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16 Proposed "Parks 2002" Ballot Measure — March 5, 2002 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Background East Bay Regional Park District now operates 59 regional parks and more than 1,000 miles of trails on 93,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. These safe and well -maintained parklands offer visitors a needed respite from the pressures of urban life. With funds made available by the passage of Measure AA in 1988, the Park District has expanded by more than 26,000 acres of parkland and shoreline, protecting these properties for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. But several challenges now face the District: • Park usage has increased with the East Bay's dramatic population growth. • Maintenance and replacement costs have escalated in the East Bay. • While past bond measures have provided significant funds for park acquisition and development, bond monies cannot be used for ongoing maintenance of the parks. So the Park District faces a dilemma: it needs to protect and expand open space, yet there are not sufficient funds to meet the resulting environmental maintenance requirements. Plan of In response to the above challenges, the Park District proposes a modest ballot measure to fund four Action major needs: environmental maintenance, public safety, resource protection/restoration, and public access. The ballot measure proposal has been discussed at community forums and "stakeholder" meetings during the past several years. At their regular meeting on Aug. 21, 2001, Park District Directors approved a resolution of intent to place the measure on the March 5, 2002 ballot, and directed Park District staff to prepare a more detailed formal resolution. Deadline for submitting notice to the two county elections offices is Dec. 6. Proposed • Amount: No more than $1 per month per single-family home, 69 cents per month per apartment unit. Ballot . Sunset Clause: After 12 years, the measure would expire. Renewal would require a two-thirds vote. Measure Details • Equity Distribution: Funds would be equitably distributed throughout the District's parks and trails. • Use of Funds: 51 % for one-time environmental maintenance projects, 39% for new park and regional trail openings, 10% reserve for emergencies and opportunities. • Accountability: The Park District Board of Directors will conduct annual public hearings on projects to be selected and funded by the measure. Media inquiries: Ned MacKay, Public Information Supervisor, 1510) 544-2208 Public informational inquiries: Pat O'Brien, General Manager, (510) 544-2000 13 East Bay Regional Park District www.ebparks.org