There are better tools to solve the 'affordability' problem than a 20% homestead exemption (HEx). Here's what progressive, fiscally-responsible Austinites must argue.
"It's just a tax cut for mansions."
The benefits of a percentage-based homestead exemption disproportionately flow to those with the most property wealth and income. The chart below …
[MORE]Adoption of a 20% homestead exemption (HEx) would shift City taxation away from affluent, low-density Council districts towards the middle-class and Latino neighborhoods.
The following visualizations compare each district's share of tax cuts/revenue loss against several demographic factors. The tax data sources are TCAD & WCAD files analyzed by Dylan …
[MORE]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 …
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