Opie's been doing some homework — and he wants to share what he's learned about how sales tax revenue helps keep Olmos Park thriving.
Every Purchase Counts
The Olmos Park EDC is funded solely by sales tax revenue, receiving a quarter of a cent on every dollar of sales tax from the city. That money goes directly toward promoting business growth, supporting local economic development, and maintaining our business areas. The city also uses sales tax funds for core services like public safety, infrastructure, and street maintenance.
A Win for Everyone
As City Manager Ashley Maus put it: "We have a relatively small commercial area, but the more we can do to bolster that amount, the better, because it could also reduce our tax burden in other ways, such as property taxes."
That means more sales tax revenue could mean less pressure on property taxes for Olmos Park's 2,200 residents — a win for the whole community.
You Might Be Leaving Money on the Table
Here's something many residents didn't realize: there's a chance the city isn't receiving all the sales tax revenue it should from online purchases. The EDC recently reminded residents to make sure their shipping addresses and account settings reflect their Olmos Park address when shopping online, so that sales tax is properly allocated to our city.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. As EDC board member Kirlin noted, residents "are all on board with keeping it local and reinvesting in our small community."
What Can You Do?
- Check your shipping address on sites like Amazon, Target, and other online retailers — make sure it's your Olmos Park address
- Shop local businesses whenever possible to keep dollars circulating in our community
- Spread the word to your neighbors — many people don't know this makes a difference
The EDC will be closely tracking monthly receipts to measure the impact. It may take a year to see the full picture, but every bit helps.
Stay tuned — and follow @wheresopie on Instagram to keep up with everything happening in Olmos Park!