FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Natalie Jolly, 650-691-1200, njolly@openspace.org
Midpen Board approves FY27 Budget and Action Plan
Los Altos, CA— At its regular meeting on June 24th, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Board of Directors adopted a $106 million budget to fund 127 projects for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The Budget and Action Plan will allow for major projects that further our missions such as:
Climate Resilience & Biodiversity: Advance wildlife passage projects at Alma Road and Highway 17 to enhance habitat connectivity. Implement the Los Gatos Creek Watershed project to improve wildland fire resiliency and ecosystem health.
Public Access & Trails: Improve public access with the Bay Area Ridge Trail: Highway 17 Crossing and trailhead enhancements at La Honda Creek. Prepare to construct the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and associated parking to expand recreational opportunities and trail connectivity.
Infrastructure Improvements: Develop designs for the Coastal Field Office Build Out to support conservation operations and community engagement. Continue to prepare for the Skyline Field Office Rebuild project to modernize facilities and improve efficiency for field staff.
“Every new acre conserved, new trail segment added, and habitat area restored strengthens the bond between our open spaces and the communities we serve,” said Midpen General Manager Ana Ruiz. “Thanks to Measure AA, we’re further expanding the greenbelt, healing native ecosystems, safeguarding wildlife, connecting people to nature and maintaining local farming and ranching on Midpen lands.”
Over one-quarter of the projects included in the FY27 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 (1.5%), Natural Resource Protection and Restoration (33.5%), Public Access, Education, and Outreach (47.7%), and Assets and Organizational Support (17.3%).
Total revenues and other funding sources are projected at $106.1 million, which includes property tax revenues, grants, and income revenues of $100.9 million and other funding sources of $5.2 million. Midpen receives the majority of its total revenues from property taxes (84%), with grants, interest, rental, and other income (16%) 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