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Request a Community Garden

How to ask your city for garden space, with a sample letter to your city council.

Six steps

Most cities start with staff, not the council. The council usually votes at the end, to approve using the land.

1. Build a small team

Find 5 to 10 neighbors who will really garden, and pick one person to be the main contact. A city is far more likely to say yes to a group than to one person.

2. Pick two possible sites

  • Sun: at least 6 to 8 hours a day.
  • Water: a spigot or hydrant nearby. This is often the hardest part, so ask early.
  • Access: easy to reach on foot, with somewhere to park, and a flat path for wheelchairs.
  • Ideas: empty city lots, a corner of a park, or land near a library or community center. Churches and schools are good backups if the city says no.

3. Talk to city staff first

Call your city's Parks and Recreation department, or the city clerk in a smaller town. Ask:

  • Who owns this land, and could it be used for a garden?
  • What is the process, and does it go to the council?
  • Would the City need insurance or a written agreement?
  • Could the garden get water, and who pays for it?
  • When does the City set its budget, if we need help with costs?

4. Write a one-page plan

  • Where: your site, plus a backup.
  • Who: your group, how many gardeners, and the main contact.
  • What you're asking for: permission to use the land, water, maybe help preparing the ground. Keep the ask small.
  • How it runs: plot sign-ups, simple rules, upkeep, and fall cleanup.
  • Money: start-up costs (soil, water hookup, tools, fencing) and how you'll cover them, like plot fees, donations, or a local grant.
  • Who it helps: for example, extra produce goes to a local pantry. Use the Food Bank Finder.

5. Send the letter and get on the agenda

Send the sample letter below, with your one-page plan, to the mayor and council. Then ask the city clerk how to get on a council agenda. Agendas often close several days before the meeting.

6. Speak at the meeting

  • Bring a few supporters and any letters of support from a church, school, library, or pantry.
  • Speak for about 3 minutes: who you are, where, what you're asking for, and who it helps.
  • Be calm, kind, and brief. Thank them, and offer to answer questions.
  • Afterward, send a short thank-you email and follow up with staff.

Questions the council may ask

  • "Who is responsible for it?" Your group, with a named contact person.
  • "What about insurance and liability?" Ask what the City requires. Many cities use a short license or use agreement. Read any agreement carefully, and ask a lawyer if you're unsure.
  • "Who pays for water?" Offer a plan, such as plot fees or donations.
  • "What if the group stops?" Promise to clean up the site and return it to the City.
  • "What will it look like?" Tidy beds, a simple sign, and fall cleanup every year.

Sample letter to your city council

Copy this, fill in the [brackets], and make it your own. Write it as a neighbor, in your own words. A personal letter works better than a form letter.

[Date]

Mayor [Name] and Members of the [City] City Council
[City Hall street address]
[City], Iowa [ZIP]

Dear Mayor [Name] and Council Members,

My name is [your name], and I live in the [neighborhood or street] area of [City]. I'm writing for [group name], a group of [number] neighbors who would like to start a community garden in [City].

We ask the City to consider allowing a community garden at [site], which we understand is City land. If another location would work better, we would gladly consider it.

A community garden would:
- give families without yards a place to grow fresh food;
- bring neighbors of all ages together; and
- share extra produce with [local food pantry].

Our group will run the garden: plot sign-ups, upkeep, simple garden rules, and cleanup each fall. [Contact name] will be the City's main contact. We are asking the City for [permission to use the site / access to water / help preparing the ground]. We are glad to discuss insurance, a use agreement, and any other requirements.

We would welcome the chance to meet with City staff and to speak at an upcoming council meeting. Thank you for your time and your service to [City].

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Group name]
[Phone] · [Email]

Helpful resources

Questions? Contact Gina Lyn Cox, Founder, at hello@iowacannabisaction.org.