Tucson Voters to Decide on Zoo Sales Tax Extension
The proposed 0.1% tax would cost the average household $2 monthly to fund zoo operations through 2047.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Wildlife
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Tucson voters will decide on November 3, 2026, whether to extend a 0.1% sales tax to fund the Reid Park Zoo through 2047. The tax extension, known as Proposition 422, would remain in place for 20 years to support operations and facility expansions.
Why it matters
The measure directly affects household budgets and local property usage, as the tax is expected to cost the average Tucson home about $2 or less per month. Proponents emphasize the need for consistent funding for animal care and capital projects, while opponents cite the cumulative tax burden.
Proposition 422 proposes a 0.1% sales tax rate from 2028 through 2047 to continue funding the Reid Park Zoo. Last year, the city-owned, nonprofit-operated zoo hosted 610,000 guests, including 100,000 who utilized free or discounted admission programs.
The players
Reid Park Zoo
A city-owned institution operated by a nonprofit organization that serves as a community hub for local wildlife education and recreation.
Save the Heart of Reid Park
A local advocacy organization established in 2021 that tracks and monitors city decisions regarding zoo operations and park development.
The details
The zoo currently funds 85% of its capital projects through sales tax revenue, with the remaining 15% sourced from private donations. Under the proposed extension, funds would continue to support the master plan approved by city officials in 2018, which includes the upcoming Pathway to Asia expansion. The city-owned zoo relies on a combination of these tax dollars, private donations, and earned admission revenue for its daily operations.
Timeline
2017: Voters approved the previous sales tax for the zoo.
2018: City officials approved the current zoo master plan.
Nov. 13, 2026: The Pathway to Asia expansion is scheduled to open.
2028-2047: The proposed duration for the new sales tax.
The Home Front
This vote marks a decision on the continued public subsidy of recreational infrastructure on city-owned land. It aligns with long-term capital improvement trends for municipal facilities that rely on dedicated sales tax revenue streams.
Tucson households should factor the potential 0.1% sales tax into their long-term monthly budget planning through 2047. If you are a regular zoo visitor, you may want to review the current discount programs that served 100,000 guests last year to determine your household's ongoing access.
The takeaway
Proposition 422 represents a decision on the future of local animal care and park expansion funding. Residents should evaluate the proposed $2 monthly cost against their personal use of zoo services and discount access programs before casting their vote on November 3.
Further reading
For context on how local initiatives impact our shared spaces, see the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tucson Sentinel.
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