Midpen’s Basic Policy provides the highest level policy guidance on District purpose and governance and references other policy documents that provide more detailed guidance on specific policy areas.
The Basic Policy was originally adopted by the board of directors in 1974 and last updated in 1999 prior to Midpen's geographic boundaries expanding to include the San Mateo County Coastside. Midpen is now incorporating the Coastside Protection Area into the Basic Policy in a manner consistent with the Coastal Service Plan. The board has formed an ad hoc committee and the process includes robust public outreach.
This project’s goal is to incorporate the Coastside Protection Area into the Basic Policy in a manner consistent with the Coastal Service Plan through a robust public process. Midpen has been working on the San Mateo County Coastside since 2004 with an expanded mission that includes the language in bold:
To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.
The Coastal Service Plan establishes detailed policies, guidelines and commitments governing District activities and services within Midpen's coastal geography, an area also known as the Coastside Protection Area. Midpen has been implementing the Service Plan over the past 18 years, and this project delivers on the Service Plan commitment to amend the Basic Policy to incorporate the Coastside Protection Area. Learn more about our work on the Coastside here.
Process
Midpen’s board of directors has formed a board ad hoc committee and tasked it to work with staff to:
- Review Midpen’s current Basic Policy and compare the Basic Policy with the Coastal Service Plan Guiding Principles and other Coastside policies to identify policy gaps.
- Develop draft Basic Policy language to address the gaps for the Coastside Protection Area.
- Present draft updates to the full Midpen board for review.
- Oversee public engagement to finalize updates before bringing the revised Basic Policy back to the full board for approval.
The diagram below illustrates how the guiding Basic Policy supports Midpen’s Mission and Coastal Mission, and is supported by policies, procedures and plans.
Community Engagement
Midpen will engage stakeholders and the public in this Basic Policy update. The stakeholder and community engagement process is anticipated to start in summer of 2024.
Stay informed!
Related Documents
