Raleigh outlines rainwater rewards, small grants and consultation resources for garden projects

City of Raleigh staff used the webinar Q&A to highlight financial and technical resources for residents planning garden projects, including stormwater incentives, neighborhood grants and staff consultations.

Mary Alice, resilience lead in the Office of Sustainability, described a stormwater cost‑offset program called Raleigh Rainwater Rewards that ‘‘supports low to moderate income and residential, nonprofit and church, and Wake County public schools properties’’ for projects such as rain gardens. She said staff can connect interested residents with stormwater division contacts and online resources.

Mary Owens of Raleigh Parks said the Community Engagement Department offers neighborhood residential grants of $1,000 for enhancement projects, which can help pay for pollinator gardens, community gardens or fencing. Keegan, the webinar moderator, advised attendees that staff would post the webinar recording and slide deck and that planners offer a free 15‑minute consultation to discuss whether a property is suitable and which next steps to take.

Staff encouraged groups that do not own property to secure an owner’s signature on the application or to attest that they are a certified agent authorized under state law to submit development applications. The presenters also noted that if a project requires a full plan review the city would likely steer applicants toward the paid sketch plan review or formal submittal process.

For follow‑up, staff said they would share contact emails in the chat and are available for questions via the planning intake platform.