Vote YES on Proposition 417! Yuma is a great place to live. Tourism plays a critical role in growing and sustaining our local economy. THIS IS NOT A NEW TAX.
From our parks to recreation programs, to arts and cultural activities, to the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, our city proudly offers residents a real sense of community. Not to mention, we are a tourist destination for visitors from across the country thanks to the efforts of our local government and Visit Yuma who promote our city regionally and nationally. It helps create jobs and other
economic opportunities for people that live and work in Yuma. In 2021, the economic impact of tourism countywide was over $667 million. How many jobs did the tourism industry support in Yuma County? 5,810. We must do all we can to ensure Yuma continues to be a healthy and thriving community with a high quality of life. THAT’S WHY RENEWING THE CITY OF YUMA HOSPITALITY TAX IS SO IMPORTANT. The hospitality tax was initially approved by Yuma voters in 1970 and later renewed for 15-year terms in 1993 and again in 2009. THIS IS NOT A TAX INCREASE. It’s simply a continuation of the existing 2% hospitality tax that’s been around for over 50 years. The best part: A significant portion of the hospitality tax is collected from visitors and tourists who stay at hotels and eat at restaurants and bars in the City of Yuma. Those who DO NOT spend money at Yuma hotels, restaurants, and/or bars DO NOT contribute toward the tax. For example:
If a visitor stayed at a local hotel and paid $250, they would be contributing $5 toward the hospitality tax. This is an excellent way to fund citywide amenities and tourism without placing the entire burden on Yuma residents. So, who benefits from renewing the hospitality tax? Yuma residents! Continuing the tax helps improve our quality of life by ensuring that funding is available for citywide parks, recreation programs, arts and cultural activities, and the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. In addition, funds are used to market and promote the City of Yuma as a tourist destination to a national audience. Here are just some of the events that funding from the hospitality tax supports:
- BBQ & Brew Festival
- Children’s Festival of the Arts
- Christmas Tree Lighting on Main St
- Dorothy Young Light Parade
- Fourth of July Celebration
- Midnight at the Oasis
- Tacos and Tunes Block Party
- Yuma Medjool Date Festival
- Yuma Rocks
- YumaCon
How is the funding allocated?
- 80% - City of Yuma parks, recreation, arts and cultural activities/facilities/amenities
- 10% - Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area activities
- 10% - Visit Yuma
Yuma is the sunniest city in the country. Let’s continue to shine the brightest. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 417!
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