City and county spending has outpaced growth in population and inflation, leading to an increase in the tax burden on Texan taxpayers. Key points: Local government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. From 2014 to 2023, local government spending rose by 61.2%, whereas population and inflation increased by only 42.7%. Elevated...
Does history suggest that property taxes are too high in Travis County? And, if so, have local decision-makers actively helped or hurt the situation? To help answer these questions, let’s review the county’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....
January 8, 2018 Dear Legislative Staff: If you have at least one session but not more than five years of Texas legislative experience, the Texas Public Policy Foundation invites you to join the second class of Texas Capitol Leaders – a year-long leadership program that promotes the philosophical, policy, and professional development of early-career Texas...