With Newly Approved Work Plan and Annual Budget for 2024-25 Fiscal Year, Public Land Agency Invites Applications for Volunteers to Advise Board and Provide Public Fiscal Oversight

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. – June 17, 2024 – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority), a 30-yearold regional public land conservation agency that protects open space and connects people to nature, today announced openings for new members of the Authority’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) and Expenditure Plan Oversight Committee (EPOC). The open call for applicants follows the ratification on June 13 by the Authority’s elected Board of the agency’s 2024-25 fiscal year work plan and annual budget. 

 “Transparency and accountability are two core values of the Authority, and these two community volunteer committees advance both of those commitments,” said Andrea Mackenzie, general manager of the Authority. “The seven-member EPOC provides direct public oversight of the Authority’s use of Measure Q and T funds. 

 The 15-member CAC ensures that the many voices and perspectives of the diverse communities the Authority serves are heard by our elected Board members and staff leadership on a regular basis. Service on either committee is a special opportunity to have real, direct impact on your community. We encourage anyone who lives in our jurisdiction in Santa Clara County to consider donating their time in this rewarding capacity.” 

Both committees contribute in very tangible ways to equitable and accountable operations of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. The CAC participates in reviewing and recommending applications of the Authority’s annual Urban Grant program that has distributed nearly $15 million in grants and funded 950 community programs to support nature and connections to nature in urban areas over the agency’s 30 years. In 2023 alone, the Authority awarded nearly $2 million to 19 local organizations. “The EPOC provides a vital benefit directly to our taxpayers, who overwhelmingly voted in 2020 to continue funding the Authority via Measure T, based on the promise that there would be citizen oversight of expenditures. This committee’s oversight represents our promise to the voters,” added Mackenzie. 

Board Approves Annual Budget and Work Plan 

At its June 13 public meeting, the Board of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority unanimously approved the work plan and annual budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. With the current constraint on available state grant funding to supplement the Authority’s local tax revenue, the agency has taken a fiscally conservative approach to budgeting for fiscal year 2024-2025 and is reducing its capital expenditures by 18% and its operational expenditures by 4% from FY 2023-2024. The Authority’s revenues are principally derived from a voter-approved parcel tax that has remained flat since 2014, when the Measure Q $24 parcel tax was approved by voters and was extended as Measure T in 2020 without increase. “Just as the Authority thoughtfully stewards the lands that we protect, we are equally committed to being careful stewards of the precious funding provided each year by the residents of our special district,” said Helen Chapman, District 3 Director, who also serves as Board Chairperson. “The board commends the Authority’s staff for pivoting the agency’s practices and priorities to respond to the current financial realities.” 

EPOC Openings and Applications 

Members of the EPOC are volunteers who reside within the Authority’s working area and review the agency’s use of all public funds collected via Measure Q and Measure T, which provide foundational funding to the Authority. Once selected, EPOC members meet quarterly and serve three-year terms. There are currently three positions open. Interested candidates are invited to apply here. 

CAC Openings and Applications 

Members of the CAC are volunteers who reside within the Authority’s working area and are interested in nature, ensuring public access opportunities and environmental conservation. There are currently two positions open to serve a two-year term. Interested candidates are invited to apply here.