Latest issueTulsa voters approve a higher hotel tax, 5% to 9.9%Read now

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ElectionsWednesday, November 4

Tulsa voters approve raising the hotel tax from 5% to 9.9%

The Today in Tulsa teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 3 sources

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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.

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 Tuesday57%
  • 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: , 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
202425,954
2026 (over)26,000

Sources: Tulsa Flyer, Tulsa World, 2 News Oklahoma KJRH Tulsa

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