Local Makes Sense...
We're Worth Every Penny

Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty all have a local option sales tax (LOST) on the ballot in November 2025. This website and campaign are meant to educate the public on what LOST is, how it will be used in each city, and the importance for why this is needed now.

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It is not all-or-none. LOST could pass in one city and not the other two. Or vice versa. This campaign is for the greater community and thus encourages the voters of all three communities to VOTE YES on LOCAL OPTION.

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What is a local option sales tax?

Often shortened as "LOST" or called a "penny tax," a local option sales tax is simply an extra 1% sales tax added to some purchases. Just like sales tax, purchases of unprepared food for human consumption (groceries), gasoline, and utilities will not include the local option sales tax.

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Why would I want to pay more taxes?

Good question. No one wants to pay more taxes. State law requires that 50% of a LOST goes towards property tax relief. That means it gives your city another revenue stream to draw from to pay for basic city services and amenities. In other words, when a city needs to pay for things, they don't immediately have to raise your property taxes to get things done. The other 50% can be earmarked to be used for how the city sees fit. Each city has determined different applications for those funds. We encourage you to read those details on the dedicated pages of each city on this website.

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It should be noted that visitors spent $458 million in Johnson County in 2024. Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena don't get filled by locals! A significant amount of LOST will be funded by those from outside Johnson County.