SAN FRANCISCO
,
October 27, 2023
(press release)
–
“The 2023 state and local parks and conservation funding ballot measures supported by Trust for Public Land will provide more equitable access to parks, protect air and water quality and address climate change, while safeguarding critical wildlife habitat and natural areas in communities across the country, underscoring the enduring value of our parks and conservation lands,” said Will Abberger, Director of Conservation Finance at Trust for Public Land. As a trusted leader in connecting communities to the benefits of the outdoors and advocating for equitable access to green spaces, TPL has actively assisted in designing and advocating for ballot measures in Colorado, Montana, New York, South Carolina, and Texas in 2023. Altogether, Trust for Public Land worked with local residents on nearly one-quarter of all of the parks and conservation measures on the ballot this year and one-half of the funding. These measures are crucial to ensure that park and conservation efforts receive the funding they need to thrive and protect the environment and access to nature for future generations. “From Colorado to Texas, to Montana to Chatham, New York and Charleston, South Carolina, voters want greater investments in conservation and parks. TPL is working to help organize campaigns and get a YES vote for these vital parks and conservation funding measures,” continued Abberger. Since 1996, Trust for Public Land has helped state and local communities across the country generate more than $93 billion in voter-approved public funds for land protection for parks and trails creation, wildlife habitat, working farms and ranches, drinking water, and green spaces, as well as climate resiliency and equitable access to the outdoors. Here’s a closer look at the conservation measures that TPL is supporting in 2023: COLORADO Grand County, CO – In 2016, the Open Lands, Rivers, and Trails Fund was established as part of the approval of a dedicated 10-year, .3 percent sales tax. This November, voters will decide whether to permanently extend the OLRT Program to continue to invest in protecting open space, working farms and ranches , and wildlife habitat. Additionally, Grand County has identified wildland fire prevention and mitigation projects and a broader range of water quality protection and trail projects as new needs. If approved, the .3 percent sales tax will generate an estimated $66 million over twenty years. Louisville, CO – This November, voters in the City of Louisville will have the opportunity to extend and increase the city’s program to acquire, improve, restore, preserve, protect, and maintain open space land. The measure, which is estimated to generate $72 million over 20 years, will also provide funding to mitigate wildfire risks within open space areas. MONTANA Billings, MT – This November, voters in Billings, Montana will decide whether to approve a $143 million bond. If passed, funds will be used for new and capital improvements to parks, trails, and playgrounds throughout the City, and enhance equitable park access throughout the city. The Billings measure would also provide local matching funds to unlock state and federal grants and to create a new recreation center on the south side of the City. NEW YORK Chatham, NY – Following the successful measures in New Paltz in 2020 and Gardiner and Marbletown in 2022, this year Chatham is the first municipality in Columbia County to place a new real estate transfer tax to support a local Community Preservation Fund on the ballot. The fund will be used to protect the town’s river and streams, drinking water source, working farms, and wildlife habitat. The 1.5 percent real estate transfer tax would generate an estimated $7.5 million over twenty years. SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston, SC – Voters in Charleston, South Carolina will decide on a $70 million bond to improve their city’s parks and recreation facilities. The proposal includes projects in each of the city’s twelve Council districts. Based on public input gathered in the city’s 2022 parks master plan, the effort will include new or improved passive parks, playgrounds, sports fields, walking and biking trails, aquatic centers, indoor recreational spaces and courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball. TEXAS Proposition 14 – This year Texas is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its state parks system. To mark the centennial, Texas voters statewide will have the opportunity to vote on a state constitutional amendment to create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. The $1 billion fund will help secure new state parks for future generations of Texans to explore and enjoy without increasing taxes. Investing in parks conserves land and water resources, which protects Texas’ quality of life so future generations can enjoy the state’s land, water, and natural beauty. ### About Trust for Public Land Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,364 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org
* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.
