On June 2, voters in parts of Santa Clara County will have a direct say in the future of our region’s lands, water, and wildfire safety. If you live in San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Morgan Hill, or unincorporated areas of the county, Measure D will be on your ballot. If you’re one of those voters, this is your moment: vote YES on Measure D.
Why We Need Measure D
Measure D will provide critical, stable funding of about $17 million each year to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to protect the landscapes we depend on. For more than 30 years, the Authority has safeguarded over 30,000 acres of open space and farmland, including Coyote Valley, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma-Coyote Ridge, Rancho Cañada del Oro, and Sierra Vista open space preserves.
These lands are not just places to visit. They protect our drinking water, reduce wildfire risk, support wildlife, and provide places to connect with nature.
But they are under real strain.
The Open Space Authority has doubled the land it manages over the past decade, while local funding has remained flat. At the same time, climate change, wildfire danger, and increased use are putting unprecedented pressure on these lands. Without new funding, essential work—like wildfire fuel reduction, habitat restoration, and safe public access—will fall behind.
Investing in Our Land, Water, and Safety
Measure D will fund:
- Wildfire risk reduction through vegetation management
- Protection of clean water in local creeks and rivers
- Cleanup of pollution and illegal dumping
- Preservation of farmland and local food sources
- Restoration of wildlife habitat and corridors
- New trails and safe public access
All funds stay local, with independent oversight and annual audits. The cost is modest, about $32 per year for the average homeowner or less than $3 a month, with exemptions for seniors and low-income residents. Corporations will pay their fare share, up to $7,500 per year.
Make Your Vote Count
The choice is clear. Act now to protect our water, reduce wildfire risk, and preserve the open spaces that make this region livable.
Vote YES on Measure D on June 2.
