Silicon Valley voters to decide tax that would raise $17M annually for open space, wildlife

SANTA CLARA COUNTY RESIDENTS will vote on yet another tax measure this year — but instead of hospitals, they’ll be asked to help expand public access and protect wildlife along Silicon Valley’s sweeping foothills, woodlands and grasslands.

Voters in June will be asked to accept a tax of two cents per square foot of building area on property owners within the legal boundaries of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, which includes San Jose, Milpitas, Campbell, Santa Clara and Morgan Hill. Officials say Measure D would raise $17 million annually to help the agency restore and maintain open space, waterways and farmland for public benefit.