Measure D Success: A Message from The General Manager

Even as the last remaining ballots are being counted, we feel confident that the community has once again affirmed its commitment to protecting the natural and working lands that define the South Bay. I want to take a moment to speak to you directly about what this means, and why your role in this moment matters so much.

We are deeply grateful to every resident who supported this measure and especially to the community leaders who stepped forward to champion the voter‑sponsored initiative. In a time when many families and businesses are navigating real economic pressures, our community still chose to prioritize long‑term sustainability. That says something real about who we are as a community. It says that caring for nature is not a luxury, but a shared value.

Over the past decade, our region has grown rapidly in population, spurring development and increasing the number of people who rely on nature for health and connection. As the cities we serve have grown, visits to our open spaces have surged from under 200,000 a year to roughly half a million today, with that number expected to double again in the coming years. People need nature now more than ever, and nature needs our protection and care more than ever to stay healthy and resilient, in the face of dual biodiversity and climate crises.

Over this same period, the amount of land the Authority has protected has nearly doubled. In 2014, we cared for about 16,000 acres of open space and 11 miles of trails. Today, we steward roughly 30,000 acres and over 30 miles of trails. By 2041, those numbers are expected to exceed 45,000 acres and 60 miles of trails. All of this growth occurred while our annual revenue remained unchanged. The need has been growing, and the community recognized it.

That is what makes Measure D so meaningful. This measure was driven by community members--people who care deeply about clean water, wildfire resilience, wildlife habitat, working lands and the open spaces that make this region such a remarkable place to call home. Their leadership and your support made this outcome possible.

Now is exactly the time to invest boldly in the health of natural and working lands. Delaying action only makes the challenges harder. There is no “too early” when it comes to protecting the lands that sustain us. There is only “too late.”

This measure keeps our momentum strong. It means we can continue doing the work our community has told us matters most: wildfire resilience, clean drinking water, healthy habitats, healthy food, climate resilient open spaces accessible to all.

Thank you for your trust and your belief in the importance of protecting, restoring and caring for the lands that sustain us.  

We are honored to continue this work with you. 

With gratitude,

Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority