Community Voices: The Impact of Greening Projects
Building a greener, more resilient San Francisco is a collaborative effort. At Greening Projects, our work is defined by the neighbors, volunteers, and partners who help transform underutilized urban spaces into thriving community assets. From the first shovel in the ground at the Good Prospect Community Garden to the ongoing stewardship of the Tompkins Stairway Garden, these stories reflect the tangible impact of urban greening on our local environment and our collective well-being.
Below, you will find perspectives from the people who live, work, and grow alongside these projects. Their experiences highlight how sustainable infrastructure, like rain gardens and native plantings, does more than just manage stormwater; it cultivates community.
Community Voices: The Impact of Greening Projects
What the Community is Saying
“Greening Projects helped us plan and execute the first fundraising campaign for the Tompkins Stairs, and it was a huge success. They generated a lot of community support and involvement!”
Vicky Rideout, Tompkins Stairway Garden
“The Carolina Green Space has been working with Greening Projects as our fiscal sponsor since late 2022. It is a wonderful partnership! Both Jorge and Mike have always been responsive and responsible when it comes to helping pull together grant proposals or funding options, sorting out the key practical aspects that come into play when planning improvements and maintenance, and handling our project’s finances. They are trustworthy allies in all ways!”
Cathryn Blum, Carolina Green Space
Our group, Goettingen Neighbors Group, found Greening Projects just in time.
After working more than six years on our project, Steps to Wisdom, on the Goettingen Stairs in the Portola, San Francisco’s Garden District, was completed days before our previous fiscal sponsor became insolvent.
That meant we didn’t have access to our grant money to pay our tile contractor for the labor and tile. Our grant money was not lost, but we were unable to access it until the San Francisco City Attorney found a way to legally set up a contract with Greening Projects as our fiscal sponsor. Although the process took six months, Mike Doherty and Jorge Romero-Lozano of Greening Projects guided us through the process and made crucial connections
Mike and Jorge are easy to work with. They make dealing with city agencies easier. They have simplified reimbursements and paying contractors. Not only that, they are knowledgeable of permitting and city policies. Jorge is a civil engineer familiar with what is acceptable and safe in public spaces and has a number of trusted contractors that can help with future development on the stairs, such as solar lighting, and maintaining the hillside garden. Mike is the nuts-and-bolts guy who tracks expenses, manages fundraising, streamlines reporting, and helps us recruit volunteers to maintain the stairway. They both are very responsive to our needs and questions that come up.
We are happy to work with them and are looking forward to doing so in the future.
Ruth Wallace, Gottingen Neighbors Group
“Greening Projects has been quickly responsive with answers whenever I have needed advice about applying for a grant or how to proceed with managing funding once a grant is awarded. They have been easy to reach and are willing to discuss a situation to find the best solution. I feel I can rely on their expertise.”
Fran Martin, Visitacion Valley Engage Green
“We have so much gratitude towards Mike and Jorge of Greening Projects. What began as a simple project to clear some Scotch Broom off a hillside on DPW land in Bernal Heights has become so much more, thanks to the guidance and support of Mike and Jorge. They helped us get a website up and a fundraiser going. They stay in communication regularly and help us keep track of the money we raise. We now have a budget to buy plants and tools. Without their help, we would never have been able to concentrate solely on the rewarding work of habitat restoration. We’ve gotten so much positive feedback from neighbors and the community, and we are so thankful for their help.”
Lori Eanes, Bernal Wild
“Working with Greening Projects, and especially Mike Doherty and Jorge Romero Lozano, has been an absolute pleasure. From day one, their financial transparency has been exceptional. Mike provides timely, clear updates, and our donation page has always been public and easy to track. Jorge’s hands-on support has been invaluable, from coordinating community events and securing spaces to handling equipment logistics and offering steady guidance throughout the process. His expertise as a civil engineer and grant writer, paired with Mike’s deep experience in fundraising and financial management, creates a rare and powerful combination. Reimbursements have always been fast and hassle-free, communication is friendly and professional, and their commitment feels driven by genuine joy in community work rather than profit. Beyond their support of Vision Blvd, their impact across projects like Treat Avenue, Bernal Heights Rec Center, Cortland Halloween, and many others speaks volumes. I have nothing but positive things to say, and I wholeheartedly recommend Greening Projects to any community-driven initiative. San Francisco is lucky to have Greening Projects. Bravo!”
Daniel Owen, Vision Boulevard
Join the Movement
Our projects are powered by people like you. Whether it’s attending an Earth Day Stroll or joining a volunteer workday at Alemany Farm, there are countless ways to get involved and leave a lasting mark on our city’s landscape.