What’s on the Ballot This Election Cycle in Austin, TX

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the ballot in the Austin (ATX) area for the November 4, 2025 election — what to watch, what it means, and how you can make your vote count.

Key Dates

• Early voting runs until October 31, 2025 in Travis County.

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

City of Austin: Proposition Q

One of the most controversial items on the Austin ballot this November is Proposition Q — a proposed property-tax increase that would raise the city’s tax rate by about five cents per $100 valuation, generating roughly $109.5 million in additional city revenue. READ OUR RECENT BLOG POST that goes more in depth about exactly how much more you will pay if it passes.

While the City of Austin says the funds would go toward affordable-housing programs, homelessness initiatives, public-health and safety improvements, and park upgrades, many voters are questioning whether another tax hike is the right solution.

Austin homeowners already face some of the highest property taxes in Texas, and increasing the rate again could make the city even less affordable — especially for longtime residents and small landlords who already shoulder rising costs.

Because this proposal exceeds the state’s voter-approval limit, the city must ask voters for permission to collect more revenue.

What this means:

• A “Yes” vote → Approves a higher property-tax rate and allows the city to collect additional revenue.

• A “No” vote → Keeps the current, lower rate in place and pressures city leaders to balance the budget without raising taxes.

Many fiscal-watchdog groups suggest that the city should focus on spending reform and prioritization before asking taxpayers for more.

Propositions That Could Lower Your Property Taxes

Let’s keep property taxes down — and your voice matters this November.

On November 4, several Texas property-tax propositions will be on the ballot that could directly impact your 2025 tax bill.

What’s Being Proposed

Proposition 7
Creates a tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who passed away from service-related conditions.

Proposition 10
Provides a temporary property-tax exemption for homes damaged or destroyed by fire.

Proposition 11
Increases the school-district homestead exemption for elderly or disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000 — saving roughly $1,000 per year.

Proposition 13
Raises the statewide school-district homestead exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000 — saving about $800 per year.

Proposition 17
Provides a tax exemption for property-value increases in border counties caused by border-security infrastructure.

Why This Matters

These potential savings apply after any reductions you earn through your annual property-tax protest, so it’s still important to protest your value each year.

🔗 Learn More About these Propositions
Read a detailed summary with direct links to each proposition:
Complete Guide to 2025 Texas Property-Tax Propositions

Statewide Amendments

Beyond the property-tax measures, Texans will also weigh in on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Topics range from infrastructure and water supply to dementia research funding and limits on new taxes.

Only the Texas Legislature can place these items on the ballot, and each requires a simple majority to pass.

Why This Election Matters for Austinites

• Housing & affordability: Proposition Q directly connects to Austin’s cost-of-living and housing initiatives.

• Neighborhood investment: Tax decisions shape the city’s parks, safety, and services.

• State policy impact: The constitutional amendments and property-tax propositions affect homeowners and renters alike.

• Low turnout = high impact: Off-year elections often see limited participation — meaning each vote counts even more.

How to Prepare

• Review your personalized sample ballot via the Texas My Voter Portal or the League of Women Voters Guide.

• Research how each proposition might affect your household, property, or neighborhood.

• Encourage your friends, clients, and neighbors to vote early and informed.

Final Takeaway

This isn’t just another off-year election — it’s one that directly impacts Austin’s property taxes, housing affordability, and city services.

Make sure your vote reflects your priorities. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or investor in Austin’s future, November 4 is your chance to make your voice heard.

Ready to make a move in Austin? Fill out this quick questionnaire and we will be in touch! 

~Trigaci Stiles Group | Austin Luxury Real Estate Advisors | Compass ATX