Devault, Pa., July 1, 2026 – Chester County is at a crossroads. For nearly four decades, the County built a nationally recognized legacy of smart land use, vibrant boroughs, and strong environmental stewardship. With broad public support, the County partnered with landowners, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to preserve farmland, protect parks and natural areas, revitalize our 12 boroughs and the City of Coatesville, and expand recreational opportunities for residents.
These investments have delivered measurable returns. The County’s Return on Environment study found that preserved land saved taxpayers $263 million in one-time stormwater infrastructure costs and $40 million annually in natural water-supply benefits—savings that have only grown as private water rates rise. While these investments continue to provide a significant return on each dollar invested, maintaining and increasing these benefits is at risk with the elimination of new open space funding in the County’s 2026 budget.
Since voters approved the 1989 Open Space referendum with more than 72% support, a majority of the County’s 52 second-class townships have enacted local taxes to join this effort as have private nonprofit organizations. Together, these public and private partnerships have leveraged the County investment by providing $2 for every $1 in County funds to permanently protect over 31% of Chester County. As noted in the Economic Development Commission’s Vista 2020, these efforts have formed the backbone of our economic vitality, along with ecological resilience, and an exceptional quality of life.
But that balance is fragile. Rising development pressures are increasing traffic congestion, straining municipal services and school districts, and compounding the impacts of changing weather patterns. Stressed ecosystems and a growing population leave our landscapes more vulnerable to pests and diseases, such as the emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly.
Open space preservation has long been one of Chester County’s most effective and broadly supported public investments, protecting natural resources, strengthening the local economy, supporting agriculture, and sustaining the quality of life that residents value. As development pressures and demands on land and water increase, many community members and partner organizations emphasize the importance of restoring County open space funding, reinforcing local preservation tools, and coordinating long-term planning. The choices leaders make now will shape the County’s landscape, resilience, and economic vitality for decades. We urge the County Commissioners to fully restore open space funding in the 2027 budget.
