On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) Governing Board will hold its annual “Truth in Taxation” public hearing. Immediately following the public hearing, the Governing Board will hold a Special Session where it is set to take action on proposed increases to MCCCD’s primary property taxes on existing property for FY 2026-27.
In compliance with §15-1461.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, MCCCD must notify property taxpayers of its intention to raise primary property taxes over last year’s level. The Maricopa County Community College District is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $33,492,958 or 5.20%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Maricopa County Community College District’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $107.76 (total proposed taxes, including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $102.43.
This proposed increase is exclusive of increased primary property taxes received from new construction. The increase is also exclusive of any changes that may occur from property tax levies for voter-approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides.
Continued Commitment to Affordability and Access
While the required Truth in Taxation notice reflects a proposed increase in primary property taxes, MCCCD remains focused on prioritizing the needs of Arizona’s workforce and communities while maintaining affordability for residents.
Over the past decade, the District has experienced significant financial pressures, including:
- More than 11 years without state operating aid, resulting in over $655 million in lost support since 2015.
- Rising costs to deliver high-quality education, particularly in high-demand fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and workforce training programs.
- Growing demand for affordable education and workforce training driven by the region’s rapid economic growth.
Despite these pressures, MCCCD’s Governing Board has intentionally maintained low and stable tuition rates to preserve access to affordable higher education for students across Maricopa County. MCCCD continues to operate with one of the lowest property tax rates among Arizona community college districts.
As one of the largest providers of higher education in the state, MCCCD educates more Arizonans than any other college or university and plays a central role in preparing the workforce that supports Arizona’s continued economic growth. This includes producing a significant share of the state’s healthcare workforce, including approximately one-third of Arizona’s nurses, and delivering training aligned to high-demand industries across the region.
The proposed adjustment equates to a little over $2 per month for a homeowner with a house valued at $500,000, while ensuring the District can continue to meet student needs and critical workforce demands.
The public “Truth in Taxation” hearing and Special Session are open to the general public.
- What: All interested members of the general public are invited to attend the public hearing on the tax increase.
- When: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: The meeting will be held at the Conference Center at Rio Salado College, 2323 W. 14th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281.
The Truth in Taxation notice will be published in the Arizona Republic on May 9, 2026, and again on May 16, 2026.