Raleigh council debates $650,000 start for Leaf‑Out tree‑planting program; motion deferred

Mayor Pro Tem Harrison proposed funding the Leaf‑Out urban-tree initiative’s first-year operating needs at $650,000 during the FY2027 budget work session. The motion was seconded, but councilors pressed staff for specific funding sources and clarifications on grant timing and allowable uses before committing one-time funds.

Stephen Bentley of Raleigh Parks said a roughly $1 million state grant has been approved but the city has not finalized the contract; staff characterized the grant as divided among three priorities—maintenance of existing canopy, removal of hazard trees and community-focused planting—and said the grant may not cover staff positions. "The grant doesn't supply for staff to do that," Bentley said, noting staff still need to finalize the agreement’s allowable uses and geographic restrictions (census-block targeting focused on historically underinvested areas).

Council members emphasized the need for at least one dedicated staff position to implement the program, and suggested a strategy to combine grant funds with internal funds, CIP items and partner contributions. Councilors also discussed options for funding the $650,000 request without raising taxes, including reallocating CIP items or using fund balance; staff noted a $500,000 CIP line for urban tree canopy improvements that might be leveraged.

Mayor Pro Tem Harrison made a motion to fund the $650,000 first-year cost; several councilors indicated support and a second was offered, but Harrison withdrew the motion after colleagues requested staff return with a clear recommendation on funding sources. No appropriation or vote occurred.

Next steps: staff will provide a detailed memo on the grant agreement’s allowable uses, propose funding options (including CIP trade-offs and reserves) and return to the council at the next work session to allow a decision prior to the planting season if possible.