The City of Raleigh released on Apr. 14 a new episode of its “This Is What I Do” video series, featuring Zach Manor, the city’s Urban Forester, who works to maintain and improve Raleigh’s tree canopy through planting, pruning, and removing unhealthy or poorly located trees.
The episode aims to show how the work of employees like Manor helps residents connect with nature across public spaces in Raleigh. The city is known for its parks and greenways where residents can enjoy shaded areas provided by a healthy urban forest.
Manor said one aspect he enjoys about his job is that it provides opportunities for people to experience nature in their daily lives. In addition to the video feature, Manor appears on a podcast episode where he discusses efforts such as the Leaf Out program, which aims to protect existing trees and plant 24,000 new ones by 2032.
Raleigh operates under an elected city council supported by a city manager who oversees municipal operations as outlined on the official website. The city manager’s office focuses on delivering public services, shaping policy, and managing budgets according to the official website. The City of Raleigh serves districts A through E within North Carolina as per the official website.
Recent local policies have included changes such as adjustments made in 2024 to election terms through ordinances passed by council according to the official website. Beyond environmental initiatives like maintaining tree cover, Raleigh also contributes to community life with professional sports teams including the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes according to the official website.
As part of ongoing outreach efforts like this video series and related podcasts, officials continue sharing information about how various departments support quality of life throughout Raleigh.
