Texas voters, or at least the relatively small number who historically participate in such elections, will decide on nearly $15.5 billion in bond propositions in the May 4, 2024, ballot.
These propositions aim to fund new schools, infrastructure projects such as roads and transportation, water and drainage systems, and cultural arts facilities, among others. They represent new debt and further financial obligations for both current and future generations of Texas taxpayers.
Summary of Propositions
Texas voters will evaluate nearly 250 propositions, most of which are proposed by school districts, totaling approximately $15.5 billion.
| Bond Issuer Type | Total Bond Propositions $ | # of Propositions |
|---|---|---|
| City | $2,418,230,000 | 38 |
| School District | $9,944,541,784 | 183 |
| Water District | $2,591,370,000 | 24 |
| Other | $456,500,000 | 1 |
| Totals | $15,410,641,784 | 246 |
Top Ten City Bond Election Proposals
Across Texas, 38 city bond proposals are listed for the May 4th, 2024 ballot, addressing needs from street and drainage improvements to economic development and homelessness solutions.
| City | Proposition # | Principal Amount $ | Purpose(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | A | $521,200,000 | Transportation |
| Dallas | B | $345,270,000 | Parks & Recreation |
| McKinney | E | $243,500,000 | Streets & Roads |
| Irving | A | $200,000,000 | City Hall |
| Lewisville | D | $198,900,000 | Street & Drainage |
| McKinney | A | $106,000,000 | Parks & Recreation |
| Dallas | F | $90,000,000 | Public Safety |
| Dallas | E | $75,200,000 | Cultural Arts Facility |
| Dallas | G | $72,300,000 | Economic Development |
| McKinney | D | $70,000,000 | Public Safety |
| Totals | - | $1,922,370,000 | - |
The top ten most expensive city bond proposals account for nearly $2 billion of the total $15.5 billion on the ballot.
Top Ten School District Bond Election Proposals
There are 183 school district bond proposals, focusing on projects ranging from new schools to stadiums and performing arts centers.
| School District | Proposition # | Principal Amount $ | Purpose(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown ISD | A | $597,500,000 | School Building & Buses |
| Mansfield ISD | A | $584,500,000 | School Building & Security |
| Galena Park ISD | A | $530,010,000 | School Building & Buses |
| Argyle ISD | A | $482,385,000 | School Building |
| Canutillo ISD | A | $379,000,000 | School Building |
| Barbers Hill ISD | A | $378,300,000 | School Building |
| Elgin ISD | A | $366,000,000 | School Building & Buses |
| Godley ISD | A | $365,000,000 | School Building & Buses |
| Cedar Hill ISD | A | $278,500,000 | School Building |
| Medina Valley ISD | A | $249,150,000 | School Building & Security |
| Totals | - | $4,210,245,000 | - |
The top ten most expensive school district proposals account for over $4 billion of the total $15.5 billion on the ballot.
Top Ten Water District Bond Election Proposals
Twenty-four water district bond proposals are on the ballot, addressing improvements from water and sewage systems to roads and parks.
| Water District | Proposition # | Principal Amount $ | Purpose(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County MUD 202A | D | $557,900,000 | Refunding |
| Montgomery County MUD 202A | A | $346,200,000 | Water, Sewage, & Drainage |
| Fort Bend County MUD 162 | A | $300,000,000 | Water, Sewage, & Drainage, & Refunding |
| Montgomery County MUD 202A | B | $180,500,000 | Road |
| Mustang Ridge MUD | B | $178,875,000 | Refunding |
| Harris County MUD 055 | B | $177,000,000 | Refunding |
| Mustang Ridge MUD | A | $143,100,000 | Utility |
| Harris County MUD 055 | A | $118,000,000 | Water, Sewage, & Drainage |
| Mustang Ridge MUD | D | $103,000,000 | Road & Refunding Roads |
| Northampton MUD | A | $86,000,000 | Water, Sewage, & Drainage |
| Totals | - | $2,190,575,000 | - |
The top ten most expensive water district proposals account for over $2 billion of the total $15.5 billion on the ballot.
Local Debt High in Texas Comparatively
According to the Texas Bond Review Board, as of FY 2023, Texas local governments had a total outstanding debt of approximately $308 billion—$211 billion tax-supported and $97 billion revenue-supported. Among the ten most populous states, Texas ranks third in per capita local government debt, only behind New York and California.
According to Truth in Accounting, Texas hosts nine of the nation’s 75 largest cities, five of which are considered “sinkhole cities” — they currently lack the financial resources to cover ongoing expenses and pose significant burdens on taxpayers.
Conclusion
Voters should be aware that the bond issuers are required only to disclose the principal amount—not the interest—which means the actual cost to taxpayers will be higher than stated. Previous legislative efforts to require full disclosure have failed, largely due to opposition from local government entities that benefit from these bonds. As Texas continues to grow, the need for infrastructure does too, but it is crucial that taxpayers demand reforms to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
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