On Election Day, June 2, some local voters will have a new chance to shape the future of our region’s lands, water, and climate resilience. By voting Yes on Measure D, voters can protect local natural lands and farmland under the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s jurisdiction. If you live in San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, or unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, you’ll see Measure D on your ballot. Please vote Yes to support the Open Space Authority in protecting our water and preventing wildfires.
Measure D – the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean Water, and Open Space Act – would generate about $17 million annually for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (OSA) through a modest parcel tax. For more than 30 years, OSA has been a cornerstone of conservation, permanently protecting over 30,000 acres of natural lands and farmland. OSA manages popular local nature preserves, including Coyote Valley, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge, Rancho Cañada del Oro, and Sierra Vista.
These lands provide free recreation to the public, but they are much more than just parks. They are essential infrastructure that safeguards drinking water, reduces wildfire risk, supports biodiversity, and connects people with nature.
Why Measure D Is Needed
In the past 12 years, OSA’s acreage has more than doubled, while its local funding—$12 million per year—has remained flat. OSA has been highly fiscally responsible. In fact, for every $1 in local taxes they spend, they have secured $3 more in grants and gifts— delivering $4 worth of impact for every $1. Yet today, OSA is being asked to do more with less. Rising costs, increased visitation, and intensifying climate threats have outpaced existing resources. Stewardship, habitat restoration, wildfire fuel management, and public access all require sustained, reliable funding.
That’s why I (listed under my maiden name, Julie Makrai), together with Ken Yeager, Peninsula Open Space Trust Board Member, and Shiloh Ballard, Santa Clara Valley Water District Board Director (her title is listed here for identification purposes only), advanced this citizens’ initiative, sponsored by the POST Action Fund.
What Measure D Makes Possible
Funds from Measure D will support OSA’s work, including:
- Reducing catastrophic wildfire risk by removing hazardous brush
- Protecting our drinking water sources, including rivers, creeks, and streams from pollution
- Addressing illegal activity and vandalism in natural open space areas
- Helping clean up pollution and litter in natural areas
- Protecting our area’s farms and healthy, local food sources
- Maintaining and restoring wildlife habitats and corridors
- Building new trails
- Preventing overdevelopment of scenic hillsides, natural open spaces, and farmland so they don’t become office buildings and parking lots
Every Dollar Stays Local
Measure D would establish a 2-cent-per-square-foot assessment on building area per parcel, with exemptions for low-income residents and seniors. The average homeowner would pay about $32 per year, which is less than $3 per month, while large commercial properties would contribute more, up to a maximum of $7,500 per parcel. Every dollar would stay local, leverage state and federal matching funds, and be subject to annual audits and taxpayer oversight.
Green Foothills Endorses Measure D
In a time of climate uncertainty, protecting nature is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves. We must act now to prevent costly and destructive sprawl, safeguard water sources, and reduce hazardous brush before wildfire strikes. That’s why Green Foothills endorses Measure D. Please vote Yes this June!
How You Can Help
In addition to voting Yes on Measure D this June, consider volunteering to get the word out by signing up at tinyurl.com/MeasureDgetinvolved