This was published in the Austin American-Statesman on Sunday, October 12, 2025

No End for Prop Q

I urge you to vote No on Proposition Q on Nov. 4. This Tax Rate Election could unleash one of the biggest property tax increases in Austin history. The city has declared a $33 million budget shortfall, but Prop Q would deliver $100 million to a fiscally irresponsible city government.

They are completely tone deaf to the hardships we face in this tough economy. Homeowners, small businesses and renters would all be hurt. Let’s join the Austin Chamber of Commerce in opposing Prop Q. The first year of this tax increase is only the beginning. Once a tax rate has been adopted, it becomes the new baseline for the next budget year. Then each year, more new taxes can be piled on top of it.

Please alert your friends and neighbors that Prop Q is a forever tax. I have been closely following affordability issues since 1983. The new budget can be trimmed. The city needs only to look at homeless program spending in other major Texas cities to find big cost savings.

Imagine standing on a hill, looking down on a winding road that vanishes into the sunset. Markers in the road show year after year of $100 million Austin tax increases. Like The Highwaymen used to sing, “The Road Goes On Forever.” But not if you vote No on Prop Q!

Bill Oakey, AustinAffordability.com