Bookmark these 10 surprising things the Raleigh government does to make the lives of its residents easier, safer and more connected
by Susanna Klingenberg
My kids climbed out their bedroom window, sneakers dangling over the driveway, faces lit up with focus and glee. They were only 5 feet up, but from a mother’s perspective, it was pretty harrowing.
But when they landed safely on the ground, there was no lecture — just a high-five from Lt. Lemuel Hubbard, City of Raleigh deputy fire marshal and Fire Educator. Earlier in the day, he’d helped our family develop our home’s fire safety plan. Hubbard had shown us how to map and practice a real escape route (window exit included), and he checked our smoke alarms and flagged hazards we hadn’t noticed.
What seemed like VIP treatment to my family was, for Hubbard, just another stop, a response to a simple online request. But what he delivered was so much more — and he did it for free, with minimal paperwork and zero fanfare. Needless to say, I was impressed.
That visit sent me down a rabbit hole. If Raleigh would send a real firefighter to help my kids rehearse a fire escape plan, what else is the city quietly doing for its residents?
Quite a lot, it turns out. “We make so many efforts to shape the day-to-day experience of living here,” says Joy Mikhail, community partnerships supervisor for the City of Raleigh. “When people tap into them, neighbors feel connected, government feels accessible and Raleigh feels less like a growing city you have to navigate and more like a community you belong to.”
Here are 10 under-the-radar things the City of Raleigh will do for you.
Help you host a neighborhood party
Raleigh offers small grants for neighborhood gatherings and lends out tables, tents and yard games — even popcorn and cotton candy machines. It’s what Raleigh community engagement analyst Grady Bussey calls “an old-school approach to neighborhoods.” The program has made Raleigh a national model for community building. “We look at the long range,” says Bussey. “A city of citizens who care about other citizens.” Consider this your nudge to finally block off the street and say hello.
Get rid of your junk
That old mattress or broken couch lingering in your garage? Raleigh will pick it up free of charge, saving you the hassle of hauling it away yourself. Each household can schedule one complimentary bulky item pickup every 90 days through Solid Waste Services. It’s enormously satisfying, and your house will thank you for it!
Connect your kids with caring older adults
The Foster Grandparent Program hires older adults to work with children in elementary schools, offering steady, reliable encouragement and extra attention, especially as kids learn to read. Foster Grandparents receive an hourly stipend and training through the nationwide Senior Corps program, but the real rewards are relational. It’s good for kids and grounding for adults — a true intergenerational win.
Support your special interest group
Are you a passionate college alum? A pet bird enthusiast? A board-game-loving woman? There’s a group in Raleigh for you — or support if you want to start one yourself. The Raleigh Engagement Network helps a wide variety of civic-minded communities tap into meeting spaces, equipment, funding and city guidance, making it easier to do more together.
Keep you connected through local TV
Raleigh Television Network broadcasts a mix of city business and homespun programming on channels 10, 11 and 18 and on YouTube, where most people tune in. “You might find a workout for wheelchair users produced by a Raleigh resident or an NC State lecturer or a Wake County School Board meeting,” says Chasity Campbell, RTN’s video production supervisor. “It’s different every day!”
Help you explore on foot or bike
Ready to shake off the winter blues? The Capital Area Greenway Explorer Tool makes it easy to get outside and take advantage of Raleigh’s extensive greenway system. Plan your route, uncover hidden paths, peek into quiet corners of neighborhoods and see the city in a whole new way — one paved trail at a time.
Prepare you for fire emergencies
Deciding on a home fire escape plan can feel tricky, especially with young kids. “It’s not part of our culture,” says Hubbard, “but it should be — 80% of fires happen in homes.” Make a request via an online form, and Hubbard will schedule a time drop by for a free visit to map exits, practice the drill and check your smoke alarms. Why not invite your neighbors to do the same? A street full of window escapes would be unforgettable!
Get you out on the water without buying gear
In warmer months, Raleigh makes it easy to rent kayaks and stand‑up paddleboards at Lake Johnson and Lake Wheeler. You can reserve online, grab your boat from a locker and hit the water with ease. If fishing is more your pace, the Lake Johnson Waterfront Center lends cane poles and kids’ tackle boxes for free. Just bring your own bait and plenty of patience.
Turn your yard waste into garden gold
Did you know Raleigh’s yard waste gets a second life as mulch, compost and wood chips? Residents can purchase it at the Yard Waste Center on New Hope Church Road for a fraction of garden store prices. It’s a local, eco-friendly way to give your yard or garden a boost.
Tell your neighborhood’s story
Neighborhood Navigators help residents shine a light on their own corner of the city. The team interviews neighbors, gathers photos and history and captures drone footage, then turns it all into a short, polished video. Part mini-documentary, part love letter, the videos are meant to spark pride as people see the beauty and humanity of their own neighborhood reflected back to them.
This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.
