City's Street Maintenance Sales Tax Up for Renewal Vote May 2, 2026

Published on February 11, 2026

By the Office of Communication

Arlington voters will consider a proposal to renew the City's Street Maintenance Sales Tax for another eight years this spring.

The Arlington City Council voted Feb. 10 to include the proposed renewal of the quarter-cent Street Maintenance Sales Tax on the ballot in the May 2, 2026, General Election. This sales tax, last approved by Arlington voters in 2018, is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2027. If the renewal is approved by voters, the sales tax would be in place through Dec. 31, 2034, to provide a dedicated funding source for street renewal and maintenance projects. 

Street Maintenance Sales Tax Program webpage

What is the Street Maintenance Sales Tax?

The voter-approved Street Maintenance Sales Tax is the primary source of funding for the City of Arlington’s day-to-day roadway maintenance operations.

The Texas Tax code authorizes all cities to establish a special sales tax for the repair and maintenance of existing city streets. Establishment, or continuation, of the tax must be approved by a city’s voters. Currently, a one quarter-cent sales tax is collected from all sales transactions occurring within the City of Arlington that are subject to sales tax.

History of the Street Maintenance Sales Tax in Arlington

Arlington voters first authorized the Street Maintenance Sales Tax in September 2002 and reauthorized this funding source in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.

How Much Has Been Collected So Far?

The Street Maintenance Sales Tax currently generates between $25 million and $30 million annually, which typically accounts for 90% of Arlington’s annual street maintenance budget. Only about 10% of the street maintenance budget is supported by the General Fund.

Over the past 23 years, approximately $340 million has been collected for street rehabilitation and maintenance projects.

How is the Street Maintenance Sales Tax Used in Arlington?

Arlington's Public Works Department uses revenue collected through the Street Maintenance Sales Tax to provide ongoing repairs to streets and sidewalks throughout the 99-square-mile city.

Examples of work done under the City’s Street Maintenance Program include concrete panel replacement, asphalt reclamation, crack seal, pothole repairs, mill and overlay, sidewalk replacement and installation of ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.

The Texas Tax code does not allow Street Maintenance Sales Tax funds to be used to build new roads or repair roadways and sidewalks not owned by the City.