Urban open space is a vital part of any community. It allows space for people to connect with nature and for natural habitats to thrive. The Open Space Authority is committed to providing a place where people and nature come together and benefit from each others' presence.

20% Funding Program

Part of the Open Space Authority's mission includes helping the cities within its boundaries protect and preserve open space in urban areas for the use and enjoyment for those who visit and live there. To assist in creating these areas, the Authority has developed the 20% Funding Program to help fund projects that support this mission.

Each year, 20% of the net proceeds of the Authority’s capital funds are earmarked for distribution to local jurisdictions within Authority boundaries for assistance with their own open space projects.

Along with the Authority’s acquisition projects, the 20% Funding Program helps provide a balance between large-scale open space acquisition and smaller park and trail acquisition and development within urban areas.

For more information on how the Program is administered go to [20% Funding Policy and Procedure]

For cities eligible to receive 20% Program funds and would like to submit an application go to [20% Funding Application Form (PDF)] or [20% Funding Application Form (Word)]

Related Info

20% Funding Contributions

 Rancho Canada del Oro
City of San Jose—September 1999 Purchase of property
[more info]

Ulistac Natural Area
City of Santa Clara—September 1999
Environmental restoration and site development
[go to City of Santa Clara site for more info]

San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail
City of Santa Clara—August 2000 Trail development
[go to City of Santa Clara site for more info]

Edith Morley Park
City of Campbell—July 2001
Park development
[go to City of Campbell site for more info]

Santa Teresa County Historic Park
City of San Jose—July 2002 Purchase of parcel to add additional acreage to the park
[go to Santa Clara County Parks for more info]

Penitencia Creek Trail
City of San Jose—August 2002 Purchase of Reach 1 of the trail
[more info on City of San Jose Trails]

Willow Glen Spur Line Trail
City of San Jose—August 2003 Purchase of Phase 1 of the old railroad spur Line
(Project in Process)

Selma Olinder Park and Coyote Creek Trail
City of San Jose—August 2003 Development of Coyote Creek Trail
(Project in Process)