Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
SAN JOSÉ, Calif. – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) announced on June 9 the passage of Measure D, also known as the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean Water, and Open Space Act. The Voter-Sponsored parcel tax measure was created through a citizen-led signature drive and placed on the June 2 ballot by the Open Space Authority Board of Directors as required by law. While the County Registrar of Voters continues to count the final ballots, sufficient votes have been verified to confirm that the measure will be approved by Santa Clara County voters with more than 55% support. Voter-sponsored initiatives require 50% +1 to pass.
Measure D will generate approximately $17 million annually to conserve, restore and manage Santa Clara County’s natural and working lands, providing stable, long-term funding to continue the Authority’s vital work. Proceeds will fund wildfire risk reduction, creek and water restoration, land management and stewardship, expansion of open space preserves and public trails, wildlife habitat protection and wildlife corridors, and preservation of local agricultural lands, with all funds spent locally, subject to a voter-approved Expenditure Plan, annual audits and citizen oversight.
Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Authority, credited the community’s grassroots effort: “We are profoundly grateful to those who led the Voter-Sponsored Initiative and to the voters for their continued support and trust in the Authority’s land protection and management work. Even in challenging economic times, our communities chose to prioritize investing in a sustainable future. Measure D will allow the Authority to stay in momentum and continue delivering significant benefits for nature and people for generations to come.”
Board Chair Kathy Sutherland described the vote as a defining moment for conservation in the South Bay. “By passing Measure D, residents made it clear that caring for nature is a shared priority. Their support reflects an understanding of the urgency and importance of protecting our natural lands, and a deep trust in our organization to meet that need. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank every person who helped move this initiative forward.”
With Measure D’s approval, the Authority will begin planning implementation, including project prioritization, community engagement and transparent annual reporting on the use of funds.
Exemptions:
Exemptions are available to qualifying seniors age 65 and older and specified low-income households, with multilingual support provided. In the weeks ahead, the Authority’s website will provide information regarding guidance, eligibility details and multilingual support. In the meantime, property owners can sign up for updates regarding exemptions from the parcel tax online at https://www.openspaceauthority.org/measure-d-exemptions
About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org
