Property Taxes Keep Rising—Here’s What I’m Doing About It

As your State Representative, I believe government should live within its means just like Texas families do. That’s why I filed legislation to bring greater transparency and accountability to how local taxing entities like cities, counties, and school districts spend your tax dollars.

The data makes it clear: local government tax collections are growing far faster than the populations they serve and in many cases, the increases in tax rates and spending are not justified by the actual needs of our communities.

Look at the Numbers (2015–2024):

  • Austin
    – Population increased 17%
    – Property tax collections increased 121%

  • Houston
    – Population increased 3%
    – Property tax collections increased 35%

  • Fort Worth
    – Population increased 20%
    – Property tax collections increased 91%

  • Dallas
    – Population increased 4%
    – Property tax collections increased 94%

This Means:

  • Many cities sometimes keep the same tax rate or slightly reduce their tax rates, but those rates did not offset the dramatic increases in property values and total tax levies.  In other words: You’re paying more because your home is worth more even if local tax rates drop slightly. And the extra revenue isn’t just going to core services. It's fueling bigger government.

  • Local governments are collecting far more tax revenue even in areas where population growth has been relatively flat.

  • This suggests the growth in tax revenue is driven by rising valuations and spending decisions, not by a proportional need to serve more residents.

  • When property tax collections outpace population growth by two or three times, it signals a lack of restraint and a need for far greater transparency and accountability in local budgeting.

I filed House Bill 250  to shine a light on local taxing and spending decisions, and to help protect taxpayers from being burdened by unsustainable growth in government budgets. Texans deserve to know where their money is going, and to trust that their local governments are not taxing them out of their homes.

Read the Press Release about my Bill HERE:

State-directed tax relief is being undermined. Even when the Legislature cuts property taxes (like increasing the homestead exemption or compressing school M&O rates), local governments often raise rates, pass bonds, or use loopholes turning relief into an indirect subsidy for more spending.

This legislation will help ensure that rising property values don’t automatically turn into blank checks for local governments. You deserve a government that’s efficient, transparent, and accountable, not one that taxes you out of your home.

Thank you for the honor of serving you. I will continue fighting to preserve the Texas dream of affordable living, responsible government, and opportunity for all.

Carrie Isaac