More Affordable Austin

Senator Gonzalo Barrientos - Vote No On Austin's Prop Q

Former Democrat State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos of Austin explains why he's voting against Proposition Q, a proposed 20% property tax increase for Austinites. With 30 years in the Texas Legislature, Barrientos shares his insights on government spending, common-sense budgeting, and the impact of rising taxes on Austin's middle and low-income residents, elderly, and renters. Learn why he believes now is not the time for Prop Q and how past projects like Project Connect raise concerns about fiscal responsibility. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: Why Prop Q's tax hike could hurt Austin's residents Examples of questionable city spending (Project Connect, Cap and Stitch, etc.) The need for prioritizing education, health, and safety Gentrification and its impact on Austin's communities 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on Austin's future! Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Gonzalo Barrientos on Prop Q 0:09 - Meet Senator Barrientos 0:43 - What is Proposition Q? 1:05 - Importance of city workers 1:32 - Liberal on kids & elderly, conservative on spending 2:42 - Project Connect's cost concerns 4:32 - Questionable city projects 6:11 - Issues with Central Health 8:40 - Can Austinites afford a 20% tax increase? 10:24 - Austin's demographic changes 11:53 - Impact on elderly and renters 14:57 - Is Prop Q a partisan issue? 16:23 - Austin's responsibility to tighten its belt 17:04 - Final thoughts: Vote NO on Prop Q #austintx #austin #atx #keepaustinweird #austinpolitics #PropQ #atxnews #affordability #SmallBusiness #voteaustin #austintexasmusic #austintexas #austintexasrealestate

Ed Latson - Vote No On Austin's Prop Q

Join Ed Latson, CEO of Opportunity Austin and lifelong Austinite, as he breaks down the explosive growth of Austin's economy, the hidden costs of Prop Q, and why this massive tax increase could make Austin a less attractive place for families and business. From skyrocketing property taxes impacting renters and homeowners to businesses fleeing to suburbs like Round Rock and Georgetown—Ed reveals how we can keep Austin affordable, vibrant, and business-friendly without raising taxes. If you're an Austin voter, homeowner, renter, or business owner, this is a MUST-WATCH before November 5, 2024! In this eye-opening interview, discover: * Austin's incredible transformation: From job boom to Michelin-star restaurants and global events like F1 and SXSW. * The real impact of Prop Q: $800 annual hit for average families, many of which will not be able to afford. * Business exodus: Why giants like Apple, Samsung, and Dell are expanding outside Austin—and what the city can do instead. * Long-term risks: Worsening traffic, affordability crisis for young grads and essential workers, and missed revenue opportunities. Vote no on Austin's Prop Q this November 4th, Early Voting begins October 20th! Share and subscribe for more on Austin politics, economy, and local issues. 0:00 - Intro: Why Vote No on Prop Q & Ed's Austin Roots 1:22 - Cultural Growth: Restaurants, Events, and Keeping Austin's Spirit 2:11 - Prop Q Explained: 20% Tax Hike and Affordability Threats 2:57 - Impact on Residents: $800 Costs and Population Shifts to Suburbs 4:28 - Effects on Businesses: Exodus to Neighboring Counties 5:32 - What is Opportunity Austin? 6:53 - Renters and Real Estate Challenges 8:12 - Worsening Traffic and Living Where You Work 8:55 - Vulnerable Groups: Young People and Essential Workers 10:15 - Long-Term Tax Implications and Cumulative Burden 11:34 - Improving Austin's Business Environment 13:38 - Alternatives to Tax Increases: Incentives and Retention 15:41 - Budget Deficit Analysis: Is a Tax Hike Necessary? 16:50 - Raising Awareness: A Pivotal Moment for Austin's Future

Councilman Marc Duchen - Vote No On Austin's Prop Q

Austin City Councilmen Mark Duchen Breaks Ranks: Why He's Voting NO on Prop Q's 20% Tax Hike! 🚫💰 In this exclusive interview, Austin City Councilmen Mark Duchen - the ONLY council member publicly opposing Proposition Q - explains why this massive property tax increase could devastate affordability, displace vulnerable residents, and fail to deliver on promises like solving homelessness. With Austin's growth slowing and families fleeing to cheaper suburbs, Duchen argues it's time for efficiencies, not more burdens on teachers, nurses, renters, and everyday Austinites. Discover the hidden costs, questionable spending, and why now is NOT the time for a half-billion-dollar splurge. If you care about keeping Austin livable, this is a must-watch before November's vote! #VoteNoOnPropQ #AustinTaxes #AffordableAustin Timestamps: 0:00 - Austin Background: Growth, Changes, and Prop Q 1:09 - Why Oppose Prop Q: Vulnerable Residents & Displacement Risks 2:03 - The Permanent Tax Hike: Half a Billion in Spending by 2029 2:40 - Impact on Affordability for Teachers, Nurses, and Essential Workers 3:52 - Where Displaced Go: 93% of Newcomers Choose Suburbs Over Austin 5:56 - City's Lack of Efficiencies: No Serious Savings Before Asking for More 6:38 - Houston's Success: $120M Saved Without Tax Increases 8:24 - Potential Reforms: Audits, Organizational Changes, and Savings Opportunities 10:04 - Advocating for City-Wide Efficiencies to Build Trust 11:36 - Who Benefits? 13:07 - Myth Busting: Covid Funds, Ongoing Programs, and "Fully Funding" Homelessness 15:23 - Austin Spends More Than Peers, But Problems Persist 17:36 - Renters Alert: Taxes Lead to Higher Rents; Fears for East Austin Communities 19:16 - Dangerous Trend: Upcoming Bonds and Cumulative Tax Burdens 20:23 - Voter Awareness & Final Message: Can Austin Afford This Now? Vote No Subscribe for more Austin insights, and share if you're ready to protect our city's affordability! 🇺🇸 #AustinPolitics #PropQ #TexasTaxes

Ellen Wood - Vote No On Austin's Prop Q

Why Austin's Prop Q Tax Hike is a BAD Deal: Long-Time Resident & CPA Ellen Wood Breaks It Down In this eye-opening interview, Ellen Wood—a lifelong Austinite, CPA, former CFO, and business owner—explains why she's voting NO on Prop Q, the controversial tax rate election that could jack up Austin property taxes by 20%. Discover how a "contrived" $33 million budget deficit is being used to justify over $100 million in new taxes, with no real cost-cutting or efficiency audits from the city. Key highlights: * The deficit? Ellen calls it unnecessary—City Manager presented a balanced budget, but Council tweaked it for optics. * No emergency here: As a finance expert, Ellen says any business could trim 0.5% without breaking a sweat. * Affordability crisis worsens: Renters, seniors on fixed incomes, and families face higher rents, fees, and taxes—up to $500+ more per year combined. * Since 2016, Austin taxes have skyrocketed 130% with zero visible improvements. * City resists external audits that could save millions, like in Houston—why the fear? * This isn't just a one-time hit: It compounds forever, pricing out future generations from the Austin we love. If you're an Austinite worried about rising costs, displacement, and fiscal irresponsibility, this is a must-watch. Ellen's insider perspective as a local leader will make you rethink Prop Q. Vote informed—early voting starts soon! What do YOU think about Prop Q? Drop a comment below. Timestamps: * 0:00 - Introduction: Why Ellen is voting NO on Prop Q * 0:07 - Ellen's Austin roots and background * 0:23 - What is Prop Q? Explaining the 20% tax hike and $33M deficit * 0:55 - Is the deficit "contrived"? City Council's role exposed * 1:41 - No cost savings efforts: Critique of fiscal irresponsibility * 2:40 - Is 0.5% a real emergency? Private sector perspective * 3:24 - Why no external efficiency audit? Lessons from other cities * 4:41 - External audits: What they are and why Austin fears them * 5:40 - Does this help Austin's affordability crisis? * 6:20 - Impact on renters, seniors, and fixed-income families * 7:18 - What is the city actually doing about affordability? * 7:59 - How Austin has changed: Growth vs. affordability * 8:54 - Austin's declining affordability for future generations * 9:43 - Prop Q accelerating displacement from Austin * 10:48 - Broader tax increases: Travis County, AISD, and more * 11:52 - Comparing Austin's tax hikes to neighboring areas (130% since 2016) * 13:18 - Effects on vulnerable communities and no visible benefits * 14:18 - Key message: Vote NO until the city cuts costs and audits * 15:08 - The compounding, forever impact of Prop Q * 15:44 - Long-term prognosis: More families priced out #PropQAustin #VoteNoOnPropQ #AustinTaxes #AustinAffordability #TexasPolitics #PropertyTaxHike #FiscalResponsibility #AustinTX

Steven Brown - Vote No On Austin's Prop Q

Why Austin Native Steven Brown is Voting NO on Prop Q: The Hidden Cost of a 20% Tax Hike on East Austin Families Lifelong East Austin resident and community leader Steven Brown shares his powerful story of growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood now ravaged by gentrification. Born and raised on the East Side, Steven reveals how historical policies like the 1928 plan and rising property taxes are pushing families out—forcing heartbreaking choices between kids' after-school programs and skyrocketing bills. Discover: * How Prop Q's 20% tax increase could devastate working-class families, equating to the cost of a full Little League season. * Shocking insights into City Council's dismissive attitude, including a "bingo card" mocking citizen concerns. * Why this isn't just a race issue—it's classism affecting everyone from old-timers to newcomers. * The real impact on Austin's culture, affordability, and community spirit: "We cannot afford taxes to be raised right now." Steven urges Austinites: Vote NO on Prop Q this November to protect our families and hold leaders accountable. Don't let paternalistic policies erase what makes Austin special. If you're in Austin and care about affordability, gentrification, or local politics, watch now and join the conversation. Early voting starts soon—make your plan! #VoteNoPropQ #AustinTaxes #EastAustin #Gentrification #AustinPolitics #PropertyTaxes #CommunityVoices #TexasElections Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Why Vote No 00:13 - Steven's Austin Roots 00:42 - Changes in East Austin 01:23 - Gentrification's Roots & Impact 03:09 - Prop Q's Effects on Families 04:49 - Coaching Kids & Tough Choices 06:49 - City Treatment of Communities 09:39 - The Bingo Card Scandal 12:08 - Is City Council Listening? 14:01 - Affordability Crisis Exposed 15:12 - Call to Vote & Final Thoughts