Tucson Community Services Referendum to Allocate Sales Tax Revenue for Local Programs

Tucson voters will consider a ballot measure in November that would adjust the local sales tax rate to generate dedicated funding for community services, including health outreach and family support programs operated by city departments. The change would apply to purchases made within city limits and affect all households that buy taxable goods.

City officials placed the referendum on the ballot after reviewing service demand data compiled through 2025. Pima County population records show continued growth in areas such as the west and southeast sides, where requests for utility assistance and youth programs have increased in recent budget cycles.

Daily Effects for Residents

Households in central and south Tucson neighborhoods could see expanded hours at city-run community centers that currently offer after-school care and senior meal distribution. East-side residents who rely on mobile health clinics funded through the general fund would gain access to additional sites if the measure passes, according to the city's public services plan.

Local advocates note that the revenue would flow through existing department budgets rather than create new agencies. The legislation states that at least half the new funds must support programs already listed in the annual community services allocation.

Revenue and Next Steps

City budget documents project the tax adjustment would add several million dollars annually, based on current retail sales totals reported by the Arizona Department of Revenue for Tucson. Those figures appear in the referendum summary posted on the city clerk's website.

Voters will see the measure listed as Proposition 402 on the November ballot. Early voting begins in mid-October, and the Pima County Recorder's office will mail information pamphlets to registered city addresses by September 15.