PROP 1

Supporting Public Safety in Columbia

Vote YES on Proposition 1

On Election Day, Columbia voters will have an opportunity to invest in the safety and future of our community by voting YES on Proposition 1.

As Columbia continues to grow, so does the demand for emergency services. Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers are responding to more calls for service than ever before. Proposition 1 will provide additional resources needed to strengthen public safety and help ensure emergency responders can continue delivering the high level of service our residents deserve.

Why Proposition 1 Matters

Every day, Columbia firefighters and police officers answer calls involving:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Structure fires
  • Traffic accidents
  • Violent crimes
  • Hazardous materials incidents
  • Rescue operations
  • Community safety initiatives

The increasing demand for emergency services has placed additional strain on existing resources. Proposition 1 would provide funding that can help:

✅ Hire additional firefighters and police officers.

✅ Improve emergency response capabilities.

✅ Address growing call volumes throughout the community.

✅ Ensure adequate staffing to meet the needs of a growing city.

✅ Continue providing timely emergency response to residents and visitors.

A circular campaign graphic featuring the silhouettes of a four-person firefighting crew—with the front firefighter highlighted in yellow—against a red background. Bold text on the graphic reads: 'CHANCES OF SUCCESSFUL RESCUE With a Four-Person Crew. +27% HIGHER vs a Three-Person Crew.'A circular campaign graphic featuring the dark silhouette of a firefighter carrying a child against an orange and red background with the faint outline of a house. Bold text on the graphic reads: 'FOUR MEANS MORE. SAFETY • SPEED. SAVED LIVES.'

Investing in Public Safety

A safe community depends on having enough trained professionals available when emergencies occur. Every second matters during a fire, medical emergency, or crime in progress.

Voting YES on Proposition 1 is an investment in:

  • Faster emergency response.
  • Better protection for families and neighborhoods.
  • Improved public safety resources.
  • The long-term safety and quality of life in Columbia.

Election Information

🗓 Election Day: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

🕖 Polls Open: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📍 Find Your Polling Place: Click here to search for your polling location

🗳 Absentee Voting: If you are unable to vote on Election Day, absentee voting options may be available through the county election office.

Prop 1 Official Ballot Language:

“Shall the municipality of Columbia, Missouri impose an additional citywide sales tax at a rate of one percent, solely for the purpose of providing revenues to improve public safety for the city, which shall be limited to expenditures on equipment, salaries and benefits, and facilities for police and fire departments?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proposition 1?

Proposition 1 is a ballot measure that would adopt an additional sales tax of 1% for the sole purpose of improving the City’s public safety services. This proposed tax is to be spent only on operations and capital improvements of the City’s police and fire departments.

These efforts are designed to improve emergency response times, enhance public safety throughout the community and make the City more competitive in hiring and retaining public safety staff.

Why are additional firefighters and police officers needed?

Columbia’s population and emergency call volume continue to grow, increasing the demand on public safety personnel and resources. The Columbia Fire Department currently staffs fire apparatus with a minimum of three personnel, falling short of the NFPA standard, which calls for a minimum of four.

Similarly, the Columbia Police Department has far fewer sworn officers than comparable cities. Columbia currently has 1.39 sworn police officers per 1,000 residents. Compared to Independence at 1.89, Springfield at 2.12, Lee’s Summit at 2.67, and Kansas City at 2.67, we do not have enough sworn officers to adequately serve our community.

How will this impact our community?

Additional staffing and resources can help improve emergency response capabilities and ensure Columbia remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

For further information, you can also visit OneForSafety.org

Get Involved

Ways You Can Help:

  • Vote YES on Proposition 1
  • Encourage family and friends to vote.
  • Share information about Proposition 1 on social media.
  • Display a “Vote Yes on Prop 1” yard sign.
  • Stay informed by following updates from Columbia’s public safety organizations.