Tucson residents could begin to see a half-cent sales tax increase from the passage of Proposition 101, which recently received support from the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Proposition 101 would fund road improvements and public safety measures.

“Business executives have been abundantly clear that they want and need better streets and roads in Tucson and in Pima County,” Mike Varney, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, said. “We support the city of Tucson sales tax plan because our investors have made this issue a priority and because we believe the city of Tucson has managed its previous funding for street improvement with a high level of trust and delivery.”

The Chamber hopes residents will vote to improve the condition of the roadways to make Tucson look more appealing to potential new businesses. After receiving a separate $100 million bond, the city repaired 40 percent more lane miles than budgeted, but still have more work to do.

The Chamber told residents that this half-cent sale tax increase would not be permanent, and instead anticipates it will only be necessary for five years to raise the money needed to complete the projects detailed.