Beverly Hills Installs First ‘Green Street’

A three-block median featuring native plants and bioswales is part of the city’s broader effort to reduce water consumption and pollution.

1 minute read

February 22, 2024, 12:00 PM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Google street view of wide grassy median in Beverly Hills, California.

Burton Way median in November 2023. | Google Maps / Burton Way, Beverly Hills

A three-block median in Beverly Hills is thriving as the city’s first ‘green street,’ just in time for this month’s unusually wet weather. As Tabor Brewster reports in Beverly Press, “The Burton Way green street and water efficient landscape project is in the final stages of testing and is set to officially open at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rexford Mini Park on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m.”

The project is expected to reduce water pollution and water consumption by collecting rainwater and runoff. “According to environmental compliance and sustainability program manager Josette Descalzo, the project features a storm drain that will divert water – from both rain and excess irrigation – into the median on Burton Way. From there, the water will be filtered by two 15-foot-wide vegetated channels also known as bioswales.”

According to Mayor Julian Gold, the city plans to install more similar projects to meet its sustainability goals. “[California] emergency water regulations also require Beverly Hills to reduce its water consumption by 32%, and this project will save about 5 million gallons of water annually, according to the city.”

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in Beverly Press

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist