that the diverse voices of Raleigh’s residents are heard and valued in shaping the future of the City’s natural environment. By focusing on tree canopy expansion in areas with the greatest need, we aim to create a more equitable, healthy, and resilient urban ecosystem for all residents.
FIGURE 2: RALEIGH DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Community Engagement
Public input is a cornerstone of the Leaf Out initiative. Our goal is to ensure that decisions around the city’s tree canopy are guided by community engagement and reflect the needs of all Raleigh residents. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the project outcomes, leading to more sustainable and community-aligned results.
We will achieve this through a multi-faceted engagement strategy that aligns with the City of Raleigh’s Public Participation Playbook. Public participation is not only a tool for gathering information but also an opportunity for residents to learn and contribute directly to decisions that impact their neighborhoods and quality of life.
Level of Participation
Effective public participation requires careful planning and clarity about the role of residents in the decision-making process. By setting clear objectives for public engagement, the City can ensure a structured, transparent process where residents understand how their input will influence the final outcomes.
The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum offers a helpful framework for defining the level of participation needed for each project. The spectrum outlines varying levels of public involvement and helps guide decisions on how best to incorporate public input to achieve meaningful, impactful results.
This project will adopt the Involve level of public participation. This approach fosters meaningful dialogue and consultation with community members while preserving flexibility in exploring various outcomes. Transparency will be a priority throughout the process to ensure the public has a clear understanding of how final decisions will be made. City staff will work closely with residents at every stage, ensuring their concerns, ideas, and aspirations are actively considered and integrated into the project’s development.
Draft Engagement Plan
Our engagement strategy will be implemented in three phases Research, Vision & Goals, Next Steps, and Implementation. Each phase will employ a variety of engagement tools, including focus groups, event tabling, and online surveys, to ensure broad community participation. Additionally, the Leaf Out project will align with the Comprehensive Plan Update engagement period, to ensure we are reaching residents during citywide planning processes.
FIGURE 3: IAP2 SPECTRUM
Engagement Phases & Tools
To ensure maximum participation and insight across all phases of the project, we will use a range of engagement tools to gather feedback, including focus groups, event tabling, and online open houses and surveys. Each phase of the engagement will center around a set of key questions designed to focus the conversation and guide decision-making.
• Research Phase: This phase will involve focus groups and event tabling to explore associated projects and planning efforts and ask key questions such as: “What are the communities’ values, needs & connection to trees and urban forestry?”, “What associated projects and planning efforts for protection, expansion, & stewardship are happening in Raleigh?” and “Which cities or organizations should we use as benchmarks for best practices?”
• Vision & Goals Phase: This will include larger public forums, combining symposia and community conversations, and will ask residents to reflect on questions such as: “What should our primary goals be for tree conservation, canopy expansion, and environmental stewardship?”
• Next Steps Phase: As the team synthesizes findings and community feedback, public comment periods and further online engagement will help the team refine the project’s final recommendations, asking: “Do the proposed implementation strategies align with the community's vision and goals for this project?”
• Approval Phase: In the final phase, stakeholders will be invited to participate in public comment sessions during key approval presentations. The team will gather feedback as the finalized Leaf Out plan is presented to the Sustainability, Wildlife, & Urban Trees Committee, the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board, and the Raleigh City Council for endorsement and approval. The primary question will be: “Does the final Leaf Out plan reflect the community's long-term vision for Raleigh’s urban tree canopy?”
Research
Vision & Goals
Next Steps
• Focus Groups
• Event Tabling
Engagement Tools
Approval
• Online Open House & Online Survey
• Symposia & Community Conversation
• Ask-A-Planner Events
• Online Open House & Online Survey
• Public Comment at Sustainability, Wildlife, & Urban Trees (SWUT) Committee
• Online Open House & Online Survey
• Public Comment at key approval meetings (SWUT, Parks Board, City Council)
Questions to the Public
• What are the communities’ values, needs & connection to trees and urban forestry?
• What associated projects and planning efforts for protection, expansion, & stewardship are happening in Raleigh?
• Who should we be benchmarking against?
• What should our primary goals be for tree conservation, canopy expansion, and environmental stewardship?
• Do the proposed implementation strategies align with the community's vision and goals for this project?
• Does the final Leaf Out plan reflect the community's long-term vision for Raleigh’s urban tree canopy?
FIGURE 4: ENGAGEMENT PHASES & TOOLS TABLE
Engagement Event Formats
Throughout the engagement process, we will utilize several event formats to foster community input. These formats are designed to be flexible and inclusive, ensuring that residents can participate in the way that best suits their availability and level of interest:
• Symposia: Speaker-led events focused on key topics, featuring expert presentations and a ‘State of the City’ discussion.
• Public Workshops: Small group discussions guided by specific questions or themes, with structured reporting back from participants.
• Community Conversations: Facilitated dialogues between City staff and residents to build relationships and gather direct input.
• Ask-A-Planner: Open office hours where community members can drop in to speak one-on-one with City staff.
• Focus Groups: Targeted, small-group discussions with pre-selected participants to gather feedback on specific issues.
• Event Tabling: Outreach at community events, offering information and opportunities for residents to engage with the project.
• Online Open House & Surveys: Digital tools to expand engagement opportunities for those unable to attend in-person event.
By offering a variety of engagement formats, the City of Raleigh aims to accommodate different preferences for participation, ensuring that as many community members as possible can provide meaningful feedback. This diverse approach not only maximizes engagement but also enhances the quality of the feedback that will inform the plan.
Communication Strategies
Community engagement requires a variety of strategies to effectively reach stakeholders, engage key individuals, and encourage participation. Successful communication strategies consider the diversity of the audiences involved. To ensure that messages are received by and resonate with all community members, it is important to use multiple communication tools and channels.
Proposed communication strategies to promote the project include:
• Project websites at raleighnc.gov and engage.raleighnc.gov
• Social media announcements
• Raleigh Parks weekly digital newsletter
• Community Connector program
• Raleigh Greenways quarterly digital newsletter
• Email outreach to identified community stakeholders
• Signs and posters at citywide park sites (in English and Spanish)
Community Stakeholders
A key element of Leaf Out is the identification and involvement of diverse stakeholders, including community groups, environmental organizations, urban planners, academic institutions, and individual residents. By collaborating with these stakeholders, we can ensure that a wide range of expertise, perspectives, and interests are represented. The following groups and individuals have been identified as key stakeholders for the Leaf Out project:
• NCSU Extension
• NCSU Natural Resources
• NCSU Bio and Ag Engineering
• NCSU Forest Ecology
• NCSU Fisheries and Wildlife
• NCSU Restoration ecology
• NCSU Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning
• NC-ASLA
• NC-APA
• Local Arborists
• We Plant it Forward
• NC Native Plant Society - REID
• Wake Audubon
• Trees for the Triangle
• NC Urban Forest Council
• City of Oaks Foundation
• Oak Folk Collaborative
• Extra Terrestrial Projects
• Piedmont Conservation Council
• The Conservation Fund
• Conservation Trust for North Carolina
• Working Lands Trust
• SE Climate Change Center
• Partners for Environmental Justice
• Triangle Land Conservancy
• Project Pando
• NC DNCR Division of Land and Water Stewardship
• NC Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services
– Farmland Preservation Division
• NC Dept of Environmental Quality Stewardship Program
• NC Nature Conservancy
• NC Wildlife Commission
• Wake County Parks, Recreation & Open Space
• NC State Parks
• City of Raleigh Environmental Advisory Board
• Citizen Advisory Councils
These stakeholders have been identified to begin the engagement process, but this list is not exhaustive. We are open to identifying and inviting additional stakeholders throughout the project, ensuring that more voices can be represented as we move forward. In addition to this stakeholder outreach, we will also conduct broad public outreach efforts through the communication strategies outlined on the previous page. This will help ensure that Raleigh residents across all communities have the opportunity to provide input on the Leaf Out plan.
Internal Engagement
In addition to broad community engagement, the Leaf Out project will prioritize internal collaboration with various City of Raleigh departments, ensuring that key expertise and perspectives are integrated throughout the project. Departments and divisions, such as Sustainability, Stormwater, Public Utilities, and Urban Forestry, will be actively engaged through a series of internal workshops and collaborative meetings. This internal engagement is crucial for aligning the project’s objectives with the operational goals of each department, ensuring that the plan not only enhances Raleigh’s tree canopy but also supports other citywide environmental and infrastructure strategies.
Internal meetings will be closely tied to the development of the Internal Development Guidance Document, which will be one of the key deliverables during the Next Steps phase. This guidance document will provide City departments with actionable strategies for urban tree preservation, canopy expansion, and habitat connectivity on City-owned properties. Through consistent communication and collaboration, departments will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of this document, ensuring that it meets the needs and operational goals of each respective department. This collaborative approach guarantees that Leaf Out is comprehensive, feasible, and supported by the City’s internal resources and capabilities.
Committee & Board Engagement
In addition to internal collaboration and community outreach, the Leaf Out project will place a strong emphasis on engaging relevant City committees and boards to gather valuable feedback and ensure alignment with Raleigh’s broader environmental and sustainability goals. The Sustainability, Wildlife, & Urban Trees (SWUT) Committee will serve as the primary forum for receiving monthly updates and providing feedback on the development of the Leaf Out report. This committee will be integral in reviewing key project milestones and offering guidance on the plan’s strategic direction.
As the project progresses, presentations will also be made to the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board during the Approval phase, where the board will review and recommend the plan for final consideration. Additionally, other boards and committees such as the Environmental Advisory Board may request presentations and updates, and the Leaf Out team will remain flexible in accommodating these opportunities for further input.
Through consistent engagement with these key boards and committees, the project team will ensure that Leaf Out reflects the perspectives of stakeholders across various areas of expertise, helping to build consensus and strong institutional support for the plan. This collaborative approach will be crucial in refining the project’s recommendations and ensuring that the Leaf Out initiative is aligned with the City’s overall environmental strategies and objectives.
Next Steps
The Leaf Out project will officially launch in October 2024, marking the beginning of an in-depth, multi-phased approach to protecting, expanding, and stewarding Raleigh's urban tree canopy. The project will follow a structured timeline, with key milestones outlined for each phase of development.
Our immediate focus will be on Phase 1: Research, during which we will compile an existing conditions report. This report will serve as a comprehensive baseline for understanding the current state of Raleigh’s tree canopy across City-owned properties. The research will be informed by data from related projects and planning efforts within Raleigh Parks, as well as cross-departmental initiatives like the Climate Action Plan and the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, we will review relevant projects by peer cities and non-profit organizations to benchmark Raleigh’s progress and identify opportunities for improvement.
Key actions in the coming months include:
• Data Collection & Analysis: Collecting relevant environmental, tree canopy, and habitat data, including information from ongoing projects like the Raleigh Parks Plan and the Wake County Tree Canopy Assessment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Initiating broad outreach to inform the public about the plan, while also engaging key community stakeholders. We'll actively promote participation in the Reflecting Raleigh - The Next Comprehensive Plan meetings to ensure diverse perspectives are represented.
• Public Communication: Establishing the Leaf Out online presence through Raleigh’s website and digital newsletters. This will serve as a central hub for sharing information with the public and soliciting feedback.
These efforts will lay the groundwork for the next phases of the project, where we will focus on creating long-term strategies and implementing a comprehensive plan for Raleigh’s urban tree canopy. Regular updates will be provided to the Sustainability, Wildlife, & Urban Trees Committee and other stakeholders.