This classic tale of good intentions gone awry is a sober reminder that government’s ability to tax and spend, regardless of size or amount, is not to be treated lightly. For if we do, we risk violating the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the values of sound reason and commonsense.
Taxes & Spending
Assessing Tax Trends in the City of Austin
Does history suggest that property taxes are too high in the city of Austin? 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...
February 19, 2026