A Portland-based nonprofit has successfully removed over eight acres of unnecessary pavement across 80 sites, using green spaces to cool communities by up to 7.7°F and redirect millions of gallons of stormwater annually, promoting environmental justice and urban resilience.
- NASA data shows up to 7.7°F cooling effect from depaved sites
- Projects redirect 24.4 million gallons of stormwater annually
- National network trains communities to remove urban pavement
What happened
Since 2008, Portland’s Depave nonprofit has led a grassroots effort to convert over 8.4 acres of paved urban spaces into community gardens and rain gardens at more than 80 locations. Their work focuses on areas like schools, churches, and public gathering spots where impervious surfaces contribute to heat buildup and stormwater runoff.
Using volunteer labor, each project typically clears around 3,600 square feet of pavement, allowing for new green spaces that soak up rainwater, cool neighborhoods, and create inviting outdoor areas. NASA researchers verified significant cooling of up to 7.7°F at these sites, reinforcing the clear physical benefits of this simple intervention.
Why it feels good
Beyond reducing urban temperatures, these depaving projects help redirect roughly 24.4 million gallons of stormwater annually away from overwhelmed drains and into soil, mitigating flooding risks and reducing pollution runoff. The soils in these green spaces also capture carbon, contributing to climate health.
Depave intentionally prioritizes working in historically underserved and heat-exposed neighborhoods, advancing environmental justice by bringing green relief to communities that have often lacked such access. The organization’s ongoing care ensures these gardens remain healthy and continue providing benefits long term.
What to enjoy or watch next
Inspired by Portland’s success, cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Tacoma are exploring similar depaving initiatives, showing how a community-powered project can influence citywide policy shifts toward greener design and reduced parking requirements.
Depave continues to expand its impact through a national network that trains other groups across North America to implement their own depaving projects. Watching this movement grow promises more cooler, greener, and flood-resilient urban neighborhoods in diverse communities.