Measure D, officially known as the Save Agriculture and Open Space Lands Initiative, was approved by Alameda County voters in November 2000. The measure amended the County General Plan to place strict limits on urban development in rural East County and other unincorporated agricultural areas. Its primary purpose is to protect farmland, ranchland, open space, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and scenic landscapes from suburban sprawl. Alameda County Measure D FAQs; Alameda LAFCo Measure D Review
A key feature of Measure D is the establishment of policies that direct most new growth into existing cities and urbanized areas rather than allowing scattered development across agricultural land. The measure created and reinforced an Urban Growth Boundary and significantly limited the subdivision and development of land designated for Large Parcel Agriculture (LPA) and Resource Management (RM) uses. Alameda LAFCo Measure D Review; Tri-City Voice article about Measure D
Why Measure D Is Important for Rural Land
1. Protects Agricultural Viability
Measure D helps preserve large, contiguous agricultural properties instead of allowing them to be divided into smaller residential parcels. Large ranches, vineyards, grazing lands, and farms are generally more economically viable when they remain intact. Alameda County Measure D FAQs; Alameda LAFCo Measure D Review
2. Prevents Urban Sprawl
Without Measure D, market pressures could encourage the conversion of rural land into housing subdivisions, commercial centers, and other non-agricultural developments. The measure channels growth toward existing cities and infrastructure, reducing pressure on open space. Greenbelt Alliance article about Measure D; Tri-City Voice article about Measure D
3. Preserves Open Space and Scenic Resources
The hills, valleys, ranchlands, and vineyard landscapes of eastern Alameda County are important visual and recreational resources. Measure D helps ensure these landscapes remain largely undeveloped for future generations. Greenbelt Alliance article about Measure D; Tri-City Voice article about Measure D
4. Protects Wildlife Habitat and Watersheds
Many rural lands in Alameda County provide habitat for native wildlife and help protect regional watersheds. Limiting development reduces habitat fragmentation and environmental impacts. Greenbelt Alliance article about Measure D; Tri-City Voice article about Measure D
5. Supports the Rural Economy
Agricultural industries such as cattle ranching, vineyards, wineries, olive production, and equestrian operations depend on the long-term availability of rural land. Measure D provides certainty that these lands will remain primarily agricultural in character. Alameda County Measure D FAQs; Greenbelt Alliance article about Measure D
Examples of What Measure D Helps Protect
- Cattle grazing ranches in Sunol and East County
- Livermore Valley vineyards and wineries
- Open rangelands and agricultural preserves
- Wildlife corridors and watershed lands
- Large agricultural parcels suitable for farming and ranching
Examples of Development Measure D Generally Discourages
- Large suburban housing tracts in agricultural areas
- Fragmentation of ranches into small estate lots
- Urban-style commercial centers in rural areas
- Sprawl beyond established urban growth boundaries
- Non-agricultural development that conflicts with farming or open-space preservation
Bottom Line
Measure D is often viewed as one of Alameda County’s most significant land-use protections because it helps keep rural land rural. By limiting sprawling development and directing growth into existing communities, it preserves agriculture, open space, environmental resources, and the rural character that distinguishes eastern Alameda County from the more urbanized parts of the Bay Area. These protections may be changed only by a vote of the people of Alameda County.