Endorsement resolution regarding the upcoming Prop Q election.

WHEREAS, the city faces a deficit caused in part by attacks from the Texas Legislature, which in 2019 capped the increase in property tax revenue that can be collected each year to 3.5% and because of President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE federal funding cuts to grants that

were already awarded to the City; and

WHEREAS, the anticipated deficit will have serious implications for City staffing levels, job

security and potential inflation adjustments for city workers; and

WHEREAS, the anticipated deficit will prevent the city from stepping up as more and more of our residents -- migrants, people with disabilities, students, the unhoused, anyone who disagrees with the administration -- are in the crosshairs of federal power unleashed on the population; and

WHEREAS, tens of millions in federal grants for public health goals like vaccination were clawed back earlier this year and have already resulted in layoffs and service reductions to critical health programs; and

WHEREAS, new cuts to federal climate grants included in Trump’s recently passed federal budget, by a federal administration packed with climate change deniers, are likely to result in further reductions to Austin’s climate plan implementation in this current fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the proposed budget published on July 11, 2025, shows that without a tax rate election, the City Manager would recommend reductions to programs providing housing, health care, fire protection, youth programs, climate jobs, and animal care to balance the budget; and

WHEREAS, the proposed budget published on July 11, 2025, shows that without a tax rateelection, the City Manager would also recommend cutting pay raises for civilian employees in fiscal year 2026-2027, drawing down reserves and the Housing Trust Fund, and discontinuing programs and services previously supported by state and federal funding that is now unavailable to the City; and

WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed on August 14, 2025 a budget that includes an additional property tax of $.05 per $100 dollars of assessed property value over the 3.5% allowed by state law, triggering a tax rate election to be held on November 4, 2025; and

WHEREAS Prop Q will allow Austin to continue to be a safe, forward looking and progressive city by protecting our progress on climate change, giving us resources to protect our migrant neighbors, and restoring Trump budget cuts to public health including immunizations, domestic violence services, crisis prevention teams, and emergency health services; and

WHEREAS, the adopted budget can only be implemented with voter approval on the November 4 th election, meaning in order to protect union jobs, cost of living increases and provide critical City services a strong coalition will be needed to wage an effective campaign to ensure passage; and

WHEREAS the tax rate increase is endorsed by a broad coalition of local organizations including the Central Labor Council, Equity Action, Ground Game Texas, Housing Works, AFSCME, VOCAL-TX and many more; and

WHEREAS endorsement sends a strong signal that our Democratic community is united against Donald Trump and Greg Abbott and that when federal and state funds are cut we stand ready to help our most vulnerable neighbors ourselves;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Travis County Democratic Party endorses the

position of “In Favor” or “Yes” on the City of Austin’s Tax Rate Election ballot measure.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Travis County Democratic Party shall encourage Democrats that are eligible to vote in the election to vote FOR the TRE.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Travis County Democratic Party calls on City Council

members to follow through on programmatic commitments made to this community during the

2025 budget process to ensure the safety of the community and its workers.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Travis County Democratic Party shall employ all its campaign resources and strategies, in the same manner as it would any other endorsed campaign measure, to ensure the Tax Rate Election is victorious.