The majority of Austin voters rejected the proposition, which would have increased property tax rates by five cents per $100 in value.

AUSTIN, Texas — The majority of Austin voters have rejected Proposition Q, which would have raised the city’s property tax rate indefinitely. 


What is Proposition Q? 

Prop Q would have increased Austin residents’ property taxes by five cents per every $100 in value to address funding for homelessness prevention, safety, parks, public health, finances and Austin’s general fund. 

The increase could have cost the average homeowner about an extra $300 a year in city property taxes and would have added roughly $110 million for the present fiscal year, according to city leaders. 

The proposition was presented as a way to help address the city’s $33 million budget deficit. 


Austin voters divided

Ahead of the Nov. 4 election, Austinites were split on whether to support the proposition.

In September, the Austin Justice Coalition said it issued a “disgruntled yes” in favor of Prop Q. 

“We are casting a defiant ‘yes’ because we refuse to let indifference win,” Organizing Director Chas Moore said.

Some Austin business owners also opposed the proposition, saying it would negatively impact their operations. Among them were Brandon Hodge, owner of Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue.

“If everyone’s price is increasing like that, they can’t afford to come in and buy a treat like candy, you know, much less food, clothing and shelter,” Hodge told KVUE in October. 

But other business owners and leaders supported the proposition, including Congressman Greg Casar (D-Austin). At a “No Kings” protest held in Austin last month, Casar said he supported Prop Q “to save our ambulances, to save our shelters from Trump’s cuts.” 

Another supporter was Brydan Summers, who serves as the president of The American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1624. He said the proposition would help Austin make up for government cuts and Texas’ limits on property tax revenue. 

Ultimately, 63.48% of Austin voters chose to reject the proposition, while 36.52% supported it.

For more election results, head to KVUE.com/elections.