Tucson Voters Resoundingly Defeat Prop. 414 Sales Tax Hike by 70%

Tucson voters have decisively defeated a proposed half-cent sales tax, known as Prop. 414, which aimed to enhance public safety and social services. The initial tallies indicated a substantial rejection, with 53,350 votes against and 23,084 in favor, translating to a 70% opposition rate.

The sales tax, if approved, would have raised an estimated $80 million annually over ten years. Two-thirds of the funds were earmarked for bolstering public safety, while the remaining third was designated for support programs for low-income residents and the homeless.

In the wake of the vote, disappointment echoed among supporters, including Mayor Regina Romero, who signaled her willingness to explore alternative measures. Conversely, opponents from both sides of the political spectrum greeted the outcome with relief. Business leaders interpreted the result as a “clear message” urging the city to prioritize core services without increasing taxes.

“This outcome reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility, particularly regarding our most vulnerable populations,” stated Michael Guymon, President of the Tucson Metro Chamber. He emphasized the necessity for collaboration with the city moving forward.

Progressive critics of Prop. 414 argued that it allocated excessive funding to police departments. They celebrated the defeat as a victory for community needs and urged leaders to address pressing issues such as housing, education, and mental health services instead of increasing surveillance and policing.

The No Prop 414 Tucson Coalition underscored that city officials must ensure tax revenue directly benefits residents. They called for more emphasis on solutions that address systemic problems rather than perpetuating ineffective systems.

Despite the setback, Mayor Romero and the Democratic City Council are preparing to revisit the funding issue. Romero challenged those who opposed Prop. 414 to propose actionable solutions, indicating a readiness to collaborate on a revised plan that could earn voter support.

Businessman Pat DeConcini, who championed the measure, expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the potential struggles ahead for various community organizations that sought funding through the initiative. “If it doesn’t pass, they’ll have to make tough choices,” he remarked.

Further pressure may also fall on public safety entities, as highlighted by Darrell Hussman, a sergeant with the Tucson Police Department. He noted that the department’s needs remain unchanged even after the defeat, vowing to continue serving the community effectively. Clayton Black, the president of the Tucson Firefighters Association, echoed similar sentiments regarding the challenges that lay ahead.

The election process concluded a month-long period of mail-in voting, with over 305,000 voters receiving ballots. Preliminary results indicated that around 79,300 ballots had been returned prior to Election Day. Additional counts of late ballots will continue in the coming days, as officials work to ensure every vote is accurately tabulated.

Prop. 414 was met with support from various unions and local officials who viewed the funding as crucial for addressing safety and social challenges. However, significant opposition arose from several business organizations and some community advocates, highlighting a divide on the appropriate route for addressing Tucson’s needs.

Had the measure passed, Tucson’s sales tax would have risen to 9.2%, increasing the financial burden on shoppers. Currently, Tucson’s tax rate sits at 8.7%, encompassing state, county, and city taxes, with several expiring taxes set to be revisited by local officials in future votes.