What is Proposition 2?

On April 7, 2026, Norman voters will decide whether to approve a modest update to the city’s existing Guest Tax.

If approved, Proposition 2 will:
- Increase the Guest Tax rate from 8% to 10%
- Expand the tax to include overnight stays in recreational vehicle (RV) rental spaces
The Guest Tax already applies to visitors staying in:
- Hotels
- Motels
- Short-term rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO
Proposition 2 simply modernizes the ordinance to ensure all short-term lodging types are treated consistently.
The updated tax would take effect July 1, 2026, if approved by voters.

A Visitor-Funded Investment in Norman

The Guest Tax is an excise tax on short-term overnight stays in Norman. It has been part of the city’s funding structure since 1980.
IMPORTANTLY
- It is paid by visitors, not Norman residents
- It helps fund amenities that benefit the entire community
- It reduces pressure on local tax dollars
Over the past decade alone, the Guest Tax has generated more than $23 million to support community assets and programs.
If Proposition 2 is approved, the Guest Tax is expected to generate approximately $50 million over the next 10 years.

This approach allows Norman to invest in its future using “other people’s money” – revenue generated from visitors to our city.

WHERE THE
FUNDING GOES

Support the Places and Programs That Make Norman Special

Guest Tax revenue helps fund the amenities and attractions that make Norman a vibrant community.

These include:

PARKS & RECREATION
- Norman’s park system includes more than 1,100 acres across dozens of parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, and trails.
- Guest Tax funding helps support:
  - Park improvements and maintenance
  - Playgrounds and community parks
  - Youth sports facilities
  - Trails and greenbelts
  - Recreation centers and community spaces
ARTS & CULTURE
- Norman has a thriving arts community supported in part by Guest Tax revenue.
- Programs funded include:
  - Public art installations
  - Community arts programs
  - Grants to local arts organizations
  - Cultural venues and events
  - The arts sector in Norman supports hundreds of jobs and welcomes more than one million visitors annually.
TOURISM & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Visitor promotion helps attract events, sports tournaments, and travelers to Norman.
- This supports:
  - Local restaurants
  - Retail businesses
  - Hotels
  - Community events and festivals

Bringing more visitors to Norman helps grow the local economy while supporting community amenities.

WHY PROPOSITION 2 MATTERS

Protecting Norman’s Quality of Life

Norman continues to grow as a destination for sports, festivals, and tourism. With that growth comes increased use of parks, cultural venues, and community infrastructure.
Proposition 2 ensures that visitors contribute fairly to maintaining the amenities they enjoy while visiting our city.
KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Maintains and improves parks and recreational facilities
- Supports arts, culture, and local events
- Helps attract tourism and economic activity
- Generates funding without raising taxes on residents

Norman has made major investments in parks, arts, festivals, and community events over the years. Proposition 2 helps ensure those investments can be maintained and expanded for future generations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO PAYS THE GUEST TAX?
- The Guest Tax is paid by visitors staying overnight in Norman, including those staying in:
  - Hotels
  - Motels
  - Short-term rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO
- Norman residents do not pay the Guest Tax, even if they stay in a local hotel.
WHY INCLUDE RV OVERNIGHT STAYS?
- Currently, overnight RV stays are not included in the Guest Tax ordinance.
- Proposition 2 simply ensures that RV overnight stays are treated the same as other temporary lodging, creating a fair and consistent system.
WHAT ABOUT LONG-TERM STAYS?
- Visitors staying more than 30 consecutive days are considered permanent residents and do not pay the Guest Tax.
IS THIS TAX COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER CITIES?
- Yes. Even with the proposed increase, Norman’s rate remains in line with other Oklahoma cities and SEC communities that host major events and visitors.