I-35 Corridor Mayors Oppose New Property Tax Reform

Coalition of I-35 Corridor Mayors oppose legislative proposal that would harm Texas cities

SAN ANTONIO — The cities of San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos and New Braunfels – some of the fastest growing cities in the United States – would have lost at least $770 million over the past decade, under a proposal from some Texas legislators, while saving the average homeowner just a few dollars a month.

The four percent revenue cap proposal, recommended by Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief, would severely impact these fast-growing cities’ ability to provide critical services for their growing populations.

The region is expected to see continued exponential population growth, creating even greater demands for public safety, safe roads and infrastructure that fosters continued economic development.

“Texas cities are the economic engines of our state and are the level of government closest and most accountable to the people. City official’s best understand the unique facets of their communities and should continue to have the ability to manage their budgets responsibly to provide critical services,” said San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor.

“Texas officials, who often champion limited government, know that government is not one size fits all and should allow municipalities to continue to best represent their constituents,” Taylor continued.

The region is home to two of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Comal and Hays, and demographers expect the metropolitan area’s population to grow by nearly 34 percent by 2030. 

The United States Census found that New Braunfels is the second-fastest growing city in the nation and the surrounding cities from San Antonio to Austin are expected to form a Metroplex similar in size to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. 

The mayors of these cities have united to plan for the incoming growth and viability of the I-35 corridor.