A City of Austin 20% homestead exemption is a tax shift policy that is likely to get a lot of attention from the incoming City Council. Here's what you need to know.
1. What is it exactly?
The 20% homestead exemption (HEx) reduces the assessed value of one's primary residence …
[MORE]A homestead exemption based on a fixed percent of home value is a regressive and ineffective affordability policy. It engenders a permanent loss of much-needed revenue for public investments. Spending directly on policies that promote abundant housing supply is an effective, progressive alternative. Said progressive alternative targets the actual problem …
[MORE]A new City budget is being debated. Here are five key points that help clarify the meaningful choices policymakers face.
1. The City is not the big property tax bill. It's AISD.
A lot of consternation about the cost of local government focuses on the City. It's certainly a major …
[MORE]This Statesman story covering the swearing in of our new Mayor points out that the projected deficit for the City of Austin ranges from $30 to $43 million. This sounds like a lot of money relative to the average person's income. Unfortunately, the story does not put the number in …
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