Los Angeles to replace 1,600 acres of pavement with green spaces by 2045
Los Angeles County has set an ambitious goal to remove and replace 1,600 acres of pavement with green infrastructure by 2045. The move comes as officials seek to address the impacts of over-paving, which has worsened heat, flooding, and health risks in certain neighbourhoods. The plan marks a shift in how the county views urban spaces—moving away from concrete-heavy solutions toward living systems that blend nature with built environments.
Pavement has dominated American cities for over a century, originally used to tackle problems like flooding and weed growth. In Los Angeles, the 1938 encasement of the Los Angeles River in concrete wiped out its wetlands and natural habitats. While concrete offered quick fixes, it also created long-term issues, including higher temperatures and flash floods in paved-over areas.
The county's new strategy focuses on depaving—removing unnecessary pavement to make room for trees, soil, and vegetation. These green spaces help cool neighbourhoods, reduce flooding, and improve public health. Officials plan to start by identifying small depaving projects in areas with little tree cover, prioritising communities most affected by extreme heat and poor air quality.
Natural infrastructure, though costlier upfront, delivers lasting benefits compared to concrete. It absorbs rainwater, cuts urban heat, and supports wildlife. However, maintaining the new vegetation after depaving remains a challenge. Cities like Portland, Seattle, and Berkeley have already set similar targets, with Portland aiming to reduce pavement by 15% by 2030 and Seattle committing to remove 10% of impervious surfaces in the same timeframe. Los Angeles' own Bureau of Engineering has a shorter-term goal of depaving 30 acres by 2026.
Depaving is also seen as a way to adapt to climate change and ageing infrastructure. By replacing pavement with green spaces, the county hopes to build resilience against extreme weather while creating healthier, more sustainable neighbourhoods.
The county's 1,600-acre depaving target reflects a broader trend in urban planning, where cities are rethinking the role of concrete in public spaces. If successful, the shift could lead to cooler streets, better flood control, and improved quality of life for residents. The long-term savings and environmental benefits will depend on how well the new green areas are maintained and integrated into existing infrastructure.
