More Affordable Austin
Former Democrat State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos of Austin explains why he's voting against Proposition Q, a proposed 20% property tax increase for Austinites. With 30 years in the Texas Legislature, Barrientos shares his insights on government spending, common-sense budgeting, and the impact of rising taxes on Austin’s middle and low-income residents, elderly, and renters. Learn why he believes now is not the time for Prop Q and how past projects like Project Connect raise concerns about fiscal responsibility. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: Why Prop Q’s tax hike could hurt Austin’s...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
Join Ed Latson, CEO of Opportunity Austin and lifelong Austinite, as he breaks down the explosive growth of Austin's economy, the hidden costs of Prop Q, and why this massive tax increase could make Austin a less attractive place for families and business. From skyrocketing property taxes impacting renters and homeowners to businesses fleeing to suburbs like Round Rock and Georgetown—Ed reveals how we can keep Austin affordable, vibrant, and business-friendly without raising taxes. If you're an Austin voter, homeowner, renter, or business owner, this is a MUST-WATCH before November 5, 2024!...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
Austin City Councilmen Mark Duchen Breaks Ranks: Why He's Voting NO on Prop Q's 20% Tax Hike! 🚫💰 In this exclusive interview, Austin City Councilmen Mark Duchen - the ONLY council member publicly opposing Proposition Q - explains why this massive property tax increase could devastate affordability, displace vulnerable residents, and fail to deliver on promises like solving homelessness. With Austin's growth slowing and families fleeing to cheaper suburbs, Duchen argues it's time for efficiencies, not more burdens on teachers, nurses, renters, and everyday Austinites. Discover the...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
Why Austin's Prop Q Tax Hike is a BAD Deal: Long-Time Resident & CPA Ellen Wood Breaks It Down In this eye-opening interview, Ellen Wood—a lifelong Austinite, CPA, former CFO, and business owner—explains why she's voting NO on Prop Q, the controversial tax rate election that could jack up Austin property taxes by 20%. Discover how a "contrived" $33 million budget deficit is being used to justify over $100 million in new taxes, with no real cost-cutting or efficiency audits from the city. Key highlights: The deficit? Ellen calls it unnecessary—City Manager presented a balanced...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
Why Austin Native Steven Brown is Voting NO on Prop Q: The Hidden Cost of a 20% Tax Hike on East Austin Families Lifelong East Austin resident and community leader Steven Brown shares his powerful story of growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood now ravaged by gentrification. Born and raised on the East Side, Steven reveals how historical policies like the 1928 plan and rising property taxes are pushing families out—forcing heartbreaking choices between kids' after-school programs and skyrocketing bills. Discover: How Prop Q's 20% tax increase could devastate working-class families,...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
Mark Nemir has lived in Austin since 1961 and has run one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, Dirty Martin’s, for nearly four decades. As the legendary burger joint approaches its 100-year anniversary, Mark shares why he believes Prop Q threatens not only his business but affordability across the city. In this episode, Mark opens up about: 💸 How rising property taxes and fees are squeezing small businesses 🏙️ Why affordability is worse than ever for workers, students, and families ⚖️ His candid thoughts on Project Connect, City Hall, and Prop Q Mark’s message is...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
Longtime Austinite and environmental advocate Robin Rather reveals why she's voting NO on Prop Q: "I'm voting no because I love Austin...we can't afford to keep pushing people out!" Since moving to Austin in 1993, Robin has fought for sustainability as a three-time chair of Save Our Springs Alliance. In this interview, she raises concerns about a city and its leadership ignoring the affordability crisis driving teachers, nurses, artists, and families to flee Austin for more affordable places to live. Prop Q's 20% property tax hike? It's unnecessary and devastating, she warns – especially for...
info_outlineMore Affordable Austin
In this powerful conversation, former Austin City Councilwoman Ora Houston delivers a raw and urgent message: "I'm voting NO on Prop Q because I love Austin – but it's not the city I grew up in anymore." Raised in the historic Blackland neighborhood, Ora opens up about her lifelong ties to East Austin, from segregated schools and thriving Black communities to the devastating wave of gentrification that's displaced her neighbors. She breaks down how soaring property taxes are forcing families, seniors on fixed incomes, and minority residents out to places like Manor or Round Rock – and why...
info_outlineAustin City Councilmen Mark Duchen Breaks Ranks: Why He's Voting NO on Prop Q's 20% Tax Hike! 🚫💰
In this exclusive interview, Austin City Councilmen Mark Duchen - the ONLY council member publicly opposing Proposition Q - explains why this massive property tax increase could devastate affordability, displace vulnerable residents, and fail to deliver on promises like solving homelessness.
With Austin's growth slowing and families fleeing to cheaper suburbs, Duchen argues it's time for efficiencies, not more burdens on teachers, nurses, renters, and everyday Austinites. Discover the hidden costs, questionable spending, and why now is NOT the time for a half-billion-dollar splurge.
If you care about keeping Austin livable, this is a must-watch before November's vote! #VoteNoOnPropQ #AustinTaxes #AffordableAustin
Timestamps:
0:00 - Austin Background: Growth, Changes, and Prop Q
1:09 - Why Oppose Prop Q: Vulnerable Residents & Displacement Risks
2:03 - The Permanent Tax Hike: Half a Billion in Spending by 2029
2:40 - Impact on Affordability for Teachers, Nurses, and Essential Workers
3:52 - Where Displaced Go: 93% of Newcomers Choose Suburbs Over Austin
5:56 - City's Lack of Efficiencies: No Serious Savings Before Asking for More
6:38 - Houston's Success: $120M Saved Without Tax Increases
8:24 - Potential Reforms: Audits, Organizational Changes, and Savings Opportunities
10:04 - Advocating for City-Wide Efficiencies to Build Trust
11:36 - Who Benefits?
13:07 - Myth Busting: Covid Funds, Ongoing Programs, and "Fully Funding" Homelessness
15:23 - Austin Spends More Than Peers, But Problems Persist
17:36 - Renters Alert: Taxes Lead to Higher Rents; Fears for East Austin Communities
19:16 - Dangerous Trend: Upcoming Bonds and Cumulative Tax Burdens
20:23 - Voter Awareness & Final Message: Can Austin Afford This Now?
Vote No Subscribe for more Austin insights, and share if you're ready to protect our city's affordability! 🇺🇸 #AustinPolitics #PropQ #TexasTaxes