Preserve Affordability in Austin

Dear City of Austin Voters,

We write to the residents and voters in the City of Austin to express our collective opposition to Proposition Q on November’s ballot. Proposition Q will dramatically raise property taxes and the cost of living for Austin residents and businesses, making affordability worse.

Over the past ten years, the typical tax bill in Austin has increased by more than 65%. The growing City of Austin tax burden has been compounded by increases from other local entities, including Austin Independent School District, Travis County, and Central Health. These collective increases are unsustainable and push residents and businesses out of Austin.

Renters, homeowners, and businesses will all face higher costs in their daily lives due to the increased taxes Proposition Q proposes. This nearly 20% increase in Austin property taxes makes homeownership more difficult to achieve or maintain, drives up rents, and increases the cost of doing business here.

Increasing the cost of living in Austin won’t just harm our existing residents and businesses; it will also impact our ability to attract new economic engines. It is imperative that Austin remains a good place to do business, and an affordable tax structure is crucial to being economically competitive. Proposition Q puts a damper on potential growth by making Austin a less attractive place to invest and create new jobs.

It is important to note the City Manager’s FY2025-2026 budget already increased property taxes by the maximum allowed under state law, 3.5%, funding core services for the City and making important investments in public safety. Proposition Q raises taxes even further. Our city is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, and will remain so even if Proposition Q does not pass.

What makes a city great is its people, and Austin must continue to be able to attract and retain our residents by being an affordable place. If we fail to prioritize affordability for everyone, we run the risk of losing the very people and businesses that have made Austin the special community it is today.