Sunnyvale Sustainability Commission drops two study items, defers four and ranks two for 2025

The Sunnyvale Sustainability Commission on Jan. 21 dropped two study-issue proposals, deferred four others and approved a final ranking of two items to forward toward City Council consideration.

The commission voted to drop DPW 23‑07, a returning item to evaluate an ordinance banning gasoline-powered leaf blowers and other two‑stroke engines, and ESD 24‑02, a proposal to evaluate adopting transit‑supportive policies. Commissioners and staff said elements of those topics are already covered in the city’s Climate Action Playbook and Game Plan 2028, including a stated action to phase out gasoline/diesel off‑road equipment.

Why it matters: the commission’s rankings determine which items the City Council sees first and signal priorities for staff workload. Commissioners repeatedly cited constrained staff capacity in departments such as Community Development and Public Works; several members urged limiting new study assignments so staff can complete work already underway.

What the commission decided - Dropped: DPW 23‑07 (leaf blower ban study) and ESD 24‑02 (transit‑supportive policies). Staff recommended dropping both items because the Climate Action Playbook/Game Plan 2028 contains related plays and moves that address the same goals. - Deferred: ESD 22‑02 (sustainable landscaping strategies), LRS 25‑02 (align…