How I would meet OSA's biggest challenges

By Dorsey Moore

The biggest challenge to the Open Space Authority during the next four years is building a compelling vision for the agency that demonstrates its unique purpose, potential, and value to the community.

The biggest challenge to the Open Space Authority during the next four years is building a compelling vision for the agency that demonstrates its unique purpose, potential, and value to the community.

For six years OSA was essentially in the penalty box due to the litigation around its Benefit Assessment Two. During this time the organizations growth was stunted in several ways. It now needs to move quickly to make up for lost time.

New Realities Unfortunately, OSA emerged from the penalty box in challenging and uncertain times. There are many new realities that make playing catch up even more difficult, including, but not limited to:

• Prolonged economic slump, high unemployment, lower home values
• Proposition 218 (requiring new special district initiatives to receive two-thirds of voter approval)
• Reduced faith of the electorate in public agencies to manage tax payer funds prudently

One key inflection point worth noting is that the OSA Board of Directors selected a new General Manager 18 months ago. This was a major step toward choosing to embrace a big vision for the organization. Under the leadership of the fantastic new General Manager the organization has re-started the strategic vision process with an emphasis on collaboration from all stakeholder groups.

How I would Meet the Challenge I believe OSA can play a critical role in creating a sustainable Santa Clara County. OSA is uniquely positioned to have a significant influence on how we manage and integrate our local resources.

I believe my experience, skills, and abilities in leveraging "fractured" community assets in innovative ways to create and demonstrate value to multiple stakeholders will serve the agency well. My knowledge of the organization, key regional players, and understanding how to create regional, cross-sector collaborations will help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency.

As a Director for the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority, my top three priorities will be to: (1) increase access of existing properties to the public, (2) diversify the funding base through earned income so it is not entirely dependent on public funds, and (3) collaborate with other agencies to reduce operational costs and improve the user experience.