Maricopa County Voters Back Prop 479 with Resounding Approval

By Daniel Stefanski |

Maricopa County voters are showing strong support for a sales tax renewal ahead of the November General Election, with recent polling data suggesting overwhelming backing for Proposition 479. Noble Predictive Insights (NPI) reported that 64 percent of respondents favor the initiative, while only 18 percent oppose it, leaving 19 percent undecided.

Proposition 479 follows the passage of SB 1102 in 2023, which mandates that county elections regarding transportation tax renewals occur at least two years before the tax’s expiration on a consolidated date. Officially titled the “Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan,” the measure outlines revenue distribution: 40.5 percent will go to freeways and state highways, 37 percent to public transportation, and 22.5 percent for street improvements and regional infrastructure.

The polling results reflect little change compared to previous surveys, as support for Proposition 479 has grown by eight points since July. NPI founder Mike Noble noted, “Maricopa County voters have had their minds made up for a year on this proposition. Campaigns for it have clearly worked.”

The compromise legislation was hailed as a significant achievement by Republican Senate President Warren Petersen, who described it as “the most conservative transportation plan in our state’s history.” Governor Katie Hobbs, who signed the bill, emphasized its potential to benefit Arizona’s economy and job market. “This proposal will secure the economic future of our state,” she said.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from members of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, who decried it as antithetical to conservative values. Following the bill’s passage, they criticized it strongly on social media. The divisive nature of the negotiations peaked earlier this summer when Hobbs vetoed a Republican proposal, asserting that it lacked the necessary support for Arizona’s economic growth.

Petersen defended the final agreement, asserting that it provides voters with a viable option to enhance critical infrastructure essential for the state. The NPI poll was conducted from August 12-16, surveying over 1,000 registered Arizona voters, including 595 from Maricopa County.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.