Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. is proposing a sales tax increase in Little Rock, with a plan called Results in The Rock that would raise the city’s sales tax by 1%. The increase would bring in an estimated $650 million over 10 years, with funds going towards public safety, public infrastructure, parks, recreation, economic development, and affordable housing. The proposal includes projects such as sports complexes, improving War Memorial Park, street resurfacing, police technology, and a fire station in West Little Rock.
Scott has learned from a previous tax plan defeat in 2021 and has made adjustments to the new proposal, including removing an education element and clarifying the use of funds for the zoo. The plan is being presented to residents for feedback before the city board decides whether to place it on the November ballot.
The proposal has a mix of projects that could appeal to a wide range of voters, including progressive-minded voters concerned about affordable housing and homelessness. The plan also aims to generate economic activity through sports complexes that would host tournaments, bringing in visitors to the city.
While there are still details to be worked out and questions to be answered, such as the cost of the sports complexes and the specific plans for affordable housing, the plan has potential to succeed in the November election, with an environment different from the previous tax proposal vote in 2021.
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