Franchise Fees

November 20, 2008

While the Legislature has improved the franchise process, it has left franchise fees at high levels. So while the process is now more efficient, consumers still pay fees that providerevenues for cities far above what it costs to manage the public ROW.

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Hijacked: How the Bond Process is Being Used Against Taxpayers

School bonds are one of the main instruments contributing to Texas’s local government debt, which is currently over half a trillion dollars. Key points: As of 2026, school bond debt in Texas is over $236 billion. In May of 2023, Texas passed 79% of the 245 bond proposals put on the ballot, costing taxpayers $22.9...

April 7, 2026

Taxes & Spending

Just the Facts: Property Taxes in Texas’ Most Populous Cities, Counties, and School Districts 4th Edition

Property taxes imposed by local governments have, in many instances, outpaced population growth and inflation. As a result, Texans pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Key points: Property taxes are assessed and collected by local governing bodies. The State does not levy a property tax. Local governments levied $89.4 billion in...

April 3, 2026

Local Government

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Texas local governments use taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to influence state legislation—creating conflicts of interest, distorting democratic accountability, and undermining the interests of Texas taxpayers. Key points: Taxpayer-funded lobbying expenditures more than doubled from the 85th to the 89th Legislature, now reaching as high as $111.5 million. Taxpayer-funded lobbyists consistently opposed legislation involving property...

April 6, 2026

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Hijacked: How the Bond Process is Being Used Against Taxpayers

Just the Facts: Property Taxes in Texas’ Most Populous Cities, Counties, and School Districts 4th Edition

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying