SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A viewer named Les wants to know whether a proposed 3% tourism tax on lodging, set to go before Springfield voters April 7, applies to all rentals, including apartments, VRBOs, and Airbnbs.
The city of Springfield is scheduled to unveil the initial design proposal for the new Springfield Expo Center this Friday. Voters will then consider a 3% tourism tax on April 7 that would help convert the building into a regional convention and events center.
Background: Voters previously rejected a lodging tax increase
Springfield voters rejected a similar lodging tax increase in November 2025. Ballot Question One failed by nearly 400 votes, with 3,545 voting yes and 3,927 voting no.
Following that vote, City Manager David Cameron said he spoke with residents and business owners to understand why they voted no. In January, the Springfield City Council voted in an emergency session to place the measure back on the April ballot…