Verdict: Partially Kept
Make affordability the top priority, including increasing the senior/disabled homestead exemption and holding the line on property tax increases.
Kirk WatsonMayor, Austin·January 15, 2024
Source: Re-election campaign platform [link]
Budget & TaxesMeasurable
What was promised
Metric: Homestead exemption amount, property tax rate
Target: Increase senior exemption, no property tax hike
What actually happened
Result: Senior exemption raised to $154K; general property tax increased in FY2025
Watson successfully raised the senior/disabled homestead exemption from $124,000 to $154,000 — seniors likely won't see a city property tax increase. However, other homeowners saw a property tax increase, and the City Council approved raising property taxes as part of the $5.9 billion FY2025 budget, including added funds for homeless services. Watson later requested the FY2027 budget forecast be built without assuming a tax increase.
Data sources: Austin Monitor, Austin American-Statesman, KXAN
Verdict: Partially Kept
Some progress was made toward this promise, but the original target was not fully met. Results fell short of the specific commitment.