Upper Allen Township has received two consultant proposals related to a possible open space referendum. Based on the documents reviewed, the proposals appear to work together as part of one larger process: Natural Lands appears to provide the formal referendum-planning framework. Grow Conservation appears to provide the public-input and stakeholder - engagement layer.

Natural Lands would assist with ordinance and ballot language, financial analysis, public education materials, public meetings, a conservation opportunities map, and slide decks. Grow Conservation would assist by organizing focus groups and an online survey to gather resident and stakeholder input that could inform those Natural Lands materials.

An open space referendum could eventually ask Upper Allen Township voters whether public funding should be used for land or open space preservation.

Before any ballot question moves forward, residents should understand:

• What work is being proposed.

• Whether this is exploratory or already moving toward a ballot question.

• What funding source or tax mechanism may be considered.

• How public input will be collected.

• Whether public education materials will remain factual and neutral.

• Whether a 3-month timeline gives residents enough time to understand the issue.

TrustUA.org does not take a position for or against an open space referendum. This page is intended to explain the documents, process, costs, and public questions.

Natural Lands lists $4,500 for working with the Township committee, $1,500 for the conservation opportunities map, $7,300 for building public consensus, and $2,200 in direct costs.  

Grow Conservation lists $2,860 for focus groups, $2,080 for the online survey, and pro bono participation in working meetings.

Grow’s proposal says its engagement work would inform ballot language, educational materials, and public sessions developed and led by Natural Lands.

Simple Explanation

Grow Conservation gathers public feedback. Natural Lands uses that feedback to help shape referendum materials. The Township decides whether to move forward. Voters decide if a referendum is placed on the ballot.

Upper Allen Township

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Considers Open Space Referendum

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Natural Lands begins referendum planning

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Grow Conservation gathers public/stakeholder input

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Grow provides survey results and focus group themes

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Natural Lands uses input for:

- ballot language

- ordinance support

- FAQ

- public education materials

- conservation map messaging

- public meeting presentations

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Township holds public and Board meetings

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Board may adopt ordinance

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Question may be sent to County Board of Elections

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Voters decide

A 3-month timeline may be enough for consultants to produce deliverables, but it may not be enough for the public to fully understand:

• What funding mechanism is being proposed.

• Whether a tax increase or new dedicated tax is being considered.

• How much the average taxpayer may pay.

• What land would qualify.

• Who would decide future preservation projects.

• Whether landowner participation is voluntary.

• Whether public education is being kept separate from advocacy.

• What happens if the referendum passes.

• What happens if it fails.

1. Is Upper Allen Township planning to place an open space referendum on the ballot?

2. If yes, which election is being considered?

3. Can the process reasonably be completed in 3 months?

4. What specific funding mechanism is being studied?

5. Would this create a new tax or increase an existing tax?

6. How much annual revenue would the referendum generate?

7. How much would the average property owner or taxpayer pay?

8. Would funds be legally restricted to open space preservation?

9. Who would decide which properties qualify?

10. Would landowner participation be voluntary?

11. Will the conservation opportunities map be made public?

12. Will the map explain its assumptions and limitations?

13. How will focus group participants be selected?

14. Will the public survey questions and full results be published?

15. Will public education materials include both benefits and costs?

16. Will the Township solicitor review all ballot language and public materials?

17. Will public funds be used only for education and not campaign advocacy?

18. What happens if the referendum passes?

19. What happens if it fails?

20. How would this proposal fit with existing Township plans, parks, greenways, zoning, conservation design, and agricultural preservation tools?