Open space and farmland preservation funding
Northampton County has historically invested tens of millions in open space and farmland preservation, but the 2026 budget underfunded it and the 2027 proposal seeks about $3 million more. This ties into growth pressures, housing needs, and environmental goals under the new executive, who balances preservation with development.
How much should Northampton County prioritize and fund open space and farmland preservation?
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How important is this to you?
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Sources
County Executive Tara Zrinski — https://www.mcall.com/2026/10/02/proposed-northampton-county-budget-includes-43-tax-hike-we-need-to-get-ahead-executive-says/
Open space/farmland preservation (~$3 million; previously coasting on prior funds).
County Executive Tara Zrinski — https://www.mcall.com/2026/06/25/northampton-county-executive-state-of-county-address/
balancing growth with open-space/farmland preservation. This was highlighted in her 2026 State of the County address.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Significantly increase funding and protections to permanently preserve more farmland and open space
- Restore and maintain dedicated funding for open space and farmland as a core county priority
- Fund preservation moderately while allowing balanced development where appropriate
- Reduce preservation spending in favor of infrastructure, housing, and lower taxes
- Minimize county land-preservation programs and leave more decisions to private property owners