Liberal Texas Bastion Rejects Tax Increase for Homeless Relief

Voters in Austin overwhelmingly blocked a property tax increase that would have raised tens of millions of dollars to support homeless people and pay for other services, a rejection of increased municipal spending in one of the most reliably Democratic cities in Texas.

The proposal, which had easily passed the city council, would have generated an additional $109.5 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The measure required voter approval because it would have increased property tax revenues beyond a state-imposed threshold. More than 60% of voters rejected it.

“Voters prioritized affordability,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement acknowledging the ...