AFP-TN Applauds Knoxville Voters for Rejecting Sales Tax Hike

Nov 5, 2025 by AFP

Grassroots coalition effort helps defeat proposal that would have raised $47 million in new taxes

Knoxville, TN – Americans for Prosperity–Tennessee (AFP-TN) applauds Knoxville voters for resoundingly rejecting the proposed half-cent sales tax increase, a measure that would have raised the city’s tax rate to 9.75 percent and cost residents nearly $47 million each year.

With more than 61 percent of voters voting “No,” Knoxville residents sent a clear message that higher taxes are not the answer to the city’s challenges. The measure would have increased the burden on families and small businesses at a time when inflation and rising costs are already straining household budgets.

AFP-Tennessee proudly joined the Knoxville Against Raising Taxes coalition to educate voters on the real impact of the proposal and advocate for smarter, more transparent fiscal solutions.

“Knoxville voters made it clear: you can’t tax your way to prosperity,” said Danika Begley, AFP-TN Grassroots Engagement Director. “Our volunteers worked tirelessly alongside community partners through the Knoxville Against Raising Taxes coalition to ensure every voter understood what was at stake. This win belongs to the people of Knoxville who stood up for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and keeping more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets.”

AFP-TN State Director Tori Venable added that the organization remains committed to working with local and state leaders to promote solutions that keep taxes low, prioritize efficient spending, and expand economic opportunity for all Tennesseans.