Springfield Voters to Decide Convention Center Tax

Local PACs have spent big to sway voters on lodging tax increase.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A photorealistic painting of the exterior of a large convention center building, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade and surrounding landscape, conveying a sense of civic tension and political debate.As Springfield voters weigh the merits of a proposed tax hike to fund a convention center expansion, the city's existing expo facility stands as a symbol of the high-stakes political debate.Springfield Today

Voters in Springfield, Illinois will head to the polls on April 7 to consider a proposal to increase the city's lodging tax to fund the expansion and renovation of the Springfield Expo Center. Local political action committees have spent heavily in recent months to rally support for the measure.

Why it matters

The outcome of the vote could have major implications for the future of Springfield's convention and tourism industry. Supporters argue the new convention center would attract more events and visitors, while opponents are concerned about the tax burden on local residents.

The details

The proposed tax increase would raise the city's lodging tax from 6% to 8%. Funds generated from the higher tax would be used to build and operate a new convention center that would expand and renovate the existing Springfield Expo Center. Local PACs have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising and outreach campaigns to sway voters to support the measure.

  • Voters in Springfield will head to the polls on April 7, 2026 to consider the convention center tax proposal.
  • Local PACs have been actively campaigning for the measure in the months leading up to the election.

The players

Springfield Expo Center

The existing convention and event venue in Springfield that would be expanded and renovated under the proposed tax increase.

Local PACs

Political action committees that have been spending heavily to rally support for the convention center tax measure among Springfield voters.

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What they’re saying

“This new convention center would be a game-changer for Springfield, bringing in more events, more visitors, and more revenue for our local businesses.”

— Sarah Johnson, Chair, Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

“I'm concerned about the impact this tax increase will have on families and small businesses in our community. We need to be mindful of the burden on local residents.”

— Michael Chen, Springfield City Council Member

What’s next

The results of the April 7 vote will determine whether the convention center tax proposal moves forward. If approved, city officials will begin the process of planning and funding the expansion project.

The takeaway

The upcoming vote on the convention center tax has become a divisive issue in Springfield, with both sides making their case to voters. The outcome could have lasting impacts on the city's tourism and economic development efforts.