HOUSTON — The Houston People’s Budget Campaign submitted four alternative budget proposals ahead of the Houston City Council’s final vote on June 4, 2026, on Mayor John Whitmire’s $7.5 billion budget. The coalition of taxpayers, climate organizers, and immigrant-rights advocates proposed funding public services through a property tax model instead of new fees.
Whitmire’s budget includes a $5 monthly trash administrative fee and a right-of-way charge on water and wastewater utilities. City officials estimate the trash fee would generate $24 million to $25 million annually. The mayor described the fee as “It's just a practical solution.” His office said the proposal has support from business, labor union, and nonprofit groups and is intended to protect services, protect workers, and put Houston on solid financial planning.
Houston Controller Chris Hollins criticized the mayor’s plan, arguing it shifts costs onto residents and relies on financial projections not fully explained to the public. Hollins said the budget overestimates property-tax revenue and underestimates overtime costs for first responders. “This budget is so egregious. We've been on a path of spending like there's no tomorrow without a path towards how we're going to pay for it. We think that people need to know about it,” he said. He also expects the city’s budget deficit to be higher than the projected $25 million.
The People’s Budget Campaign’s alternatives would fund trash collection, illegal dumping cleanup, drinking water infrastructure, flood mitigation, parks, and libraries through property taxes. The group stated, “The people’s budget offers an alternative to the current plans being discussed at City Hall.” More than a dozen supporters spoke during public comment at the June 3 City Council meeting, and the campaign planned a news conference outside City Hall on June 4 ahead of the vote. The final budget, if approved, takes effect July 1, 2026.