Public safety concerns are on the rise in Austin, prompting increased attention from Texans and their elected officials. In 2022, both the violent crime rate and the property crime rate in Austin were higher than the national average (U.S. News & World Report, n.d.). Further, Austin’s homicide rate was “trending above the state and national average” as of July 2024 (Velez, 2024). “The last four years have definitely been the most murderers that we’ve ever had,” the Austin Police Department reported (Velez, 2024). The challenges surrounding public safety have been compounded by Austin’s management of its law enforcement resources. A key factor in this issue is the jurisdictional divide in the city. The area surrounding the Capitol, along with numerous other owned buildings, does not fall under the City of Austin’s authority. Instead, this region, known as the Capitol Complex, is under state jurisdiction.
Taxes & Spending
Higher Taxes on the Horizon: Lovejoy ISD
Many city, county, and school district officials are in the early stages of deciding where to set their tax rates for the next fiscal year. In some cases, these local decisions will push property taxes higher, creating new challenges for family budgets and forcing tough personal choices. Given the very real prospect of tax hikes on the horizon, now is the time for Texans to learn what their local governments are up to and...
June 9, 2026