Tucson homeowners may soon feel a shift in their property tax bills as the Mayor and Council consider a significant increase for the upcoming fiscal year. The city has announced its intention to raise primary property taxes by 6.61%, amounting to an additional $1,293,977 in revenue. This proposed change would directly impact homeowners’ budgets and could influence the local real estate market in the months to come. City officials have scheduled a public hearing to gather community input before making their final decision.
The primary property tax increase would affect Tucson residents owning properties of all values throughout the city limits. For instance, the owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay $44.53 in city primary property taxes under the new rate, compared to $41.77 without the increase. While a difference of $2.76 annually might seem modest for a $100,000 home, the impact scales with property values, potentially creating more significant changes for owners of higher-valued homes and multiple properties.
- Tucson City Hall on El Presidio Plaza, the venue for the public hearing on proposed property tax increases. Source: tucsonaz.gov
It’s important for property owners to understand what this tax increase does and doesn’t include. According to the official notice, the 6.61% increase applies specifically to primary property taxes and excludes any additional tax revenue the city might receive from new construction projects completed in the past year. This means the increase isn’t simply reflecting growth in the city, but rather represents an actual rate increase on existing properties. Additionally, the proposed change doesn’t affect property tax levies related to voter-approved bonds or budget and tax overrides, which are calculated separately.
For business owners and investors with commercial properties in Tucson, this increase could potentially impact operational costs and investment strategies. The city’s property tax rates factor into business decisions regarding location, expansion, and long-term planning. While the primary purpose of the increase isn’t specified in the public notice, such increases typically fund essential city services, infrastructure improvements, or help address budget shortfalls. Residents and business owners alike may want to attend the public hearing to learn more about how these additional funds would be utilized.
Tucson community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about the proposed tax increase at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The meeting will begin at or after 5:30 p.m. and will be held in-person at City Hall. This forum provides residents a chance to address their concerns directly with city leadership before any final decisions are made. Those planning to attend should check the city’s online agenda beforehand for specific details on the meeting format and procedures for public comment.
For those unable to attend in person, the city is providing alternative ways to participate in this important civic discussion. A livestream of the meeting will be available on the city’s website, allowing residents to follow the proceedings remotely. Spanish speakers can request translation services by emailing BSD-MA@tucsonaz.gov. These accessibility options demonstrate the city’s commitment to ensuring all community members, regardless of language preference or ability to attend in person, can stay informed about and participate in decisions affecting their property taxes. With the public hearing scheduled more than a month after the initial notice publication, residents have time to research the potential impact on their specific properties and prepare their questions or comments.
