1. Alleys serve as access for rear facing garages
and for utilities. However many alleys have
uneven, broken, potholed surfaces; and
many are so overgrown with vegetation, they
are undrivable and unusable. These allleys
tend to become unsafe dumping grounds.
Alleys represent a significant and unique,
public open-space opportunity​for neighbor-
hoods which have relatively few park spaces.
Alleys have the potential to become
active, vibrant spaces for the community.
Alleys can become low-traffic nature paths
for walking and biking, community gardens,
and places for children to play.
Alleys are waiting to become havens for
neighborhood social interaction.
ALLEY ALLIES
2015 Neighborhood
Alleyway Project
Portland State University
Institute for Sustainable Solutions Internship Program
Boise Neighborhood Association
Concordia Neighborhood Association
North East Coalition of Neighborhoods

2. ALLEY ACTIVATING IDEAS
Accessible Clean & Safe
• improve visibility along the alley by cutting
back overgrown trees, bushes, and plants
along your portion of the alley
• mow the grass and weeds in your alley
• fill in potholes
• leave a light on
• remove trash
• install wayfinding signs
• install alley lighting
• establish a pedestrian network using alleys
Environment & Nature
• install a planter box or vertical plant wall
• plant a tree
• plant a rain garden
• plant a naturescape using native plants
• plant a community flower or food garden
Community
• install benches or other seating
• spend time in your backyard
• build relationships with neighbors
• plan neighborhood events in your alley
• paint a mural on your alley garage or fence
• install sculptures
• create a community board
• install a children’s play area
Prosperity
• build an ADU (guest house/granny flat)
• permanently improve your alley with
surface brick, cobblestone, or other forms
of permeable pavers
• start or recruit a food cart or stand
Imagine your ideal alley
Have conversations with your neighbors
Find common ground
Plan small steps to begin with
Start with a cleanup effort
Enhance your shared spaces
Create something beautiful
Boise Neighborhood Alley Survey: bitly.com/BoiseAlleySurvey
Concordia Neighborhood Alley Survey: bitly.com/ConcordiaAlleySurvey
Contact Cheryl Leontina for more information or to arrange a site visit
Neighborhood Sustainability Coordinator
Boise and Concordia Neighborhoods
cheryleontina@gmail.com
Please Take Our Survey!
IMAGINING WHAT MIGHT BE
CheckouttheAlleyAlliesToolkit:www.AlleyAllies.com
BEFORE
AFTER
28th/29th ALLEY IN CONCORDIA NEIGHBORHOOD
The residents of this alley did this project in a month with donated plants and
about $1000 budget. Come visit the alley to see its continuing developments.