April 3, 2026
OIP (4)

Austin Voters Reject Tax Increase in Resounding Rebuke of City Spending

Proposition Q Defeated: A Turning Point for Austin

In what many are calling a referendum on local government spending and affordability, Austin voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition Q yesterday. Preliminary results showed 65% voting against the measure as of 11:45 p.m. on election night, with just 35% supporting the property tax increase. Nearly all precincts rejected the measure, with exceptions only in areas around the University of Texas campus, two precincts in North Austin, two in Southeast Austin, and one in South Austin.

Votes AGAINST in blue…Votes FOR in green

The defeat sends a clear message: Austin voters have lost confidence in their city government’s ability to manage taxpayer dollars effectively, even as they approved state-level spending measures and surrounding communities grappled with similar fiscal pressures.

KVUE-TV

What Was Proposition Q?

Proposition Q proposed raising Austin’s property tax rate from $0.4776 to $0.574017 per $100 of taxable property value—a 20% increase that would have generated nearly $110 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The funds were earmarked for a range of city services, with the largest allocation going toward homelessness and housing programs.

The budget included $35.5 million to expand programs addressing housing affordability and homelessness, including funding for 350 new Rapid Rehousing units, emergency shelter beds, and the Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) initiative. Additional funding was designated for parks and recreation, public health services, and employee benefits.

For the typical Austin homeowner with a property valued at approximately $495,000, approval would have meant an additional $303 in annual property taxes. With the measure’s defeat, property taxes will still increase by about $105 annually under the reduced voter-approval tax rate.

The Political Fallout

“When the Council put Proposition Q on the ballot, I said, “It’s time to trust the voters”. Tonight, the voters spoke by rejecting Prop Q. Austin voters made their decision, and they did so clearly. I trust their decision. And I hear them.” — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

The campaign over Proposition Q revealed deep divisions about Austin’s direction. Mayor Kirk Watson acknowledged the defeat, stating that “voters prioritized affordability” and expressed concerns about finances, utilities, and property taxes. He emphasized the need for city government to rebuild trust with residents by striking the right balance between services and funding.

Graph: Save Austin Now

The opposition, led by the Save Austin Now political action committee, framed the defeat as “a victory for taxpayers.” Matt Mackowiak, former chair of the Travis County GOP, argued that raising taxes contradicts efforts to address Austin’s affordability crisis.

Save Austin Now

The margin of defeat—nearly two-to-one against—suggests this wasn’t simply about opposition to higher taxes. It reflects deeper concerns about government accountability, efficiency, and the city’s priorities. Despite having a budget surplus from pandemic-era stimulus and inflation-driven tax revenues, Austin has struggled with visible challenges including homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.

City Council member Marc Duchen was a lone voice of dissent on Proposition Q, saying the initiative would have made Austin less affordable for the working class.

The compounding effect of multiple government entities raising taxes also played a role—Travis County approved a higher property tax to cover July flood damages, and Austin Community College and Central Health increased their rates, meaning property owners faced increases from multiple sources simultaneously.

What Happens Next?

The immediate consequence of Proposition Q’s failure is a significant budget shortfall. City officials estimate they will collect $109.5 million less revenue than budgeted for the 2025-26 fiscal year, requiring the City Council to reconvene and adopt a balanced budget with spending cuts.

Council Member Mike Siegel acknowledged that “in the short term, Council will be forced to make painful cuts that will negatively impact the quality of life and the efficacy of City programs and services.”

“I feel the pain of this measure failing but remain optimistic that our diverse Austin communities can come together in the days ahead. Fundamentally, in this moment of history, we need a local government that works for all of us. In the short term, Council will be forced to make painful cuts that will negatively impact the quality of life and the efficacy of City programs and services. In the days ahead, I will connect with unions representing City workers and community organizations that work every day to protect our environment, promote education, and care for our community, because we need a strong and united alliance to help Austin residents survive and thrive despite the challenges we are facing during this troubled moment of history. Rebuilding trust between Council and community will not be easy, but it is our responsibility as City leaders to be transparent, to listen, and to do the best we can with the resources we have.” — Austin City Council member Mike Siegel

The defeat represents a turning point for Austin. City leaders now face the difficult task of rebuilding public trust while managing with fewer resources—a challenge that will define Austin’s trajectory for years to come. The city that once prided itself on being “weird” and progressive now faces a property affordability crisis, visible homelessness, traffic congestion, and a sense among many longtime residents that city government has lost its way.

Low Turnout Despite High-Stakes Ballot Measures

Voter turnout for the November 4, 2025 election reflected typical patterns for constitutional amendment elections in Texas, though the low participation raises questions about whether the outcomes truly reflect community sentiment.

More than 1.4 million Texans cast ballots statewide—representing just under 8% of the state’s nearly 18.5 million registered voters. This figure fell well short of the 14.4% turnout seen in the 2023 constitutional amendment election, which was the highest for such an election since 2005. For comparison, the 2024 presidential election saw 61.2% turnout.

In Travis County, election officials had predicted approximately 25% turnout, keeping with trends for off-year elections without major races on the ballot. Across the 15-county Central Texas viewing area, turnout reached 11.3%, with significant variation: Blanco County led locally at 16.6%, while Lee County saw just 4.2% participation.

TRAVIS COUNTY NUMBERS:

Travis County Clerk

Williamson County saw approximately 10% of its 451,219 registered voters cast ballots during early voting, while Hays County followed similar patterns. The low turnout underscores a persistent challenge in Texas politics: engaging voters when presidential or major statewide races aren’t on the ballot, even when critical local issues and constitutional amendments are being decided.

Mixed Results Across Central Texas Communities

While Austin voters rejected additional taxes, neighboring communities grappled with similar fiscal pressures, with mixed results that reveal the complex relationship between rapid growth, service demands, and taxpayer resistance.

Liberty Hill ISD: Second Time’s the Charm

After a failed tax rate election in November 2024, Liberty Hill Independent School District succeeded in its second attempt. Unofficial early voting results from Williamson County showed 2,409 voters (56.14%) cast their ballots in favor of Proposition A, while 1,882 voters (43.86%) voted against.

The approved measure raises the district’s tax rate by $0.07 per $100 of property value, generating an additional $10.7 million in revenue for the 2025-26 school year. District officials said the funds would help recover from $10 million in budget cuts over the past two fiscal years, including the elimination of 78 positions and increases in class sizes.

If Liberty Hill ISD’s tax increase had failed, Superintendent Travis Motal warned the district would need to cut an additional $3 million from the budget in spring 2026, potentially including not opening newly constructed schools. For homeowners with a property valued at $516,513 (after a $140,000 homestead exemption), the increase means approximately $341 more in annual school property taxes, or about $29 per month.

The success came only after significant community engagement and transparent communication about the district’s financial challenges—a strategy that may provide lessons for other districts facing similar struggles.

Hays County School District: Tax Hike in Trouble

Early results suggested trouble for Hays Consolidated Independent School District‘s tax increase proposal. District officials sought to generate approximately $26 million in revenue for cost-of-living raises for teachers and staff and to avoid increased class sizes. The district, which spans much of northeastern Hays County including Kyle and Buda, has faced similar challenges to other Central Texas districts: the state’s basic student allotment funding hasn’t kept pace with inflation since 2019, forcing the district to deplete its savings.

The apparent defeat highlights how even districts with clear funding needs struggle to convince voters to approve tax increases, particularly when confidence in government spending is low.

San Marcos: City Council and Charter Amendments

In San Marcos, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and home to Texas State University, voters decided two City Council races and numerous charter amendments.

For the Place 1 seat, incumbent Matthew Mendoza led opponent Chase Norris with nearly 61% of the vote according to early results. In the Place 2 race, Josh Paselk led all candidates with 43% of the vote, including incumbent Saul Gonzales.

San Marcos voters also weighed in on 12 proposed charter amendments, including Proposition C, which would extend the mayor’s term from two years to four years, starting with the 2028 election, and install term limits of two consecutive four-year terms. Early voting results showed voters divided on the proposition, with 50.8% voting against the measure (1,943 votes) and 49.2% in favor (1,882 votes).

Kyle: Mayoral Race and City Council Seats

Kyle voters faced a competitive mayoral race, as the seat was open. According to early voting results, Robert Rizo—who served on the city council representing District 2—led with 1,242 votes, followed by Yvonne Flores-Cale with 978 votes, Donny Wills with 457 votes, and Andrea Villescaz with 214 votes.

Buda: Close Council Race

In Buda‘s District C on the city’s north side, Kimberly Goodman narrowly led with 263 votes versus 259 for Jeffrey Morales and 102 for Emily Jones, with incumbent Terry Cummings not on the ballot.

Taylor ISD: Facilities and Tax Rate

Taylor Independent School District asked voters to decide both a $147 million bond package to improve facilities and infrastructure to keep up with growth, as well as a tax rate increase. Results were still being tallied as of late Tuesday evening.

Texas Approves All 17 Constitutional Amendments

In stark contrast to Austin’s rejection of Proposition Q, Texas voters appeared poised to approve all 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot, continuing a recent trend of high approval rates for statewide propositions. All 17 amendments held majority support Tuesday night, with Proposition 10 receiving the largest share of voter support. Support for all propositions held at least 15-point leads in preliminary results.

The divergence between local and state voting patterns reveals an important dynamic: while voters enthusiastically support state-level tax relief funded by budget surpluses, they’re increasingly resistant to local tax increases—even when those funds would address visible community needs.

The Property Tax Relief Package

The majority of the propositions focused on various forms of tax relief, reflecting Texas lawmakers’ use of multibillion-dollar budget surpluses to reduce the tax burden on homeowners and businesses.

Proposition 13 was among the most significant, raising the school district property tax homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, with the state reimbursing school districts for lost revenue. Combined with Proposition 11, which increased the exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners to $60,000, these measures could provide substantial relief to qualifying residents.

Proposition 10 received the largest share of voter support, providing temporary property tax relief for homeowners whose homes are destroyed by fires.

Banning Future Taxes

Three propositions took proactive steps to prevent new forms of taxation:

  • Proposition 2 constitutionally banned taxes on capital gains from selling stocks or other investments, even though such taxes are already effectively prohibited under Texas’s income tax ban
  • Proposition 6 prohibited new taxes on securities transactions or occupation taxes on financial entities
  • Proposition 8 permanently banned state inheritance and estate taxes, codifying what is already state practice

These preemptive measures reflect Republican leadership’s strategy to constitutionally enshrine tax protections, making them difficult to reverse even if political winds shift.

Infrastructure and Research Investments

Several propositions authorized major new state investments:

Proposition 4 dedicated up to $1 billion annually from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund through 2035. Texas’s water supply faces increasing pressure from rapid population growth, aging infrastructure with millions of gallons lost to leaks, and climate change affecting precipitation patterns. By one estimate, the state needs nearly $154 billion by 2050 for water infrastructure.

Proposition 14 created the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, transferring $3 billion from general revenue to fund research on dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and related brain disorders. The bipartisan measure reflected growing concern about cognitive health in Texas’s aging population.

Proposition 1 established a permanent endowment for Texas State Technical College, addressing chronic underfunding that has limited the institution’s ability to maintain and expand workforce training facilities.

Criminal Justice and Bail Reform

Proposition 3 addressed a contentious issue in Texas politics: bail reform. The amendment requires judges to deny bail in certain cases for individuals accused of specified violent or sexual felonies if the state demonstrates they pose a flight or public safety risk. Republican leaders argued the measure was necessary to prevent violent crimes by people released on bond, while civil rights advocates warned it would increase jail overcrowding without improving public safety.

Parental Rights and Voting Citizenship

Two of the more politically charged propositions dealt with family and civic life:

Proposition 15 explicitly affirmed in the Texas Constitution that parents are the primary decision makers for their children’s upbringing, including educational decisions. While these rights are already protected by federal law, supporters argued constitutional codification provides additional protection against government overreach.

Proposition 16 explicitly stated that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections, adding noncitizens to the constitutional list of prohibited voters alongside convicted felons and those declared mentally incompetent. Although noncitizens are already barred from voting in federal elections, the measure represented part of a broader national movement to constitutionally affirm citizenship voting requirements.

Business and Economic Development

Proposition 9 substantially expanded tax exemptions for small businesses, raising the exemption for income-generating equipment and inventory from $2,500 to up to $125,000—a fifty-fold increase aimed at reducing the burden on entrepreneurs and the self-employed.

Proposition 5 allowed animal feed retailers to avoid property taxes on inventory, benefiting agricultural businesses.

Proposition 17 permitted border counties to exempt from taxation any increase in property value resulting from border security infrastructure improvements—a narrow provision tied to ongoing state and federal border enforcement initiatives.

Judicial Accountability and Veterans Benefits

Proposition 12 expanded citizen oversight of the judiciary by increasing transparency and enforcement of judicial ethics standards, giving the governor more power to appoint members to judicial discipline bodies.

Proposition 7 extended property tax relief to unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions or diseases.

What the Results Mean for Texas and Central Texas

The November 2025 election results reveal critical insights about the political and fiscal challenges facing Austin and the broader Central Texas region.

1. The Austin Paradox

The contrast between Austin’s rejection of Proposition Q and Texas’s approval of state spending measures highlights a fundamental tension: voters want services but are increasingly skeptical of local government’s ability to deliver them efficiently.

Austin faced a $33 million budget shortfall that city officials attributed to sales and property tax revenues not recovering following the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet voters clearly felt the city hadn’t earned their trust to manage additional funds effectively. This skepticism reflects deeper concerns about visible problems—homelessness, public safety, infrastructure—that persist despite significant city spending.

The nearly two-to-one defeat margin suggests this wasn’t simply about tax fatigue. It was a vote of no confidence in city leadership and priorities.

2. The Turnout Challenge

The low voter participation—less than 8% statewide and only slightly better in most Central Texas communities—demonstrates the difficulty of engaging citizens on constitutional amendments and local issues without high-profile races to drive interest. This creates a democratic deficit where critical decisions about taxation, infrastructure, and community services are made by a small fraction of registered voters.

The 15-county Central Texas area, with 1.8 million registered voters, saw only 11.3% turnout despite ballot measures that will significantly impact residents’ daily lives and tax bills. This raises questions about whether the outcomes truly reflect community sentiment or simply the preferences of the most motivated voters.

3. The Tax Relief Consensus vs. Local Needs

The approval of all 17 constitutional amendments—most focused on tax relief—demonstrates bipartisan agreement that Texas’s budget surpluses should benefit taxpayers. However, this creates a paradox: while voters enthusiastically support state-level tax relief, they’re increasingly resistant to local tax increases needed to fund schools and city services.

This disconnect is particularly stark in growing Central Texas communities. Liberty Hill ISD succeeded in its tax increase only after significant community education about the district’s financial challenges. Hays CISD’s apparent difficulties suggest that even districts facing clear funding gaps struggle to convince voters to approve tax increases.

Some policy analysts warn that homestead exemption increases shift the tax burden onto renters, small businesses, and non-exempt property owners while doing little for renters—potentially exacerbating affordability challenges that motivated opposition to measures like Proposition Q.

4. The Growth Dilemma

Many Central Texas communities face a common challenge: rapid population growth requires significant investment in schools, infrastructure, and services, but existing residents are reluctant to approve the tax increases necessary to fund that growth.

Liberty Hill ISD’s situation exemplifies this tension. The district has been forced to cut positions, increase class sizes, and defer maintenance while gaining approximately 1,000 students annually. Even with the approved tax increase, the district must still advocate for increased state funding and may need another tax election in 2025.

Taylor ISD’s $147 million bond package and tax rate election reflect similar pressures. San Marcos, Kyle, and Buda continue growing rapidly, requiring expanded city services and infrastructure at the same time residents express concern about rising property values and taxes.

5. Lessons for Local Government

Liberty Hill ISD’s success after a previous failure offers important lessons: extensive community engagement, transparent financial information, and clear explanations of consequences if funding fails can make the difference. However, Superintendent Motal’s indication that there’s a “strong possibility” the district will need another tax election in November 2025 suggests the underlying funding challenges remain unresolved.

Austin’s failure offers a different lesson: once voters lose trust in government efficiency and priorities, even well-intentioned spending proposals face steep odds. Rebuilding that trust will require not just better communication, but demonstrated improvements in service delivery and accountability.

6. State-Level Policy Trends

The constitutional amendments reveal several important trends:

Proactive Conservative Policy: The preventive tax bans (capital gains, securities, inheritance) reflect a governing philosophy of constitutionally restricting future policy options, making these policies permanent and requiring future supermajorities to reverse.

Strategic Infrastructure Investment: The water infrastructure and dementia research propositions show willingness to make long-term public investments when framed as addressing clear, pressing needs. These measures passed with strong bipartisan support, suggesting Texans distinguish between operational spending (which they scrutinize heavily) and capital investments in infrastructure and research.

Cultural and Identity Politics: Propositions 15 and 16, while codifying existing protections, served important symbolic purposes for conservative voters concerned about parental rights and election integrity. These measures passed by wide margins despite having minimal practical effect on current law.

Criminal Justice Pendulum: Proposition 3’s bail restrictions reflect a conservative correction to what many Republicans view as excessive criminal justice reforms of the past decade.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The November 2025 election results set the stage for significant policy debates in both Austin and across Central Texas.

Austin’s Reckoning

City leaders must quickly identify $109.5 million in budget cuts while maintaining essential services. This process will test the City Council’s priorities and could reshape Austin’s approach to homelessness, parks, public safety, and other services. The defeat may also prompt broader discussions about government reform and efficiency.

More fundamentally, Austin faces a crisis of confidence. The city must demonstrate it can deliver results with existing resources before asking taxpayers for more. This may mean difficult choices about priorities, more aggressive pursuit of efficiency improvements, and fundamental rethinking of some programs and approaches.

The stakes are high. Austin’s ability to address its most visible challenges—homelessness, affordability, traffic congestion—while operating with constrained resources will determine whether it can rebuild public trust. Failure could mean continued fiscal constraints and difficulty addressing growing needs as the city continues expanding.

Regional Fiscal Pressures

Surrounding communities face ongoing challenges balancing growth, service demands, and taxpayer resistance. School districts across Central Texas operate in a difficult environment: the state’s basic student allotment funding hasn’t kept pace with inflation since 2019, enrollment continues growing rapidly, and voters are increasingly skeptical of tax increases.

Even successful tax elections, like Liberty Hill ISD’s, may provide only temporary relief. Without changes in state funding formulas or significant increases in state education spending, districts may find themselves returning to voters repeatedly—a strategy that could exhaust voter goodwill over time.

Cities face similar pressures. San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, and other rapidly growing communities must expand infrastructure and services to accommodate new residents while existing residents resist the tax increases necessary to fund that expansion. This tension will likely define local politics in Central Texas for years to come.

State-Level Implications

The constitutional amendments will shape Texas policy for years or decades. The substantial property tax relief may provide immediate benefits to homeowners but could constrain future revenue options as the state’s population continues growing and infrastructure needs mount.

The water infrastructure investment addresses a critical long-term challenge and demonstrates the state’s capacity to make strategic investments when the need is clear and compelling. The dementia research institute positions Texas as a leader in brain health research and reflects growing awareness of cognitive health challenges in an aging population.

However, the emphasis on tax restrictions and limits may reduce future fiscal flexibility. As Texas continues growing and facing new challenges—from water scarcity to infrastructure demands to public health needs—the constitutional prohibitions on new forms of taxation may constrain policymakers’ options.

The Broader Question

The tension between service expectations and tax resistance—evident throughout Central Texas—reflects a broader challenge facing governments nationwide: how to deliver quality services in an era of declining trust in public institutions and increasing cost sensitivity among taxpayers.

The low turnout raises additional concerns: Are these election results truly representative of community sentiment, or do they reflect the preferences of a small, highly motivated segment of voters? As Central Texas continues its explosive growth, engaging a broader cross-section of residents in these critical decisions may be essential to building sustainable, livable communities.

For Austin specifically, Proposition Q’s defeat represents more than a fiscal setback. It’s a mandate for change—a demand that city government demonstrate it can manage existing resources effectively before asking for more. How Austin responds to this challenge will shape not just the city’s budget, but its character and future for years to come.

Austin Airport Faces Another Ground Delay as Shutdown Crisis Deepens

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experienced yet another ground delay on Tuesday, marking the fifth such disruption since the federal government shutdown began on October 1. As the standoff enters its 36th day—marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history—the strain on America’s aviation system is becoming impossible to ignore.

Tuesday’s Disruption: A System Under Pressure

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground delay for arrivals at Austin-Bergstrom that was expected to last until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, the second consecutive day of delays at the airport. Like previous incidents, the FAA cited “staffing issues” as the primary cause.

“It’s kind of a waiting game to see what the day is going to be like under this shutdown,” said Sam Haynes, spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, as the shutdown approaches its second month.

Just one day earlier, on Monday, the airport faced similar challenges. A ground delay from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM resulted in average delays of 58 minutes, with some flights experiencing waits of up to 89 minutes. The airport’s capacity was reduced to handling only 20-24 arrivals per hour during the delay period.

The Bigger Picture: A State in Chaos

Austin isn’t suffering alone. Airports across Texas are experiencing unprecedented disruptions as the government shutdown forces thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA agents to work without pay for weeks on end.

Houston: Lines Stretching for Hours

At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the situation has become particularly dire. TSA wait times have exceeded three hours, with only two of five terminals open for security screening. Passengers have taken to social media in frustration, with reports of travelers missing flights and spending nights at the airport after being unable to make it through security in time.

“The federal government shutdown has impacted TSA staffing and operations nationwide, and Houston Airports is doing everything possible to support our TSA partners and keep passengers moving safely and efficiently,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System.

KHOU-TV

Dallas-Fort Worth: Among the Nation’s Worst

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has experienced some of the most severe impacts in the nation. Flight tracking data shows the airport had the fourth-most delays in the country as of Monday morning, with over 1,000 flight delays recorded over the weekend and into Monday. Dallas Love Field has also reported significant one-hour delays.

“I’ve found hell on earth and it is Dallas-Fort Worth airport,” one frustrated traveler wrote on social media, capturing the sentiment of thousands caught in the mounting crisis.

WFAA-TV

San Antonio: Feeling the Strain

San Antonio International Airport recorded nine delays on Monday and 43 total delays on Sunday, demonstrating that even smaller Texas airports aren’t immune to the crisis.

The Looming Threat: Airspace Closures on the Horizon

Perhaps most alarming is Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s warning this week that portions of U.S. airspace may need to be closed if the shutdown continues for another week.

KXAN-TV
CBS Austin

This marks the first time the Transportation Secretary has set a specific timeline for potential airspace closures. Such a move would be extraordinary—the last time the United States fully closed its airspace for domestic air traffic was on September 11, 2001.

The Numbers Tell a Grim Story

The crisis is backed by sobering statistics:

  • Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay
  • Approximately 50% of major air traffic control facilities face staffing shortages
  • The FAA is short 2,000 to 3,000 controllers even under normal circumstances
  • Air traffic controller absenteeism has reached 20-40% at the nation’s 30 largest airports
  • More than 5,000 flights were delayed on November 2 alone

“If air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy emphasized. “That means mass flight delays and mass cancellations across the United States.”

Safety Concerns Mount

While most aviation experts maintain that flying remains safe during the shutdown, the situation grows more precarious each day. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said that controllers are now resigning because of the government’s ongoing closure—something he described as “new” and warned would “absolutely increase the risk in the system.”

Air traffic controllers are sometimes forced to work two positions instead of one due to staffing shortages, which while technically permitted, does inject additional risk into the system.

“We will restrict the airspace when we feel it’s not safe,” Duffy stated. “If we thought that it was unsafe, we’ll shut the whole airspace down. We won’t let people travel.”

The Political Standoff

The shutdown began when Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on federal funding beyond the fiscal year that ended September 30. Republicans voted for a stopgap resolution to fund the government at current levels through mid-November, while Democrats pushed to extend enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act as part of the spending bill.

As the deadlock continues, it threatens to impact Thanksgiving travel—the busiest air travel period of the year. The U.S. Travel Association has warned of a potential holiday travel meltdown if the shutdown isn’t resolved by the end of November.

What Travelers Should Know

For now, Austin-Bergstrom and other Texas airports remain operational, though with significant disruptions. Airport officials advise travelers to:

  • Monitor flight status regularly through airline apps and websites
  • Arrive at the airport earlier than usual—at least 3 hours before domestic flights
  • Check the FAA’s website for real-time updates on ground delays and stops
  • Contact airlines directly for the most current information about specific flights
  • Consider travel insurance for trips planned in the coming weeks
  • Have backup plans ready for important travel

Looking Ahead: An Uncertain Future

As the shutdown approaches the 36-day mark—which would make it the longest in U.S. history—the aviation system appears to be approaching a breaking point. With the threat of airspace closures now less than a week away according to Secretary Duffy’s timeline, the pressure on lawmakers to resolve the impasse has never been greater.

For Austin travelers and the millions of Texans who depend on reliable air travel, the message is clear: brace for continued disruptions, plan ahead, and hope that Washington finds a solution before the situation deteriorates further.

The question is no longer whether the shutdown is affecting air travel—it’s whether the system can hold together long enough for a political resolution, or if Americans will face something unprecedented: parts of their own sky closed to commercial aviation, not by an external threat, but by their own government’s inability to function.

Facing weeks of opposition from parents, the Austin ISD has delayed its controversial district-wide school boundary changes for at least a year. While the full boundary plan is on hold, Superintendent Matias Segura confirmed the board will still vote on November 20th on core parts of the consolidation, including merging 10 campuses and moving dual language programs. Three schools initially slated for closure—Bryker Woods, Palm, and Maplewood Elementary—have been temporarily spared from the vote, though boundary changes for “turnaround” campuses remain on the agenda.

KVUE-TV

The Austin Fire Department responded to a structure fire near I-35 in central Austin just before 7:00 p.m.

Later Tuesday evening…

Austin police divers pulled several electric scooters from Lady Bird Lake on Tuesday morning as part of a cleanup effort near the MoPac Bridge.

The Austin Police Department’s lake patrol and dive team began marking and removing scooters around 10:30 a.m., with seven divers and two boats assisting in the operation. 

APD is asking the public’s assistance in the case of a burglary suspect.

AUSTIN, TX. May 15, 2021. Cheer Up Charlie’s reopens for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic came to Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

The planned sale of Cheer Up Charlies to a Florida investment firm has been canceled, marking the latest turn in a chaotic year for the beloved Austin queer bar.

Bar owner Maggie Lea confirmed to KUT News that the acquisition by Pride Holdings Group will no longer take place. Lea stated that the parties have “amicably agreed to part ways.” (KUT 90.5)

WEATHER

TUESDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES

AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

CAMP MABRY

The latest updates.

Bexar County voters on Tuesday approved the first funding component of a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs in what was a divided election cycle.

San Antonio Express-News
CBS Texas

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: DAY 36

CBS News

TxDOT officials mark a milestone.

The 2025 election results are in, the Democratic Party takes a hard-left swerve, and as the government shutdown breaks records, Transportation Secretary Duffy warns of massive air travel fallout.

SPORTS

Junior guard/forward Dailyn Swain posted a team-high 16 points, but Texas dropped a 75-60 decision to No. 6/5 Duke in the Dick Vitale Invitational presented by Belk on Tuesday night at the Spectrum Center. The contest marked the opener for the 2025-26 season for both teams.

ESPN

ON THE SCHEDULE

SATURDAY 11/8 AT 2:00 p.m.

Texas Tech won at home last night.

NHL: A win in a shootout for the Dallas Stars last night.

NHL: Wyatt Johnston made the game-ending shot in a shootout after three assists in regulation and the Stars beat Edmonton 4-3 on Tuesday night in their first meeting since last May when the Oilers eliminated them in the Western Conference final for the second year in a row. (Yahoo! Sports)

National Hockey League

ON THE SCHEDULE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Texas Longhorns find themselves on the outside looking in.

Reacting to the FIRST CFP rankings! 🏈 Texas OUTSIDE looking in 👀

ESPN College Football

The latest episode of Texas Parks & Wildlife…

Trail runners explore the wilds of Texas and discover a sense of empowerment, community, and adventure. Ancient rock art and outdoor recreation will draw you to Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. See how some South Texans have come up with a tasty way of tackling the feral pig problem.

Texas Parks & Wildlife via YouTube

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