FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Natalie Jolly, 650-691-1200, njolly@openspace.org
Midpen Board approves FY26 Budget and Action Plan
Los Altos, CA— At its regular meeting on June 11th, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s board of directors adopted a $94.1 million budget to fund 132 projects for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This budget and action plan will allow for major projects that further our missions such as:
Projects:
Land Acquisition: Acquire Salamander Camp (70 acres) from Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Public Access: Improve public access at multiple preserves, including new trailheads at Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek, and trail and parking improvements at Purisima Creek Redwoods, with a pedestrian crossing at Highway 35.
Natural Resource Protection & Restoration: Advance wildlife passage projects at Alma Bridge Road and Highway 17. Implement the Pescadero Watershed Sediment Reduction Project and Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Restoration Project to protect sensitive species.
Agricultural Infrastructure: Improve water systems, fencing and corrals on coastside preserves to support conservation grazing.
Cultural Landmark Preservation: Protect and maintain sites like Coal Creek Barn and Fremont Older House.
“As our agency grows in the acres of protected open space lands, miles of trails, new staging areas and trailheads, and the staffing to manage and steward these resources, our regional beneficial impact to further the resiliency and sustainability of our natural environment and our local communities grows in unison,” said Midpen General Manager Ana Ruiz. “With help from Measure AA, we will carry on with our mission to expand our greenbelt, restore native habitats, protect our unique wildlife populations, offer new opportunities for people to connect with nature and sustain local farming and ranching on Midpen lands.”
Over one-fifth of the projects included in the FY26 Capital Improvement and Action Plan are eligible for reimbursement through Measure AA, a 30-year, $300 million general obligation bond approved by voters in 2014. Action plan projects span across the four main program areas supporting the district’s strategic goals: Land Acquisition and Preservation (7.6%), Natural Resource Protection and Restoration (32.6%), Public Access, Education, and Outreach (28.0%), and Assets and Organizational Support (31.8%).
Total revenues and other funding sources are projected at $94.4 million, which includes property tax revenues of $82 million and grants, other funding sources and revenues of $12.4 million. Midpen receives the majority (87%) of its total revenues from property taxes, with grants, interest, rental, and other income (13%) making up the balance of the revenue sources.
The complete Budget and Action Plan and the Budget in Brief will be available in July at openspace.org/reports