Mayor Maddox Highlights Education Successes of Elevate Tuscaloosa Tax

Elevate Tuscaloosa was controversial, especially in its early years, and still prompts criticism from some today. Much of that early opposition revolved around the additional 1¢ sales tax needed to fund it. But it is hard to debate the positive impact the program has produced, especially on education.

In his weekly Mayor's Minute released today, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox praises Elevate Tuscaloosa for its impact on education.He points out how four key programs: Dual Enrollment Scholarships, the Summer Learning Academy, Pre-K, and the Athletics Excellence Fund have benefitted from a near $12 million Elevate investment.

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Maddox listed how Elevate has prospered the four programs:

• "Our Summer Learning Academy was created to combat the 'summer slide,' the learning loss many students experience during their break. I’m pleased to share that more than 1,500 elementary and middle school students participated this summer alone."
• "Another significant area of impact is our Dual Enrollment Scholarship program. Thanks to Elevate, Tuscaloosa City School students can take college courses at no cost, with tuition, books, and fees all fully covered. As of Spring 2026, students have collectively earned over 13,000 credit hours. I’m proud to share that more than 600 students took advantage of this program last semester."
• "We also continue to see growth in our Pre-K program, nearly achieving universal Pre-K for Tuscaloosa, with almost 550 children enrolled last spring. Since 2024, we’ve improved benchmark scores in both mathematics and reading, with scores of 94% and 98%, respectively. "
• "Teaching a child how to learn early helps them build strong brain connections, adapt to new ideas faster, and gain confidence. That is the underlying factor that makes pre-K education so important to a child's future success in school, work, and life, according to education experts."

Some arguments against Elevate Tuscaloosa still exist, mainly from those who see the tax that funds it as hurting those with low incomes most.

However, much of the public's opinion about Elevate has turned more favorable. Combined with grants and fundraising dollars, Elevate has had a broad effect on the Tuscaloosa community, from education to historic preservation, revitalization of the riverfront, major recreation projects, and more.

Many have witnessed the tangible benefits and now see Elevate Tuscaloosa as a long-term investment in the city rather than just an additional tax burden.