Why Proposition Q Matters for Austin’s Korean Community

Our Voices Matter: Proposition Q and the Austin Korean Community

Austin Korean Association

October 30, 2025

Election Day: November 4, 2025 | Early Voting Ends: October 31, 2025

To Our Korean Community

A critical election is approaching for Korean residents of Austin, especially for Korean small business owners. On November 4, we will vote on Proposition Q. This is not simply a tax issue—it's a crucial decision that directly affects our community's future, the survival of our businesses, and the economic stability of our families.

What is Proposition Q?

Proposition Q proposes raising the city's property tax rate by 5 cents per $100 of property value, which would generate approximately $110 million in revenue for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Real Impact:

For homeowners:

Average homeowners with a $500,000 home will see an additional $270 on their tax bill next year
Approximately $300 annual increase (about $25 per month)
If Proposition Q fails, the tax increase would be reduced to about $104.76

For small business owners:

Larger tax burden for commercial property owners
Additional burden on already high operating costs
Potential rent cost increases

Why Koreans Should Pay Extra Attention

1. Already High Cost of Living

Austin currently has the highest rent prices in Texas. According to Numbeo's 2025 cost of living index, Austin's rent index sits at 50.1, placing it 12th among major cities in North America.

Many Korean families:

Are already under economic pressure from high rent costs
Despite slight decreases in average Austin rent, actual burden hasn't decreased due to "junk fees" and additional charges
Are "cost-burdened," spending more than 30% of income on housing

2. Direct Impact on Small Business Owners

Rising Healthcare Costs: Texas small businesses are facing proposed health insurance premium increases of up to 15.4%, nearly six percentage points higher than the national average and 12.5 percentage points higher than current inflation rates.

Additional Tax Burden:

Korean restaurants, H Mart food court vendors, beauty salons, service businesses
Larger tax increases for commercial property owners
Even for renters, landlords may pass increased taxes to rent

3. Combined Impact with Inflation

Cumulative inflation since 2020 has exceeded 25%, and prices for many goods and services purchased by local governments (construction costs, equipment maintenance, electricity, wages) have increased more than general inflation.

Reality faced by Korean families and businesses:

Rising food prices
High energy costs
Wage increase pressure
Now additional property tax increases

Arguments For and Against

Arguments in Favor:

The additional $110 million in revenue would be used for:

$51.5 million for reducing homelessness and increasing housing affordability
Park and recreation facility improvements
Enhanced public safety and health services
Ensuring financial stability

Supporters argue this is necessary to maintain essential services and address Austin's most pressing issues.

Arguments Against:

Several organizations, including the Austin Chamber and Real Estate Council of Austin, oppose this measure, citing impacts on families already struggling to make ends meet.

Opposition arguments:

City Council should address fiscal issues through budget cuts
Additional burden on already high cost of living
With eviction filings in Travis County on track to reach record highs in 2025, additional tax burden could put more families at risk

Impact on Rent Costs

This is particularly important as many Koreans live in rental properties.

Current Austin Rental Market:

Positive news: CoStar forecasts that Austin's rental rates will decrease year-over-year throughout 2025, with decreases around 4.3% in Q1 and ending around 1.4% lower by year's end.

Concerns:

While rent prices themselves have decreased, rising "junk fees" for pest control, valet trash, internet, and facility upkeep could raise monthly bills by hundreds of dollars
If property taxes increase, landlords are likely to pass this to tenants
Rent limits for affordable housing are tied to area median income, so they often don't benefit from general market rent decreases

Why Our Vote Matters

1. Time to Raise Our Voices

More than 45,000 voters cast ballots in the first week of early voting, already surpassing the total early voting numbers from 2023. This proves Austin residents are taking this issue very seriously.

The Korean community must also actively participate:

More Korean families are moving to Austin due to Samsung's expansion
Korean businesses are increasing
Our economic interests are at stake

2. Importance of Local Elections

Many Koreans participate in presidential or state elections but tend to overlook local elections. However:

Why local elections matter more:

Direct impact on our daily lives
Property taxes, public safety, education, roads, parks
Determines our business operating environment
Each vote carries more weight

3. Power of Community

The Austin Korean community:

Approximately 100,000 Koreans live in North Texas (including Austin)
More Korean influx expected due to Samsung expansion
Increasing economic contribution from Korean small business owners

When we vote together, our voices are heard.

Message to the Korean Community

Our Responsibility

As immigrants living in America, we didn't come just seeking economic opportunities. We are members of this society, and along with our rights come responsibilities.

Voting is: