Opponents of Austin’s Prop Q Outpace Supporters in Fundraising Efforts

AUSTIN – As Austinites prepare to vote on Proposition Q, opponents of the measure have significantly outperformed supporters in fundraising during the final campaign push. The proposition seeks to increase property taxes to generate an estimated $110 million annually for crucial city services, including homelessness response and public health initiatives.

If approved, the average homeowner with a property valued at approximately $500,000 would see their annual property tax bill rise by just over $300. This increase is in addition to a separate hike in city rates expected regardless of the election outcome.

Understanding Proposition Q and its Financial Implications

Proposition Q, which the Austin City Council placed on the ballot, aims to enhance funding for services such as parks, public safety, and health programs. The recent campaign finance reports, submitted eight days before the election, revealed that groups opposing the tax measure raised and spent more than those in favor over the past month.

The financial disclosures highlighted the following contributions for groups supporting Proposition Q:

– **Austinites for Equity**: $15,422.34 raised, $76,225.20 spent
– **Equity Action**: $250 raised, $70,005.10 spent
– **Love Austin PAC**: $52,575.94 raised, $94,090.47 spent

A significant portion of Equity Action’s expenditures appears unrelated to Proposition Q, notably a $20,000 contribution to the Texas AFL-CIO, a labor group backing the measure.

Conversely, four organizations filed reports opposing the proposition. Notably, the Free Zilker Coalition reported no financial activity, while the A Greater Republic PAC did not provide a report. The remaining two groups, Restore Leadership ATX and Save Austin Now PAC, collectively raised over $270,000:

– **Restore Leadership ATX**: $67,800 raised, $72,766.35 spent
– **Save Austin Now PAC**: $209,745 raised, $183,612.25 spent

While some spending by Save Austin Now PAC may relate to broader issues, their recent financial activities are closely tied to the campaign against Proposition Q.

The Path Ahead for Austin Voters

As Election Day approaches, the dynamics of the campaign have intensified. The financial backing for opponents of Proposition Q reflects a significant mobilization of resources aimed at swaying public opinion. Voters will ultimately decide the fate of this pivotal tax measure, which carries implications for the future funding of essential city services.

With the clock ticking down to the vote, the outcome remains uncertain, underscoring the importance of civic engagement in shaping the future of Austin’s community services.