Raleigh launches 'Leafout' initiative and parks board urges council to fund 24,000‑trees campaign

City parks officials presented 'Leafout' to Raleigh City Council on March 17, describing a multi‑pronged, nonregulatory program to protect existing trees, promote native plants on city projects, expand street‑ and park‑tree plantings and engage residents through volunteer and giveaway programs.

The program’s early actions include an internal policy discouraging invasive species, a development‑guidance list of native trees and shrubs for private projects, a public 'Leafout' landing page for resources and an outreach program to build community partnerships. Urban forester Zach Manor said staff aim to roll out the internal invasive‑species policy in spring 2026 and continue implementation through 2026 and beyond. The program also calls for best‑practice guidance for city projects and staging of volunteer planting events.

Parks and advisory boards say they want a large community goal. Kate Dixon and the parks board asked council to include first‑year funding for an ambitious campaign: planting 24,000 trees by the city’s 240th anniversary in 2032. Council voted to support the parks board’s resolution encouraging initial funding and to return budget priorities and implementation details through the manager’s budget process.

'Leafout' leaders emphasized longevity and maintenance: beyond planting, staff said they are planning stewardship and education to improve tree survival and neighborhood canopy equity. Council members queried staffing, maintenance budgets and whether the city should prepare contracting vehicles and partner agreements now so plantings can proceed in the next planting season.

Source: Parks presentation by Charles Craig and Zach Manor; parks board resolution presented by Kate Dixon, March 17, 2026.