Electric Garden Voucher Program is launched in Menlo Park

The City of Menlo Park is introducing the Electric Garden Voucher Program.

This initiative comes in response to a new city regulation set to prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers starting July 1, 2024. With this rule change, Menlo Park is taking proactive measures to support its community by offering financial assistance to ease the transition to electric gardening tools.

Eligible residents and non-gardening businesses can receive vouchers of up to $250, while gardening businesses may qualify for up to $1,000. These vouchers are redeemable towards the purchase of electric garden equipment, including leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and more.

By offering this program, the city  aims to facilitate a smooth transition to electric garden tools, especially for those who might experience financial obstacles, thereby mitigating the environmental impact associated with gas-powered equipment.
This program will be administered by Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet, a local 501(c)(3) non profit.

Residents must provide proof of residency in Menlo Park and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Enrolled in government or utility financial assistance programs (e.g., CALWorks, SNAP, PG&E Care Program, Menlo Park utility discount program).
• Reside in a Menlo Park neighborhood with a pollution burden score above 60 according to CalEnviroScreen 4.0 (this includes Belle Haven and parts of Suburban Park).
• Aged 65 or older.

Businesses must:

• Hold a current and valid business license in Menlo Park.
• For a non-gardening or non-landscaping businesses, you must be located within Menlo Park.
• Gardening or landscaping businesses working in Menlo Park but based elsewhere must provide an invoice or contract as proof of services rendered within city limits.

More information and to apply here: acterra.org/e-garden-menlo-park