ATX-NCA: Impact 10/21/2025

Early voting is now underway and local voters can cast their ballots in support of or against Austin's Proposition Q for a 20% city tax rate increase.

The local tax rate election, or TRE, is required after City Council passed a budget this summer backed by a tax rate above Texas' voter-approval rate. Proposition Q's passage would keep the budget and rate in place as approved, while its rejection would force city leaders to cut down their fiscal year 2025-26 spending plan and tax rate within the state cap.

The TRE would add about $110 million to Austin's general fund, which supports public-facing city services like public safety, parks, public health and housing programs. Council members dedicated tens of millions of dollars to their priorities in those subject areas during their summer budget deliberations.

Campaigns for and against Proposition Q are well underway, drawing tens of thousands of dollars for and against the TRE over the past several months.

Downtown's newest brunch location opened earlier this month and is offering house-made dishes, cocktails and specialty coffee.

What to know: Fat Rabbit Social House has taken over the space previously occupied by Forthright as founder and operator Rachael Treadwell takes her first leap into restaurant ownership after previously managing Forthright.

"Opening Fat Rabbit Social House in downtown Austin feels like the culmination of everything I've poured into this industry," Treadwell said. "This incredible location, practically on Town Lake's doorstep, gives us the chance to create something truly special – a place where Austin's energy comes alive through delicious food, great drinks and weekends with live music. After years of studying the art of brunch at other restaurants, I'm thrilled to launch my own vision and create a fun gathering place that serves locals and visitors alike."

The restaurant offers brunch classics such as chicken and waffles and french toast as well as specialty entrees like the Forthright brunch burger which is topped with a bacon bourbon jam and a fried egg.

• 35 Brazos St., Austin

Across the state of Texas, families brave overwhelming medical situations in which they often have no options but to stay in hospital rooms while supporting their children needing care. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas has worked since 1985 to ease these experiences with comfortable sleeping spaces, food services and more.

The history: Since its launch, the nonprofit has expanded with family rooms available at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus, Seton Medical Center Austin, St. David’s Medical Center and St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.

Each family room contains a living room, a kitchen and dining area, sleeping rooms, shower and laundry facilities, a quiet room and snacks and beverages.

“No family ever dreams of having a child in a hospital,” COO Kristin Coulter said. “The certainty when they’re told that their child has a diagnosis or is critically ill to have a resource like Ronald McDonald House come alongside them and walk along that journey with them is very comforting.”

• 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1/2, Austin

As water restrictions and shortages become more common in Texas communities, state lawmakers are asking voters to approve $20 billion to fund new water supply projects and improve existing systems over the next 20 years.

The overview: If voters approve State Proposition 4, which is on the November ballot, the state will create a dedicated funding stream to help local utilities access more water and upgrade their infrastructure. Without the new funding, Texas’ water crisis could deepen, experts say.

“We’ve got 1,500+ people moving to Texas every day, and not one of them is bringing a single drop of water with them,” Dean Sharp, who leads the management division of the Texas American Water Works Association, said Oct. 16.

Key takeaway: Despite the $1 billion annual price tag, Proposition 4 would not create any new state taxes or increase costs for Texans, lawmakers and experts said. Beginning in 2027, the money would come from existing sales tax revenue and be deposited in the Texas Water Fund, a state account that voters approved in 2023.