Fact Sheet: San Mateo County Parks Funding Crisis
Posted May 13, 2003 / Updated May 13, 2003

The future of our San Mateo County Parks is in jeopardy. Because the park system has no dedicated funding source, the severe budget cuts have hit the parks hard. Act now!

• San Mateo County is the only Bay Area county with a county park system that has no dedicated source of ongoing funding for continuing parks operation and maintenance expenses.
• San Mateo County Parks and Recreation operating budget is currently less than 1% of the County budget. Ten years ago it represented 2.16% of the County budget.
• In 1982, the parks staff to visitor ratio was 1 Ranger per 20,700 visitors. In 2002, the parks staff to visitor ratio was 1 Ranger per 33,300 visitors -- a 60% increase.
• This year's budget represents a $3.8 million shortfall for the Parks operating budget. In addition, the parks need some $75 million worth of deferred or new improvements.
• San Mateo County voters have supported recent park related state bond measures. 71.9% voted for Proposition 12, Parks and Water, and 69.4% voted for Proposition 40, Clean Water/Air, Safe Parks, Coast Protection.
• A 2001 Strategy Research Institute poll showed 74% potential San Mateo County voter support for a tax dedicated to making capital improvements to, and expanding or enhancing, the existing County parks and trails system.
• San Mateo County Parks contain the widest variety of habitats and the most endangered species of any County parks in the Bay Area. As such, the County has a legal and stewardship obligation to preserve and protect these unique assets while educating and engaging the public in them.
• Citizens have worked on a search for alternative funding sources for parks since 1992. To date no dedicated source of funding that supplements existing revenue sources has been obtained.
• The San Mateo County Parks Foundation is an important step in getting additional funds; however, the Foundation is best suited for raising funds to enhance the parks through program support and capital investments. It is not designed to address ongoing operational needs. Tax based dedicated funds that supplement existing revenue sources are essential for San Mateo County Parks.

Please act now to help qualify a ballot measure that will secure funding for our parks. Read our action alert and get involved.

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