Funding
Investing in Nature
The Open Space Authority is funded primarily from an ongoing $24 annual parcel tax, referred to as the Open Space, Wildlife Habitat, Clean Water, and Increased Public Access Funding Measure, and a benefit assessment, referred to as District 1. The agency also receives additional funding from grants and gifts.
The modest tax per parcel generates approximately $12 million per year and allows the Open Space Authority to connect people with nature by stewarding protected lands and opening more preserves and trails. Protected natural and working lands serve to preserve our scenic landscapes and their precious natural resources for present and future generations.
More About How We're Funded
Measure Q
Measure Q, a $24 parcel tax, was passed in November 2014 by voters with 68% support. In its first five years, Measure Q helped make significant investments in the health of nature and people.
Learn more about Measure Q's impact through our interactive storymap below.
In its first five years, Measure Q:
- Nearly doubled the amount of protected acreage to approximately 30,000 acres.
- Provided free access to 26 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding 365 days a year.
- Completed almost 300 projects for conservation and nature connectivity throughout the Authority’s jurisdiction.
- Protected nearly 1,000 acres in North Coyote Valley for wildlife connectivity, water quality and to reduce the risk of flooding in downstream communities.
- Supported over 46 Urban Open Space projects and programs with nearly $3.9 million in grant funding investments.
- Leveraged Open Space Authority funds by over tenfold, contributing $15.2 million to protect 10,346 acres worth a total of over $154 million.
Measure T
In November 2020, Measure T, a permanent renewal of Measure Q with no tax increase, was overwhelmingly passed by voters with 81% approval. Santa Clara Valley voters made clear that they consider access to parks and open space essential to their physical and mental health, as Measure T falls within the top 10 highest passage rates of countywide measures nationwide. Measure T is a $24 parcel tax that brings in approximately $8 million per year, and replaces Measure Q.
Measure T revenues are used for:
- Funding the preservation of land including acquisition (fee purchase) and conservation easements.
- Paying for project costs including research, project-scoping, planning, construction, and maintenance.
- Paying for staff time charged to Measure T projects.
- Natural resource protection to protect and restore natural areas.
- Land operations and maintenance to maintain all of the Authority’s existing and new preserves, trails, and preserve-related infrastructure.
- The creation, development, delivery, and maintenance of existing and new environmental and agricultural education programs and initiatives.
- Funding the Urban Grant Program.
Benefits Assessment
District 1 Assessment (District 1) is a $12 per parcel annual benefit assessment approved in 1994 by voters within the Authority’s jurisdiction. District 1 brings in approximately $4.2 million per year and must be renewed annually through a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Use of the District 1 revenue is guided by the policies and goals stated in the 5 Year Plan, first adopted by the Board in June of 1996.
District 1 revenues are used for:
- Funding open space and greenbelt acquisition
- Funding and overseeing maintenance projects throughout the boundaries of the Authority
- Developing and maintaining lands, trails, natural areas, and other facilities for outdoor recreation
- Reimbursing the Authority for incidental costs associated with the District.
Accountability
In order to ensure accountability, transparency and public oversight of all funds collected and allocated under Measures Q and T, as required by the Expenditure Plans for both Measure Q and Measure T, the Authority releases an annual status report to detail the funds collected and expended and provide status of projects authorized to receive funding. The Expenditure Plan Oversight Committee provides independent public oversight for all funds collected for and allocated from Measure Q and T to ensure accountability and transparency.
Financial Documents
How We’re Investing in Nature
Public Access Projects
Through Measure Q and T-funded public access projects, the Open Space Authority continues to expand and improve visitor access to open space preserves.
Investing in Nature as Infrastructure
The natural landscapes within and surrounding the Santa Clara Valley take care of us all in countless ways – provided we take care of them. When we invest in nature-based solutions that protect our clean water supply, filter our air and protect us from extreme weather events, we can create a brighter future for everyone.