Yes on 1B and 1C–the Open Space and Sustainability ballot measures

Amidst the political noise this fall, there are two very important and exciting Boulder County ballot measures that you should be aware of – the Open Space Tax Extension (1B) and the Sustainability Tax (1C.) Without any increase in taxes, these two measures will position our County to be a national leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. The current Open Space tax, which is a 0.25 percent sales tax, is set to sunset in 2018. These two measures would replace this, splitting the funding in half.

The Sustainability portion would use the funding to further pursue already successful County-wide programs, such as Energy Smart, and would allow the County to fund future exciting sustainability projects and programs.

The potential funding categories are:

• Clean Energy and Climate Mitigation: Continue energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, low-income home weatherization funding, and business sustainability services.
• Local Food and Agriculture: Improve access to healthy local food, support local farming infrastructure, and expand research of sustainable farming and carbon sequestration potential.
• Transportation: Funding for alternative transportation projects including pedestrian, bicycle, and electric vehicle infrastructure and ecopasses.
• Water Conservation: Support water audits, and commercial and residential water conservation programs
• Zero Waste: Funding for recycling and composting infrastructure and improvements, as well as community education and event support
• Grants to Communities: 10% annually for grants to municipalities for their own sustainability priorities

The Open Space portion will go toward maintenance and operations of Open Space, providing the needed funds for acquiring and maintaining open space. This reduction in funding will not negatively affect the ability of Boulder County Open Space department to do their job. If you are interested, read more here about how this change in tax funding has been approved of by Open Space Director Ron Stewart.

For more information, to donate, or to get involved, please visit www.bocosos.com.

Please join us for two kick-off events for the campaign:

This is a tremendous opportunity for Boulder County. With this modest sales tax extension, we can ensure that our home remains an amazing place to live, work, and play.