Maricopa residents can now monitor how revenue from the city’s ½-cent transportation sales tax is collected and spent through a new online transparency dashboard.

City officials today launched the public tool, which tracks monthly revenue and expenditures tied to the tax approved by Maricopa City Council in 2025. The dashboard allows residents to review spending details and learn more about roadway projects funded through the measure.

Mayor Nancy Smith said the dashboard reflects a transparency pledge made when the tax was approved.

“From the moment Council approved this sales tax, we made a commitment to the public that every dollar would be tracked and accounted for,” Smith said. “This dashboard delivers on that promise by allowing residents to see, in real time, how their small contributions are helping build major transportation improvements.”

The tax supports a citywide transportation strategy aimed at improving mobility and accommodating continued population growth. While upgrades to State Route 347 remain a central focus, the funding also targets other projects intended to create alternative routes, reduce congestion and strengthen regional connections.

Planned investments include improving SR-347 capacity and reliability, upgrading State Route 238 to divert regional and truck traffic from residential areas, developing a loop road system to ease congestion along John Wayne Parkway and expanding major arterial roadways across the city.

The sales tax applies to certain purchases such as restaurant meals, retail goods, entertainment admissions, home improvement materials and select personal services. On a $10 purchase, the tax adds roughly five cents.

Groceries for home consumption, gasoline, prescription medications, rent and housing payments and hotel lodging remain exempt.

Because the tax is collected on purchases made within Maricopa, residents, visitors and commuters all contribute to the transportation program.

Revenue from the tax is restricted by law to transportation uses only. City estimates at the time of adoption projected the measure would generate millions annually and remain in place for about 20 years, though future councils retain authority to adjust the duration based on funding needs and project timelines.

City leaders also emphasized the importance of investing in SR 347, noting local funding participation can help accelerate improvements and strengthen partnerships with state and regional agencies.

Residents can view the dashboard and transportation project information through the city’s Building Better Roads webpage.