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Board weighs equity concerns on gas leaf‑blower rules; proposes regional funding approach
Summary
Members said equity for small landscaping firms has delayed an ordinance recommendation and discussed asking Clackamas County or neighboring cities to create replacement funds similar to Portland's approach using the Portland Clean Energy Fund.
The board revisited prior conversations about restrictions on gas‑powered leaf blowers and focused on the equity implications for small landscaping businesses. Greg said the group hesitated to recommend an ordinance because of the cost burden on firms and noted that Portland established a fund to help landscaping companies replace gas equipment. "It's one of the things that really has kept us from kind of following through… because I think we were concerned about the equity piece and the impact that it would have on small businesses," Greg said.
Members suggested an immediate, practical step: coordinate with neighboring cities and Clackamas County to explore a shared replacement fund or grant source to offset equipment costs. Robert described conversations with county officials and Lake Oswego advocates and proposed approaching county commissioners about setting aside money. The board tasked members to research neighboring jurisdictions' approaches and to compile examples of funding models to present at a future meeting.
