City Profiles / Small Cities / Beaverton, OR

Beaverton, Oregon

Beaverton, Oregon, lies just seven miles west of green leader Portland, and the TriMet MAX light rail system connects the two cities (and other nearby towns) to make it nearly one large community. Set among abundant forests and streams, Beaverton formed around a wetland complex of beaver dams, and protecting these resources and wildlife habitat is a central concern to the city as it grows—which it has, by 15 percent since 2000 through construction and annexation.

Working with the storm sewer agency, Clean Water Services, and the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, the city manages its wetlands and watersheds with stormwater practices including streamside buffers to prevent polluted runoff from entering waterways. The city uses "pervious" (or water permeable) concrete for the downtown sidewalks and areas with drainage issues, and is planning capital improvements of streams and restoration projects adjacent to streams. Beaverton offers incentives, such as increased height allowances, for habitat-friendly development, which it especially encourages for building in streambed corridors and the upland forests. Green building guidelines include the implementation of green roofs, alternative pavements and maintaining tree canopy.