Be more like Texas, less like California

Assessing Tax Trends in the City of Arlington

Does history suggest that property taxes are too high in the city of Arlington? And, if so, have local decision-makers actively helped or hurt the situation?   To help answer these questions, let’s review the city’s 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and gather four types of data—i.e., tax levies, local population, total tax rates, and taxable values—over a 10-year time horizon. Using these audited estimates, we can gauge the growth of government (i.e., tax levy trends), assess its reasonability...

Texas’ Economic, Labor Market, and Fiscal Situation

This presentation provides information about Texas’ economy, labor market, and fiscal situation and key public policies that would increase individual liberty and economic prosperity.

Property Tax Relief in Texas: Plan to Eliminate School M&O Property Tax

Texas’ property tax system has turned property holders into renters, where government is their landlord and Texans who struggle to pay annual tax bills face confiscation of their properties. Additionally, the growth of government is harming taxpayers and the economy through higher taxes and more regulation. For example, Eddie Wilson owns the landmark Austin restaurant...