Denver Sales Tax Ponies Up

Sales tax collection in the Denver seven-county metro area has dramatically recovered since its low point in 2009. It is up 8 percent each year during the most recent two years (2011 and 2012). Even RTD has quieted its quest for a sales tax increase. RTD’s four-tenths of a cent transit tax (voters approved in 2004) has increased from $148 million in 2009 to $182 million through 2012, or up $34 million (23% increase).

RTD has collected half a billion dollars in four years from its current sales tax. Enough to build-out the program?