Stop the Advertising Tax
The City Manager's Office is moving to quietly activate an advertising tax that would raise costs for local Tucson businesses while giving national chains a competitive advantage. This tax is extremely rare nationwide. Before anything becomes permanent, the community deserves a public explanation. Tell the Council to pull this item from the Consent Agenda.
Understanding the Proposed Advertising Tax
The proposed advertising tax would create new financial burdens for Tucson businesses, affecting their ability to market services, reach customers, and compete effectively.
New Tax Burden
The proposed advertising tax would impose additional costs on businesses that advertise their products and services in Tucson.
Economic Impact
This tax could reduce marketing budgets, limit business growth, and ultimately affect job creation in our community.
Competitive Disadvantage
Tucson businesses would face higher operating costs compared to neighboring cities without such taxes.
Coalition Partners
Tucson businesses and organizations united in supporting economic growth and opposing unnecessary tax burdens.
The Chamber of Southern Arizona
How This Tax Affects Tucson
The advertising tax would have far-reaching consequences for our local economy, affecting businesses of all sizes and the community members who depend on them.
Small Business Owners
Higher advertising costs reduce the visibility that small businesses rely on, making it harder to compete with national chains.
Professional Services
Law firms, medical practices, contractors, and consultants all use advertising to reach clients. Added fees slow growth and reduce reinvestment.
Job Creation
Lower marketing output leads to fewer customers, which limits hiring and narrows opportunities for Tucson workers.
Economic Development
New or relocating businesses may choose nearby cities without these fees, slowing long-term economic growth.
Our Coalition Position
We are committed to working collaboratively with Tucson's city leaders to find pro-growth solutions that support our community's fiscal needs without imposing burdens that could harm local businesses and economic development.
Our coalition believes in open dialogue, evidence-based policy making, and solutions that balance the city's revenue requirements with the need to maintain a competitive business environment that attracts investment and creates jobs.
Pro-Growth Focus
Supporting policies that encourage business expansion and job creation
Collaborative Approach
Working together with city officials to find balanced solutions
Open Dialogue
Maintaining transparent communication with all stakeholders
Voices from the Community
Local leaders speak out on why this tax is bad for Tucson business.
"The proposed Ad Tax for the city of Tucson is wrought with issues. It will bring higher costs to consumers, discourage hiring new employees, disadvantage business in the Tucson city limits to favor online companies, and bring potential legal challenges, to name a few. Of all the options on the docket for proposed tax increases, this is not only the least attractive option for residents and businesses, it's also one of the least beneficial for tax revenue."
Steve Earnhart
Area President, Southwest – iHeartMedia Markets Group
"Adding a 2.6% tax to local advertising would make it harder for Tucson businesses to reach customers, pushing many to cut back on marketing or shift their dollars outside city limits. That means less local spending, fewer contracts for Tucson media, and slower economic momentum for our community. Instead of creating new cost barriers, we should focus on pro-growth solutions that support local businesses and keep marketing dollars working here at home."
Kim Graves
Director of Sales, Tucson.com
Take Action Now
Sign the Petition
Add your voice to thousands of Tucson residents and businesses opposing the tax.
Email City Leaders
Directly share your concerns with Tucson's Mayor and City Council.
Fact Sheet
Understand the full implications of the proposed tax and how it impacts Tucson.
Important Dates & Milestones
Stay informed about key dates in the advertising tax discussion
Submission Deadline
All letters and written comments must be received by the City Clerk by 10:00 AM to be included in the upcoming City Council meeting
City Council Meeting
Earliest date when Mayor & Council may vote on the proposed advertising tax
Public Correspondence Period
Residents and business owners may email or mail comments to the Mayor, Council Members, and City Clerk at any time before a vote is taken
Join the Coalition
Interested in coordinating with other Tucson businesses? Get in touch to learn more about coalition activities and how you can contribute.
Stop Ad Tax Coalition
A coalition of Tucson businesses advocating for pro-growth economic policies
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