Sustainable Landscapes Cost Share Program

The 2026 Sustainable Landscapes Cost Share Program, branded as "Rainscaping Lincoln," is a locally-administered environmental initiative aimed at promoting sustainable landscaping practices within Lincoln, Nebraska. Funded jointly by the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and the City of Lincoln, this program offers a rebate of up to $2,000 to eligible property owners who implement approved rainscaping projects. The program is managed by the City of Lincoln’s Watershed Management Division, which oversees application approvals, project compliance, and the reimbursement process. The initiative addresses urban stormwater runoff, a key contributor to water pollution in the city’s waterways, by encouraging practices that retain and filter rainwater onsite. The program's primary objective is to improve water quality and reduce stormwater runoff through the installation of sustainable landscaping features. Participants are reimbursed for 50% of their qualifying expenses, up to the $2,000 limit. Projects may include rain gardens, bioswales, waterwise lawns, pavement removal with permeable alternatives, and optional add-ons like rain barrels or approved trees. These improvements are designed to promote infiltration, prevent pollutants from entering storm drains, and reduce the strain on municipal stormwater systems. Participants have the option of completing the work themselves or hiring from a list of approved professionals. Eligibility is limited to property owners within the Lincoln city limits. To qualify, applicants must submit a detailed application and receive pre-approval before initiating any work. Once approved, participants must sign an agreement, complete the project between May and September 2026, and submit photographic documentation by the final deadline of October 23, 2026. Projects must also be maintained for a minimum of five years. Additional requirements include adherence to local ordinances and compliance with the Best Management Practices (BMP) Design Guidelines issued by the City of Lincoln. The design manual outlines key parameters, such as infiltration rates, setback distances from structures, and acceptable construction materials. Three main project types are eligible for funding: rain gardens or bioswales, waterwise lawns, and pavement removal with vegetation or permeable pavers. Add-on components such as up to two standard-sized rain barrels (40–60 gallons) and up to two approved trees (each not exceeding $300 in purchase price) may be included in the reimbursement total. All projects must avoid placement in public rights-of-way or directly above buried utilities, and must not conflict with restrictive covenants or applicable regulations. The application period runs from March 23 through April 24, 2026, or until funds are depleted. Installation must occur between May and September 2026. A detailed BMP design manual, available as a PDF on the City’s website, provides technical guidance on each eligible practice. Interested applicants are encouraged to review this manual prior to submitting their application. Contact information for the Stormwater Education program is provided for assistance, including an email address ([email protected]) and a phone number (402-441-4959). Although the program is not recurring in structure, it has been conducted in prior years and may return in future cycles. However, no specific next-cycle information is currently provided. Funding is limited, and reimbursements are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, timely application is encouraged to maximize the likelihood of approval and reimbursement.