When we first visited Raleigh City Farm, we knew we wanted to help. This working farm, located in the heart of our community, provides fresh produce to families facing food insecurity and educates children and adults about sustainable agriculture. It's a space that truly matters to our neighbors, and we wanted to make it more accessible and welcoming.
Working together as partners, the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® (RRAR) and NC REALTORS® secured NAR Placemaking Grant funding and collaborated to enhance the farm with three key improvements: wayfinding signs, a community paint-by-number mural, and a butterfly bench.
As the RRAR government affairs director, I led efforts on this placemaking project, bringing my background in policy, public affairs, and strategic communications to the partnership.
A Partnership from Day One
From the very beginning, RRAR and NC REALTORS® approached this as a joint effort. Together, we met with the Raleigh City Farm team to identify what would make the biggest difference for visitors. Three priorities emerged that would work together to transform the space: wayfinding signs to help people navigate the farm with confidence, a community mural to add color, and a special gathering spot for visitors to enjoy.
Working side by side, we designed and installed a new signage system that helps everyone find their way through the farm's gardens, educational areas, and gathering spaces. NC REALTORS® went above and beyond by funding a beautiful butterfly bench with their own resources, creating a picture-perfect spot where community members can capture memories of their visit. The butterfly design fits naturally with the farm's focus on pollinators and environmental education while giving visitors a charming place to sit and enjoy the gardens.
This partnership made us stronger and more impactful than either organization could have been alone. By combining our resources, networks, and expertise from the start, we were able to think bigger and deliver more meaningful improvements to the farm. We pooled our volunteer networks, shared project management responsibilities, and tackled all three improvements simultaneously rather than phasing them over time. This meant getting the benefits to the community faster and creating a larger presence that showed the farm and the community just how committed REALTORS® are to making a difference.
REALTORS® Getting Involved
We didn't just write a check and walk away. Members from both RRAR and NC REALTORS® showed up together to make this project happen. We organized a joint volunteer day where REALTORS® from both organizations toured the farm to learn about its work in the community, then picked up paintbrushes side by side to create the community mural. The paint-by-number format meant everyone could participate, regardless of artistic experience. Watching the design come together through our combined effort was one of the most rewarding parts of the project.
Real Benefits for the Community
Raleigh City Farm tackles food insecurity head-on by providing fresh, healthy produce to families who need it most. They run educational programs that teach people how to grow their own food and understand where their meals come from. Our improvements make it easier for more people to access these resources.
The new wayfinding signs remove barriers for first-time visitors. The mural and butterfly bench create inviting spots that make people feel welcome to explore and stay. These may seem like small touches, but they make a real difference in helping the farm serve more community members. The butterfly bench, in particular, gives families a special place to pause and create lasting memories of their time at the farm.
What We Learned
Coordinating schedules and working around weather took some flexibility on everyone's part. We adjusted our timeline when needed and stayed focused on the end goal. The challenges were worth it to support an organization doing such important work.
This project reflects what REALTORS® care about most: the communities where we live and work. By supporting spaces like Raleigh City Farm, we're investing in the wellbeing of our neighbors and demonstrating that real estate professionals are committed community leaders. Working together RRAR and NC REALTORS® proved that collaboration from the very start makes us stronger and more impactful for the communities we serve.
