Early voting is now underway, and Austinites can weigh in on the city's Proposition Q , a ballot measure to approve a 20% tax rate increase, ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

What's happening

Under state law, Texas cities can only increase their tax revenue from the same properties by 3.5% year over year without seeking voter approval. Austin City Council passed a $6.34 billion fiscal year 2025-26 budget backed by a higher tax rate that goes beyond that limit, requiring a local tax rate election, or TRE.

If voters support Proposition Q, Austin's budget and tax rate of $0.574017 per $100 of property value will stand. If it's rejected, the council will have to finalize a reduced budget with the lower tax rate of $0.524017 per $100 valuation—the highest allowed under the voter-approval ca

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