As election night approaches, several local elections and voting issues in the Greater Houston area are poised to shape our communities in significant ways. From funding for public safety, drainage and education to tax rate decisions, here’s a look at some of the most important items that will impact voters.

Alvin ISD Proposition A

Voters in the Alvin Independent School District will vote to approve or reject Proposition A. Residents will decide whether the district will move forward with the $380 million bond that will be used to improve safety and security. School safety has been at the center of discussions since the increase in school shootings. Concerns grew after online and social media posts suggested Texas schools would become targets for violence. The threats have affected schools across the state, and several Houston-area campuses are facing incidents that have triggered lockdowns, panicked parents and frightened students. “The argument that Alvin ISD is making here is that it’s a win-win. You’re getting new schools and safer schools and with those new schools you’re going to see more growth in terms of housing within Alvin ISD, which in turn will increase the property tax base, which means existing homeowners will pay lower tax rates in the future and lower taxes because of the larger number of residents,” said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University.

Spring ISD Proposal A

This proposal would increase the Spring ISD property tax rate by 13.52% from the current rate, resulting in an additional $16.2 million. The proposed tax rate, if approved by voters, would provide crucial funding for teacher and staff salaries. “The positive thing is that this would strengthen Spring ISD and help it move more positively into the future.” The downside is that it will come at a cost, and so the average homeowner will have to pay about $100 more per year in property taxes if the bill passes,” Jones said.

City of Sugar Land Proposals A-E

As voters head to the polls, Sugar Land residents will have several important decisions to make. Five proposals in the running could shape the future of the city’s infrastructure, public services and even the functioning of local government. “Sugar Land is a growing city with aging infrastructure. And these proposals would allow it to bring its current infrastructure up to the standards its residents actually need,” Jones said. Proposition A focuses on public safety and includes spending to build a new police headquarters and purchase new SWAT vehicles. Proposal B seeks approval for street, sidewalk and trail improvements. Proposition C proposes increased funding for drainage improvements. Proposals D and E address the need for city building upgrades and a new, larger animal shelter. “If all these measures are adopted, we will be like the average homeowner. That’s a $500,000 house in Sugar Land. We’ll probably see an increase of $60 immediately, and it could reach around $200 to $250 by the end of the decade,” Jones said.