In this quick episode recorded in Nash Square—surrounded by its beautiful old oaks—we talk with Zach Manor, Raleigh’s Urban Forester. He answers a question from lifelong resident Alex W.: “How does Raleigh plan on staying the City of Oaks while expanding its developed land footprint?”

Zach explains how the City preserves and plants trees on public land - and how private development must follow the Unified Development Ordinance, which includes rules for tree protection.

The focus is on putting the right trees in the right places to keep Raleigh’s canopy healthy and diverse. Zach also shared a new program called "Leaf Out" with a goal to plant 24,000 trees by 2032! Through thoughtful planning and a mix of species and sizes, Zach shows how Raleigh can grow as a city while keeping its iconic oaks thriving.

In this episode, we break down why the City chose to renovate Fire Station 7 rather than build a brand‑new facility. With a $1.2 million renovation, the station gets to stay in its critical, strategic location while improving efficiency and being brought up to modern codes.

It’s a quick look at how a smart renovation can extend the life of an essential fire station, support firefighter health, and enhance response times—all without the cost and disruption of building new.

In this episode, we break down one of the most talked‑about transit innovations: Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT.
What makes it different from a regular bus, and how will it change the way people get around?
We explore the core features of BRT—like dedicated lanes, faster boarding, and more frequent service—and talk with experts about what it could mean for your daily commute.
https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/what-bus-rapid-transit-brt

Spoiler alert: we haven't found a lead service line in the Raleigh Water system. So, why did residents recently receive a long, scary-looking letter about lead water lines? In this episode of Your City, Answered, Raleigh Water Assistant Director Ed Buchan explains:

• What the EPA requires and why you may have received a letter
• How older homes with lead solder could pose a risk
• Free lead testing offered by Raleigh Water
• The City’s plan to replace galvanized service lines at no cost to you
• Simple tips to reduce exposure

Resources & Links:

• https://raleighnc.gov/services/water-and-sewer/lead-and-your-drinking-water
• https://www.epa.gov/sdwa

This episode dives into a surprisingly important question: How does winter weather impact trash pickup? Members of the Solid Waste Services team break down the real-world challenges that snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create for collection crews. They explain how safety decisions are made, what conditions can delay or alter routes, and why schedules sometimes shift during severe weather. It’s a quick, informative listen that sheds light on the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps essential services running through the winter.