Andrea Mackenzie’s Legacy in Open Space | San Jose News

After 15 years at the helm, Andrea Mackenzie is stepping down as general manager of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority — a tenure that transformed the region’s protected lands from 12,000 to nearly 30,000 acres, doubled public trails, and tripled visitor numbers. Her crowning achievements include securing the landmark protection of Coyote Valley — now a statewide conservation model — and rallying critical funding through ballot measures like Measure Q, Measure T, and the newly approved Measure D, which will bring in $17 million annually. She also expanded the Urban Grant Program, channeling $15 million into community projects that bring nature to underserved neighborhoods, while overseeing the opening and expansion of new preserves. Under her leadership, the authority evolved into a science-driven, community-focused powerhouse — now poised to find its next visionary leader. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dedca9ecd31e7b23