Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council proposes event and draft sustainable-event guidelines

High school members of Hillsboro’s Youth Advisory Council presented a Climate, Resiliency and Sustainability subcommittee update to the City Council on Feb. 18, outlining two near-term items: a volunteer invasive-plant removal event on April 26 at Noble Woods Park and draft guidelines the group is adapting to make city events more sustainable.

The students said they are adapting Washington County’s sustainable-event checklist and drawing on other resources to create a local packet that would guide city departments and community event organizers on energy conservation, waste reduction, paper reduction and supporting green vendors. The subcommittee said their draft guidelines would encourage measures such as choosing venues with natural light, prioritizing reusable materials and offering plant-based or locally sourced food options.

For outreach the group plans to advertise via 350PDX, social media, the city volunteer portal and clubs at local schools and asked councilors to provide feedback. Councilors suggested expanding school outreach, coordinating with the Hillsboro Farmers Market and adding an educational component so attendees understand the reasons behind recommended food and waste choices.

The subcommittee said next steps include incorporating council feedback, finalizing the guideline draft with staff help, conducting outreach for the April volunteer event and producing a training video for city staff on guideline use.

Ending: Council members thanked the YAC members for the work and encouraged them to share drafts with city staff and school leaders; councilors and staff offered to follow up on outreach avenues.