Open Space Amendment
King County
Organizations:
Elected Officials:
And Many Individuals - see Endorsements
Yes! Yes! Yes!
The Open Space Preservation Act, Charter Amendment 4 on the ballot, passed with an 81% YES! vote. Thank you to everyone who helped in the campaign. This was a grass roots effort and every endorsement, every e-mail and every phone call was important. We'll have a party to celebrate in January. If you like to be notified of the tie and place send and e-mail to info@OpenSpaceAmendment.org
The OSA will provide enhanced protection for more than 156,000 acres of open space land that is either owned or held in a conservation easement by King County.
These properties are among the most treasured conservation and recreation spaces in King County. They are public lands along our rivers and streams, large wetland areas, huge blocks of forest, wildlife and salmon habitat and some of the truly special places we all like to visit. More than just publicly owned lands, these properties are of the highest conservation value and they are irreplaceable.
The proposed amendment does not require the purchase of new land. King County already owns the proposed OSA-protected land or the development rights to the land, and there are no direct costs associated with the proposed charter amendment.
The proposed amendment strengthens protections against the sale or transfer of protected properties by the county by requiring:
- A Supermajority (7 of 9) vote of the King County Council.
- A 28 day period between introduction and enactment of any sale/change of use.
- A public hearing.
- Findings of fact specifically described in the amendment.
Link to the Video Voter's Guide - the OSA Amendment is Charter Amendment #4 and starts at 6:40.
