1-minute voter guide: Denver's Referred Question 2R

How it works: Issue 2R raises the local sales tax by 0.5% — 5 cents on a $10 purchase — to generate about $100 million annually starting in 2025.

Context: Johnston says his plan will help make Denver more affordable for working-class families and lower-income residents.

• The money generated would cover costs for about 44,000 units, meeting current local needs.

By the numbers: The measure would build housing for people making less than 80% of the area median income (AMI), and homebuyer assistance programs for those earning less than 120% of AMI.

• Denver's 100% AMI rate for a single person is currently $91,280.

Between the lines: The tax makes exceptions for certain items, including food, fuel, medical supplies and personal hygiene products, and would expire after 40 years.

The other side: The editorial boards for the Denver Gazette and The Denver Post both oppose the measure, with the latter saying the mayor's plan needs more thorough vetting, something some Denver City Council members said when it was discussed this summer.

Go deeper: City Council sends Mayor Johnston's tax plan to November ballot