AUSTIN, Texas — Austinites will soon vote on a controversial ballot item, Proposition Q, which would raise the city’s property tax rate.

Several economic organizations and residents are raising alarm bells.

"We think this is contrary to something that's going to really facilitate economic growth and success in the region," said Ed Latson, the CEO of Opportunity Austin.

Prop Q would raise the property tax rate by five cents per $100 of a home’s value. That’s a 20% increase, compared to the tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and the average homeowner would pay about $300 more per year in taxes.

This comes as the city passed a $6.3 billion budget, while they're dealing with a $33.4 million deficit.

City leaders say the increase would help fund essential city services like reducing h

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