The Santa Clara County Open Space Authority was created by the State Legislature in response to efforts by citizens and local governments of Santa Clara County. The Authority is governed by a directly elected seven-member board of directors, each representing a unique district.
The Authority is comprised of the cities of Campbell, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and San Jose, as well as much of the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.
The Board has defined the Authority's purpose as:
Preservation of Open Space and creation of greenbelts between communities, lands on the valley floor, hillsides, viewsheds and watersheds, baylands and riparian corridors, are immediate high priorities. These are needed to counter the continuing and serious conversion of these lands to urban uses, to preserve the quality of life in the County and to encourage outdoor recreation and continuing agricultural activities.
Development and implementation of land management policies that provide proper care of open space lands, allow public access appropriate to the nature of the land for recreation, are consistent with ecological values and compatible with agricultural uses.
The Santa Clara Open Space Authority Team is made up of three seprarate but equally important groups. Click on each for more info.
Authority Staff
The staff of the Authority consists of eleven employees, four of whom are dedicated field staff. [more]
Board of Directors
The seven-member Board of Directors are elected by the consituents in their respective Districts. Each member serves a 4-year term. The Authority Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month at the Authority's administrative office. [more]
Citizen's Advisory Committee
The Citizen's Advisory Committee has 17 seats and consists of members of the public who are appointed to the Committee by the Board of Directors. Each member meets criteria specific to the seat they are appointed to and are appointed to serve a two-year term. The CAC assists the Board in special projects and meeting Authority goals. [more]
