For Anna Reh-Gingerich, community engagement is about more than outreach, it’s about building meaningful connections between the City and the people it serves, helping residents feel informed, involved, and invested in their community. As a Community Engagement Specialist with Communications & Engagement, Anna plays a leading role in initiatives such as Cape Fear Creek Week. Her work connects residents to City programs and services through education, hands-on projects, and opportunities to take action.
Connecting the Community to Our Creeks
Cape Fear Creek Week is designed to celebrate, connect with, and care for waterways across the Cape Fear region. The weeklong initiative brings together community partners, volunteers, and residents for educational events and service opportunities. “The whole mission of Creek Week is to engage the community and help them become connected with the natural, beautiful waterways that bring people to this area,” Anna said. “It gives people opportunities to get more involved or simply learn more about them.” Community involvement is critical. From attending events to volunteering or completing simple at-home actions, residents play a direct role in protecting water quality. For Anna, success is measured by how engaged the community becomes.
Engagement at Every Level
Community engagement shapes Anna’s day-to-day work. For example, she helps provide education and outreach that empower residents to get involved with new and existing programs and projects, ranging from stormwater education to capital improvement projects to specialized grant initiatives. Engagement can look different for everyone. For example, when it comes to preventing stormwater pollution, it may be as simple as taking personal actions like picking up after pets or redirecting a downspout. It can also include getting more involved with public participation by providing feedback on CIPs or drainage projects. Anna helps gather the data, coordinate outreach, and support implementation efforts that make those projects possible. “Our success is based on how engaged the community is,” she explained.
Behind the Scenes of Meaningful Engagement
While community events are the visible side of engagement, Anna notes that much of the work happens behind the scenes. Research, audience analysis, and neighborhood-level planning are critical to creating meaningful connections. “You really need a plan in order to implement a successful campaign” she said. That thoughtful approach to outreach has produced measurable progress.
A Recognized Success Story
One accomplishment Anna is especially proud of is national recognition for Wilmington’s water quality restoration efforts. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality reached out to feature the City’s progress as a success story. Those stories are published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and highlight waterways that have been restored or are making measurable progress. Wilmington was recognized for its continued progress, a reflection of both City efforts and strong community participation.
Beyond the Engagement
Outside of work, Anna is a self-proclaimed “cozy gamer.” She enjoys slice of life games on her Nintendo Switch and loves curling up with it to unwind after a busy day.
Advice for Future City Employees
For those interested in working for the City, Anna recommends staying flexible and open-minded. “Everything changes day to day, so having an open mind is always a good thing,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and really get to know the City you’re working for.” Through education, collaboration, and a genuine passion for Wilmington’s natural spaces, Anna continues to help build a more connected community.
Get Involved
Click here for a full schedule of upcoming Creek Week events.
As part of Creek Week, Anna is hosting a Virtual Bingo. Participants can celebrate waterways on their own time by completing activities to earn a bingo. Submit a photo of your completed bingo card to healourwaterways@wilmingtonnc.gov by March 23 for a chance to win a swag bag. Bingo sheets are available here.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Complete the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) survey to share input on how Wilmington can better prepare for flooding, hurricanes, and extreme heat. You can also support the City’s EDA Grant application by filling out a quick form to submit a letter of support. Learn more.