ElectionsTop story
Tulsa voters approve raising the hotel tax from 5% to 9.9%
About 57% of Tulsa voters approved the hotel tax increase
57%Tulsa voters who voted yes on Tuesday
Source: Tulsa Flyer
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Tulsa voters who voted yes on Tuesday | 57% |
Tulsa said yes to a higher hotel tax. About 57% of voters on Tuesday approved raising the city's lodging tax, the first increase since 1984. More than 61,000 voted in favor and more than 46,000 voted against. The Tulsa World heard a "collective sigh of relief" from supporters Tuesday night.
- New rate: 9.9%, up from 5%
- Applies to: short-term rentals with five or more rooms
- Includes: hotels, motels and Airbnbs
- Money goes to: BOK Center, Arvest Convention Center upgrades, tourism marketing
Turnout was big before Election Day, too. Tulsa County Communications Director Ronni Pierce said early voting topped 26,000, topping the 2024 presidential election, which Pierce put at about 25,954 ("I think it was 25,954," she said). The last midterm, in 2022, drew a little over 16,000.
Early voting in Tulsa County topped the 2024 presidential election
Source: 2 News Oklahoma KJRH Tulsa
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| 2022 (a little over) | 16,000 |
| 2024 | 25,954 |
| 2026 (over) | 26,000 |
