Phoenix Park Tax Extended

Voters in Phoenix have approved a 30-year extension of a 0.1% sales tax dedicated to parks and natural preserves within the city. More than 80% of those voting were in favor of the Parks and Preserve Initiative.

The sales tax has generated $198 million since it was approved in 1999. It is expected to raise a total of $256 million before the first 10-year program expires.

The initiative allows the money to be used for operational expenses, including salaries for park rangers and maintenance workers, along with park improvements and land acquisition.

The initiative allocates 40% of the sales tax revenues to buying land for the city’s Sonoran Preserve. About 3,700 acres of open space have been acquired with the initiative money.

The remaining 60% is dedicated to improvements at city parks. The original program devoted 60% of the revenues to land acquisition and 40% to park improvements.

“I thank and congratulate the voters of Phoenix who, once again, have expressed their remarkable vision,” Mayor Phil Gordon said in a statement. “Not even a troublesome national economy can discourage our citizens from embracing a good opportunity to invest in the city our children will inherit.”

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