Austin’s Proposition Q: Tax Increase to Address Budget Gap Divides Residents
Austin voters will decide the fate of Proposition Q on November 4, a measure that would increase property taxes to address a city budget shortfall—but the proposal has sparked fierce debate about affordability and priorities in the rapidly growing Texas capital.
What’s on the Ballot
Proposition Q would increase property taxes by five cents per $100 of taxable property value, adding approximately $300 annually to the average homeowner’s tax bill. The measure comes as the Austin City Council recently passed a $6.3 billion budget with a $33 million deficit.
The proposed rate was five cents higher than the state limit, which triggered the requirement for a voter-approval election in November. The tax increase would address a $33.4 million deficit and help fund city services that supporters say are critical to Austin’s future.
Why City Officials Say It’s Necessary
City leaders and supporters argue the tax increase is essential to maintaining vital services in the face of budget pressures. At a press conference, advocates said that with federal funding cuts, Austinites have to step up.
“Ask people what they like about Austin, and there’s something in (Proposition Q) that it touches. In this budget, there is something that touches every single person’s life.” — Ryan Alter, Austin City Council
Proposition Q would grant $1 million in additional funding for the Sobering Center, which has expanded its partnership with UT to provide a safe place for publicly intoxicated individuals. The measure also aims to protect funding for public safety, housing programs, and social services.
Public Reaction: A City Divided
The proposition has split Austin residents into passionate camps on both sides.
Supporters: “Care, Not Cuts”
“We are all seeking a better life. Everyone deserves housing and essential services they need to survive. We need to come together on this. Essential services are on the chopping block. Let’s save them now.” — Waltermae Grady, a leader with grassroots group VOCAL TX
Over 30 organizations have expressed support for Prop Q, with several unions, first responders, and social workers campaigning under the slogan “care not cuts”. They contend the tax increase protects essential services like housing assistance and public safety.
Advocates particularly emphasize housing programs. One supporter who has been waiting six years for rapid rehousing assistance warned that without the funding, wait times could grow even longer. Climate and social justice organizations have also rallied behind the measure, arguing that collective action is necessary to address community needs.
Opposition: Concerns About Affordability
Critics argue the tax increase will harm the very people it aims to help. Former Austin City Council member Ora Houston called the increase “abhorrent for our seniors, people with different abilities, young families with children,” noting her own taxes would increase by over $300.
Opponents say the city should take a closer look at spending, with some calling it “wasteful spending” and criticizing city leaders for “trying to put that accountability on the taxpayers to pay for all the bad decisions that they’ve made”.
One neighborhood association representative captured the dilemma many feel: “It’s a weird paradox because I feel like the council kind of put us between a rock and a rock. Do you want to hurt people or do you want to hurt people?”
Jeffery Bowen, an opponent of Proposition Q, sued the city on August 17 over the ballot language, claiming it misled voters and did not clarify how the revenue would be used long term. The Texas Supreme Court declined to hear the case on September 12. Justice Evan Young said in his decision that Proposition Q should be left up to the voters.
Longtime Austinite and environmental advocate Robin Rather reveals why she’s voting NO on Prop Q:
The Broader Context
Travis County also recently approved a tax rate increase to help with disaster relief after the July floods—about $200 more for the average homeowner—which did not go to voters because of a disaster declaration. Combined with Proposition Q, Austin-area homeowners could see significant property tax increases.
As November 4 approaches, both sides agree on one thing: Austin has become increasingly unaffordable. They differ sharply, however, on whether Proposition Q represents part of the solution or part of the problem.
Travis County commissioners on Tuesday passed a $2.16 billion budget after raising the property tax rate 9.12% earlier this month, a hike that will tack about $200 onto the average homeowner’s bill next year. (Austin American-Statesman)
A judge has ordered the release of Kendrex White, seven years after he was found not guilty by reason of insanity for a 2017 knife attack at the University of Texas at Austin.
White, now 29, killed UT freshman Harrison Brown and injured three others in the attack. He was diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder and committed to a maximum-security psychiatric hospital. White will now be transferred from the hospital to a group home.
While Rep. Lloyd Doggett said his top concern right now is the funding standoff between Democrats and Republicans and is concerned about the possible impacts of the federal government shutdown, specifically on Austin’s airport.
It’s a busy month for ABIA.
Austin police are boosting security for this weekend as ACL Fest begins.
A motorcyclist is dead following a crash yesterday northwest of the city.
ATCEMS was out again about an hour later for a vehicle rollover call.
Manor police are searching for a suspect who fled from officers on Wednesday afternoon.
The Manor Police Department along with partner agencies, including Air and K9 support, are searching for a suspect who fled officers near the intersection of FM 973 and Brenham St.
Update from Manor Police: “The suspect was not located. However valuable evidence was collected and Detectives remain on scene. Thank you for your cooperation and support. As details become available more information will be released”.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a rabies alert after a dead bat tested positive for rabies in a Georgetown neighborhood last week.
Hays County deputies executed a narcotics search warrant in the Kyle area that caused road closures on Wednesday afternoon. (CBS Austin)
Nonprofit Urban Alchemy has laid off 109 employees at its two Austin shelters.
According to a notice from the Texas Workforce Commission, Urban Alchemy let go of 55 workers at its ARCH shelter and 54 at its Eighth Street Shelter.
A long-awaited list of which Austin Independent School District campuses will close for the 2026-2027 school year will be released to parents at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
A burn ban is in effect for the next three months in Williamson County due to severe drought conditions.
WEATHER
WEDNESDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
The latest on Hurricane Imelda and other happenings in the tropics:
The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) was approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) on Tuesday, which means it can now operate as a national security exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office has implemented camera technology throughout the county. These cameras are designed to capture rear license plate information only and provide valuable investigative leads to assist deputies in locating vehicles connected to criminal activity. (KXAN-TV)
A popular Eagle Pass casino is planning to open its doors less than a week following a fatal shooting that left two people dead and five others wounded.
The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District on Wednesday released more than 2,100 files related to the Robb Elementary school shooting. It includes termination paperwork for former district police Chief Pete Arredondo and a proposed settlement from the Chief’s then-legal team of $1.1 million. (KSAT-TV)
House Republicans, including Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, are absent from DC during the government shutdown, avoiding explanations and negotiations, making it “crystal clear” who’s responsible for the impasse.
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) is asking…where are they?
Meanwhile, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate James Talarico continues to make headlines.
From the New York Times
Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas discusses the government shutdown. She also discusses the hearing in federal court on whether the new congressional maps in Texas should be implemented for the 2026 primary.
Texas DPS officials have added an El Paso gang member to its Ten Most Wanted list.
Robert Roberson could be executed this month. He was convicted more than two decades ago for the death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki, in 2002.
The adoptive parents of a 10-year-old boy were arrested Wednesday in San Antonio. Officials said they would violently punish him and are believed to have starved him.
Three states have removed or attempted to remove the most books in the past year, accounting for nearly 80% of all such bans: Florida, Texas and Tennessee. Florida was the No. 1 state for book bans, with 2,304 instances of bans, followed by Texas with 1,781 bans and Tennessee with 1,622. (FOX 7 Austin)
SPORTS
Austin FC fell in a 2-1 defeat to Nashville SC in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium. (Austin FC)
ON THE SCHEDULE
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida Gators’ insider Zach Goodall joined Texas Sports Unfiltered to preview this Saturday’s matchup between the No. 9 Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators in Gainesville. What are the keys to a Texas victory? Can Florida pull off the upset? We get the Gators’ take on the game.
Travel through Texas in 4K and see places like Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Hamilton Pool Preserve, Big Bend National Park and many more.
