This is a policy brief for the "Improving the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Texas Government" report. It includes recommendations for ensuring that the performance of departments and agencies meets their legal obligations and policy objectives set by government. The Honorable Maurice P. McTigue, vice president of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and former cabinet minister and member of parliament in his native New Zealand, wrote this paper for TPPF.
Taxes & Spending
Just the Facts: Local Government Spending
Despite billions in property tax relief provided by recent state legislatures, Texans’ property tax bills continue to increase due to unrestricted spending at the local level. Key points: City and county government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. While the state government has constitutional and statutory spending limits, local governments do...
August 10, 2026