PRESS RELEASE: Santa Clara County Voters Approve Milestone Open Space Measure to Protect Natural Lands, Reduce Wildfire Risk

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Jun. 09, 2026

Large oak tree with huge branches covered in green leaves sits on top of a hill covered in golden grass in front of a blue sky and sun that is shining through its branches

Photo by David Mauk

Voter-Initiated Measure Will Generate $17 Million Annually for Wildfire Protection, Clean Water and Open Space Conservation

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (June 9, 2026) The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) today announced the passage of Measure D, also known as the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean Water, and Open Space Act. The Voter-Sponsored parcel tax measure was created through a citizen-led signature drive and placed on the June 2 ballot by the Open Space Authority Board of Directors as required by law. While the County Registrar of Voters continues to count the final ballots, sufficient votes have been verified to confirm that the measure will be approved by Santa Clara County voters with more than 55% support. Voter-sponsored initiatives require 50% +1 to pass.

Measure D will generate approximately $17 million annually to conserve, restore and manage Santa Clara County’s natural and working lands, providing stable, long-term funding to continue the Authority’s vital work. Proceeds will fund wildfire risk reduction, creek and water restoration, land management and stewardship, expansion of open space preserves and public trails, wildlife habitat protection and wildlife corridors, and preservation of local agricultural lands, with all funds spent locally, subject to a voter-approved Expenditure Plan, annual audits and citizen oversight.

Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Authority, credited the community’s grassroots effort: “We are profoundly grateful to those who led the Voter-Sponsored Initiative and to the voters for their continued support and trust in the Authority’s land protection and management work. Even in challenging economic times, our communities chose to prioritize investing in a sustainable future. Measure D will allow the Authority to stay in momentum and continue delivering significant benefits for nature and people for generations to come.”

Board Chair Kathy Sutherland described the vote as a defining moment for conservation in the South Bay. “By passing Measure D, residents made it clear that caring for nature is a shared priority. Their support reflects an understanding of the urgency and importance of protecting our natural lands, and a deep trust in our organization to meet that need. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank every person who helped move this initiative forward.”

With Measure D’s approval, the Authority will begin planning implementation, including project prioritization, community engagement and transparent annual reporting on the use of funds.

Update 7/1/2026

Exemptions:
Exemptions are available to qualifying seniors age 65 and older and specified low-income households, with multilingual support provided. Property owners can learn more about exemptions from the parcel tax online at https://www.openspaceauthority.org/measure-d-exemptions

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About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org

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Andrea Mackenzie stands in front of wildflowers at Coyote Ridge with her arms out in celebration

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