Overview
- Preliminary results show about 63.5% voted against Prop Q with roughly 172,000 ballots cast, and the measure failed in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties.
- Prop Q sought a five‑cent increase per $100 of taxable value to raise about $110 million annually, adding roughly $302 to the average homeowner’s yearly city tax bill.
- The city said the adopted FY2025–26 budget will not proceed, and City Manager T.C. Broadnax will soon present amendments to match the voter‑approved tax rate; under that rate, a typical bill rises by about $105.
- Officials warned of potential cuts to homelessness services, EMS staffing and fire overtime, as well as parks maintenance, climate response and core public health programs.
- Mayor Kirk Watson framed the outcome as a mandate to refocus on basic services, Save Austin Now declared a win for affordability, and voting patterns showed strongest support near UT and strongest opposition in western Austin.