Broomfield lodging tax increase from 1.6% to 6% for housing
Broomfield County · Broomfield County County · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
SHALL THE CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD LODGING TAXES BE INCREASED UP TO $3,300,000.00 ANNUALLY IN 2027, THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR OF COLLECTION, AND BY WHATEVER AMOUNT IS RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, BY INCREASING THE LODGING TAX RATE BY FOUR POINT FOUR PERCENT (4.4%) FOR A TOTAL RATE OF SIX PERCENT (6%) ON THE RENTAL FEE, PRICE, OR OTHER CONSIDERATION PAID OR CHARGED FOR THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL (LESS THAN 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS) OF ANY ROOM, ACCOMMODATION, OR SPACE IN ANY HOTEL, INN, BED AND BREAKFAST RESIDENCE, OR ANY OTHER PLACE THAT PROVIDES SLEEPING ROOMS, SLEEPING FACILITIES, OR ACCOMMODATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD, COMMENCING ON JANUARY 1, 2027, WITH THE REVENUES OF SUCH LODGING TAX TO BE DEDICATED FOR USE BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD TO PRESERVE AND EXPAND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES IN BROOMFIELD, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BEING GOVERNED BY A BOARD APPOINTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ANNUAL EXPENDITURES REPORTS TO THE CITY COUNCIL, AND SHALL ALL REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AND ANY EARNINGS THEREON BE COLLECTED, RETAINED, AND SPENT AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE WITHOUT LIMITATION OR CONDITION, AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REVENUE OR EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLE X SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?
In plain language
A VoterDecoder summary of the official measure text.
Broomfield Ballot Issue 1A would raise the lodging tax from 1.6% to a total rate of 6% starting January 1, 2027. The tax applies to hotel and other short-term stays of less than 30 consecutive days. It would raise up to $3,300,000 in 2027, the first full year. All of the new revenue would go to the Broomfield housing authority to preserve and expand housing. A YES vote approves the higher lodging tax. A NO vote keeps the current rate.
Official explanation
Summary Ballot Question 1A proposes increasing CCOB’s current 1.6% lodging tax rate by 4.4%, bringing the total rate to 6%, effective January 1, 2027. The lodging tax is collected on motel, hotel, and short-term stays that are thirty days or less. This measure is projected to generate up to $3,300,000 annually, with all revenue dedicated to CCOB’s independent housing authority to support housing opportunities in Broomfield. These efforts include the preservation, expansion, and attainability of housing options in the community. CCOB’s housing authority is the Broomfield Housing Alliance (“BHA”), which has a five-member Board appointed by Council. The ballot issue does not change the structure or oversight of BHA: the Board for BHA will continue to be appointed by Council, and BHA will continue to be required to make annual reports of its expenditures to the Council. If approved, the lodging tax would go into effect January 1, 2027. What your vote means YES A “yes” vote on Ballot Question 1A means that the City and County of Broomfield’s lodging tax rate will increase by 4.4% for a total rate of 6%, with revenues dedicated to Broomfield’s housing authority to support housing programs. NO A “no” vote on Ballot Question 1A means that the current lodging tax rate of 1.6% will remain unchanged. Arguments For and Against FOR
● Provides a dedicated, sustainable revenue source for CCOB’s Housing Authority to preserve and expand housing opportunities.
● Paid for primarily by visitors to the community and not by residents.
● Supports the development of attainable housing, which is crucial for a thriving and inclusive community.
● Shifts the funding burden to visitors and short-term renters, helping to address local housing needs without increasing taxes on residents. AGAINST
● Increasing lodging taxes may make local accommodations less competitive compared to other jurisdictions, potentially discouraging tourism.
● Some voters may oppose any new tax increases, regardless of the stated purpose or the specific source of revenue.
● Concerns exist regarding the potential for tax revenue to be used less efficiently than private market solutions for housing development.
● Visitors may choose to stay in nearby cities with lower overall costs, negatively impacting local hospitality businesses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Total Government Fiscal Year Spending Fiscal Year 2026 (estimate) $304,747,590 2025 (actual) $347,932,701 2024 (actual) $272,100,013 2023 (actual) $234,781,911 2022 (actual) $225,722,006 Overall percentage change from 2022 to 2026 35.01% Overall dollar change from 2022 to 2026 $79,025,584 Estimated first full fiscal year maximum dollar amount of increase $3,300,000 Estimated first full fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase: $411,427,070.
Official ballot arguments
Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.
The two official arguments differ a lot in length: the argument in favor is 239 words and the argument against is 12 words. Both are printed in full, as filed.
Argument in favor
This initiative would offer critical and sustainable funds needed to address our affordable housing crisis, in a way that minimally impacts residents. The most vulnerable residents--children, seniors, and those with a disability--struggle to survive when families are paying three-quarters of their monthly income on housing costs. This initiative offers a real solution to help real people. The lodging tax is long overdue for an increase, as it has not been changed since 1997. The 6% proposed tax would also still be lower than many surrounding counties, who have lodging taxes of 7 to 10%. This means it would not impact local hotels in a negative way. Broomfield is at its best when there’s room in it for everyone, families just starting out, and the teachers and police officers who serve us every day but can’t always afford to live in the community they show up for. 1A helps fix that, and it does it by asking visitors passing through our hotels to chip in a little more, not by touching my property tax or my grocery bill. This is what building a community actually looks like. Neighbors invest so the next family, and the next teacher, and the next officer, gets to put down roots here too. Residents understand and value the importance of housing for all individuals in our community. There is excitement about Ballot 1A and it is a key step in the right direction for Broomfield.
Argument against
No written comments by registered voters were received within the constitutional timeframe.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.