About
A SMALL TAX WITH BROAD BENEFITS
How it Works
The Economic Development Sales Tax is just 1/4 of one cent on every dollar spent.
It adds 2.5 cents to every 10 dollars spent on taxable retail goods within the county, bringing the total sales tax rate in Goshen County to 5.25% (4% state + 1% general optional + 0.25% economic development).
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The tax is collected at the register by local retailers and vendors, in addition to the standard Wyoming state sales tax.
This means visitors, travelers and shoppers from outside the county also contribute when making purchases in Goshen County, helping support local investments.
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The collected funds are sent to the state, which then returns nearly 100% of the revenue directly to Goshen County.
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The county pools these funds primarily into the Progress Program, overseen by Go Goshen.
The Economic Development Sales Tax funnels into the Progress Program, managed by Go Goshen, which reinvests funds back into Goshen County for economic development projects through matching funds.
“[It’s] intended to take small steps to make Goshen County a better place by helping new and existing businesses to succeed, make their property more attractive for their customers and to make the community more attractive to potential new businesses, employees, residents and visitors.” (Go Goshen)
Since its inception in 2011, the Progress Program has assisted 338 businesses, non-profits and municipalities and reinvested over $2.4M back into the community.
Who Benefits
Why Renew It
For nearly twenty years, this voter-approved quarter-penny sales tax has helped Goshen County create jobs, support entrepreneurs, improve communities and strengthen our local economy. Renewing the tax means continuing to invest in Goshen County's future without increasing property taxes.
Economic Growth and Workforce Support
Creates local jobs and workforce opportunities
Helps diversify the local economy
Supports sustainable economic growth
Keeps economic activity and investment in Goshen County
Helps local communities compete
Long-Term Value and Measurable Impact
Creates opportunities for future generations
Provides a proven return on investment
Produces measurable economic benefits that exceed what would occur if the money remains in household spending
Infrastructure and Community Development
Strengthens the places where we live, work and raise families
Funds projects that improve the quality of life and support long-term prosperity
Invests in infrastructure, downtown improvements and community development projects
Independent analysis by the University of Wyoming found that investments made through the tax generated approximately:
$4.9 million in total economic output between 2019 and 2023
This is only four years of the program’s impactful work.
