Tucson Residents Deliver a Powerful No to $80 Million Tax Hike

By Matthew Holloway |

Tucson voters delivered a significant blow to proponents of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda by rejecting the proposed Safe & Vibrant City ballot measure on Tuesday. The measure aimed to increase the city’s sales tax by half a cent, potentially generating around $80 million annually to fund various initiatives aligned with left-leaning policies.

The final tally revealed a decisive 69.76% of voters opposed the measure, while 30.18% supported it.

Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am very pleased the voters supported our message of fiscal responsibility without the need to raise taxes on our community’s most vulnerable individuals.”

The No on Prop 414 coalition—a group of local business owners and residents—celebrated the measure’s defeat, emphasizing its significance for the Tucson community. They noted, “The resounding defeat of Prop. 414 is an important victory for all Tucsonans and an important first step in making sure city resources go to where they can do the most good.” They acknowledged ongoing community needs but expressed relief that taxpayer funding wouldn’t be directed towards increased surveillance and policing for the next decade.

Scot Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Voters from all sides of the political aisle made the correct decision in Tucson today. This tax increase was another failed attempt by Tucson’s radical leaders to take more tax dollars from hard-working men and women to fund an insatiable leftist agenda.” He highlighted the rejection of policies he perceives as aligned with globalist agendas that have influenced local governance.

According to reports from AZCentral, approximately $13.4 million from the proposed tax would have been allocated to community and justice-related programs, with a significant portion earmarked for public safety. Former state Sen. Kristen Engel, a Democrat who lost her recent election bid against Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani, was a notable supporter of the proposition.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.