PROPOSITION 486 – The Arizona Expenditure Limit and Maricopa Community Colleges

What is the Expenditure Limit?

In 1980, Arizona voters established an expenditure limit to restrict how much a community college district, including Maricopa Community Colleges, can spend—even if funding is available.

How does it impact Maricopa Community Colleges?

The Expenditure Limit prohibits community colleges from spending money even if we have it in our budget. It is a cap that was created 44 years ago (in 1980) that no longer reflects the expenses associated with our current programs, services, and infrastructure.

For example, the expenditure limit does not account for increases in:

• Workforce Programs
• Technology Infrastructure (e.g. internet and computers)
• Career and Technical EducatIon (CTE)
• Non-credit Training
• Baccalaureate Degrees
• Programs That Serve High School Students

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