Jackson Voters Weigh Restaurant, Hotel Tax Hike
A referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot would raise restaurant and hotel taxes in Jackson for the first time in more than 40 years.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hospitality
Live Poll
Should Jackson raise restaurant and hotel taxes to fund tourism marketing?
Jackson voters will decide on a referendum that would increase the restaurant tax by half a percent and add one percent to hotel room rentals. The measure requires 60% approval to pass.
Why it matters
Supporters say the added revenue would help market Jackson to attract tourists, conventions, and sporting events. Proponents note the city's current tourism tax is lower than in Memphis, Atlanta, and Birmingham.
The referendum proposes a 0.5% increase in the restaurant tax and a 1% addition to hotel room rentals, requiring 60% voter approval to pass. Whether it will reach that threshold on November 3, 2026 remains unknown.
The players
Jackson, Mississippi
The city whose voters will decide the referendum and whose restaurants and hotels would be subject to the new taxes.
The details
The state legislature passed the referendum during its most recent session, allowing local authorities to put the question to voters. The measure appears on the third page of the ballot and applies only to voters in Jackson.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Jackson voters decide on the tourism tax referendum
Market Landscape
Jackson's proposed tax would narrow its gap with Memphis, Atlanta, and Birmingham, all of which already levy higher tourism taxes. The move reflects regional competition among Southern cities to draw conventions, tourists, and sporting events.
If approved, diners in Jackson would pay an additional half percent in restaurant tax and hotel guests would pay one percent more on room rentals. The changes would take effect only if the measure clears the 60% approval threshold.
The takeaway
Jackson's referendum shows how local tourism taxes are used to fund efforts to attract visitors, and voters will have the final say on November 3, 2026.
What happens next
Voters will decide the referendum on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on Hospitality and how local tax policy shapes Jackson's tourism industry.
Live Poll
Should Jackson raise restaurant and hotel taxes to fund tourism marketing?
