Subdivisions dotted with new homes are growing in Liberty Lake and the Five Mile area as prolifically as trees once grew there. Homeowners love the views and the natural beauty. These quality-of-life attributes would be at risk for disappearing were it not for the Conservation Futures Tax program. Money from the program was used in recent years to buy open space in both areas for hiking and horseback riding and for habitat where deer and elk wander.

Nearly 7,000 acres throughout Spokane County have been purchased or donated to the Conservation Futures Tax program in the past decade. On the ballot Nov. 6, voters will be asked their advice on whether county commissioners should levy the tax again.

This would not be a new tax, but a continuation of a program that costs taxpayers 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value. The owner of a $150,000-valued home, for instance, pays just $9 a year.

The Spokane region had not really been discovered when commissioners renewed the tax in 1997 and 2002, after positive public advisory votes. It’s been discovered now. Keeping parks and open spaces within a few minutes’ drive of urban centers and suburban subdivisions continues to be a big selling point for businesses and newcomers who choose the Spokane region. This tax guarantees that green space remains a community priority. It’s earned a yes vote.