HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Goals - Citizen Input 100086 - Erin Cushing 2026 Goal Setting - Public Input Form
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The Lake Oswego City Council will hold its annual goal setting retreat on Saturday, February 21,2026 beginning at 9 a.m.
in Council Chambers at City Hall. In preparation,the City Council would like to hear from the community.
Please take a few minutes before 5 p.m.on February 12,2026 to share your input. Comments will be shared with the City
Council before their retreat.
Name Erin Cushing
Neighborhood Oak Creek
What would you like to see the City Council consider in their 2026 goal setting session?*
Thank you for adopting the 2025 goal to phase out gas powered landscaping equipment. For 2026, please do
the right thing and take urgent action on this. It would be irresponsible to continue to"watch and wait."We need
your leadership to protect public health and the environment.The landscaping industry is largely unregulated
and gas leaf blowers in particular are widely overused in Lake Oswego. Often leaf blowers are used
unnecessarily and irresponsibly.Asking neighbors and landscapers to change practices is ineffective and places
too much burden on those impacted.
There are many ecological benefits to leaving the leaves in the garden beds. Leaving the leaves where
appropriate and/or using rakes,garden brooms, manual push sweepers,and street sweepers are all viable
options to reduce demand for leaf blowers.
The technology has evolved and there are viable options for battery electric tools that are superior to their
hazardous outdated gas counterparts. Check out the Kress commercial battery electric backpack blowers!
Communities deserve the right to clean air and tranquility.Workers deserve the right to protecting their long term
health.This is an environmental health justice issue,a climate issue,a livability issue,and so much more. Gas
landscaping equipment used on one property impacts the entire neighborhood-even those indoors trying to
rest, relax,study or work.
Consider partnering with Portland's plans to assist smaller landscaping companies with training and incentives.
Some data suggests that commercial electric leaf blowers may have a ROI of only 10.5 months.With low or zero
interest financing, many landscaping companies may find that switching to electric is a win-win.
Adopt a sustainable landscaping policy for City properties that models best practices-and that aligns with the
Bee City USA signage.Go ALL electric and/or manual tools year round. Practice leaving the leaves and provide
educational signage.Oswego Lake Watershed Council and Backyard Habitat could provide guidance on
sustainable landscaping practices and educational outreach. Check out the Tigard library's landscaping and
signage for inspiration.
Please note: inflammatory,offensive,or inappropriate language may be redacted. Comments are a public record subject
to public records law,and, unless an exception applies, may be disclosed.