Austin Prop I 2026: What the Efficiency Audit Charter Amendment Means for Property Taxes

Last updated: Oct. 29, 2026

Austin Proposition I on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot would amend the city charter to require an independent "Affordability and Efficiency Initiative" every five years and before the city holds any tax rate increase election. The outside contractor would have to find annual and multi-year savings larger than its own fee. Prop I doesn't set or change Austin's property tax rate. It adds a required review before the city could ask voters for a higher rate. A simple majority decides it.

What does Austin Prop I say on the ballot?

According to the City of Austin's order of election and KUT, the ballot reads: "Shall the City Charter be amended to require an Independent Affordability and Efficiency Initiative on a regular basis and before any tax rate increase election and requiring the independent contractor to identify annual and multi-year savings that exceed the cost of the contractor's service?"

Why is Prop I on the ballot?

KUT reports that the petition drive was led by Save Austin Now and that more than 21,000 registered Austin voters signed it. Former Travis County Judge Bill Aleshire wrote the measure. KVUE reports that it follows voters' rejection of Austin's 2025 property tax increase, Proposition Q.

After that vote, the City Council approved $5.2 million in August for Public Works LLC to do an efficiency review of every city department, according to KVUE. A final presentation is expected in July 2027. Because that review was created by ordinance, a future council can change or end it. A charter amendment can only be changed by another vote of the people.

What do supporters and opponents say?

• Supporters say putting the review in the charter makes it permanent and keeps the focus on affordability and outcomes. Aleshire told KVUE that requiring savings above the contractor's fee keeps a consultant from returning a report that costs more than it finds.
• Opponents, including Council Members Vanessa Fuentes and Chito Vela, say the city already has an outside review. They argue that making consultants find enough cuts to cover their fees is a conflict of interest that could pressure cuts to services such as library hours or pools.

Would Prop I lower my Austin property taxes?

Not directly. Prop I doesn't change your appraised value, your exemptions or the city's tax rate. It affects the process before the city could hold a tax rate election, which Austin needs when it wants to adopt a rate above its voter-approval rate under Texas Truth-in-Taxation rules (see the Texas Comptroller's Truth-in-Taxation page). Your Austin bill also includes Travis County, your school district, Austin Community College and Central Health, which set their own rates.

What can Austin homeowners do about their property taxes?

A tax rate can't be protested, but your value can. The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) sets the value your bill is based on.

• Pay your 2026 bill on time. Jan. 31, 2027 is a Sunday, so 2026 taxes are due by Monday, Feb. 1, 2027.
• Check your exemptions with TCAD so your homestead, over-65 or disability exemption carries into 2027.
• Plan your 2027 protest. The deadline is Monday, May 17, 2027, because May 15 falls on a Saturday, or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later. Sales of similar homes and repair estimates help at an informal review or Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing.

See our Austin property tax protest page and our Travis County property tax protest guide. You can file yourself, or protest with TaxDrop. Here's how a Texas property tax consultant works.

Sources: City of Austin Order of Election (Ordinance 20260806-004); KUT; KVUE; Texas Comptroller, Truth in Taxation; Texas Tax Code §§26.07, 31.02 and 41.44.