Joining the ACC District
Pflugerville residents are leading an effort to join the Austin Community College District (ACC). Following a successful community petition, the ACC Board of Trustees is considering a November 2026 election. If voters approve the measure, residents living within the boundaries of the Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) will immediately gain access to ACC in-district benefits. In exchange for low-to-free tuition, customized workforce training, expanded high school Dual Credit programs, and participation in College governance, property owners would be subject to an ACC property tax of $0.1034 per $100 valuation.
While ACC welcomes the opportunity to deepen our partnership, the decision to join the district belongs entirely to the Pflugerville community.
Benefits to Joining the ACC District
If voters approve annexation, Pflugerville ISD residents will immediately receive in-district benefits, including:
- In-District Tuition: You no longer have to pay the out-of-district fee. Tuition will drop from $286 to $85 per credit hour— saving a local student up to $12,000 on an associate degree (60 credit hours).
- Free Tuition: With ACC’s Free Tuition Pilot Program, all tuition and fees will be waived for PfISD high school and homeschool graduates, as well as TX GED® completers, who graduate in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028. Tuition will drop from $201 (out-of-district fee) to $0 per credit hour for up to three years (up to five years if you pursue a bachelor’s degree with ACC).
- Expanded Programs & Services: ACC will work with Pflugerville ISD, business leaders, and community partners to identify evolving workforce and education needs in the area. The College invests in the community by expanding programs, services, and training opportunities designed to meet local demand.
- Governance: Residents will have a voice in how ACC is governed. You will be eligible to vote in ACC elections and run for a position on the ACC Board of Trustees. There are nine at-large positions.
ACC Property Taxes and Exemptions
ACC is funded in part through local property taxes paid by residents within the district. If annexation is approved, property owners within the Pflugerville ISD territory would pay ACC’s current property tax rate of $0.1034 per $100 of assessed valuation.
Homestead Exemptions | ACC offers property tax exemptions for qualifying homeowners.
Standard Homestead Exemption
- Greater of 1% or $5,000
Senior and Disabled Homeowner Exemption
- Additional $75,000 exemption
- Total exemption of $80,000
Tax Freeze Protection | ACC maintains a tax ceiling for:
- Homeowners age 65 and older
- Homeowners with disabilities
How We Got Here
Community members interested in joining the Austin Community College District organized a petition effort to begin the annexation process.
Supporters were required to collect signatures from at least 5% of registered voters living within the proposed annexation area. Based on the previous general election, that meant collecting 3,988 valid signatures. Community members submitted 5,483 signatures, and ACC verified that the petition exceeded the required threshold.
Timeline:
- Petition Submitted – Community members submitted 5,483 signatures in support of annexation. ACC validated that the petition met the requirements established by the Texas Education Code.
- June 15, 2026 – The ACC Board of Trustees accepted the petition and approved moving the process forward.
- June 16, 2026 – ACC published the proposed annexation service plan for public review.
- July 16, 2026 – ACC held a public hearing to receive community input on the proposed service plan. (A recording is available below)
- August 2026 – The ACC Board of Trustees is expected to consider whether to call an annexation election for the November ballot.
- November 2026 (if approved by the Board) – Voters in the proposed annexation area would decide whether to join the Austin Community College District.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the annexation election be held?
The annexation proposal is expected to appear on the November 2026 ballot for voters living within the Pflugerville ISD territory.
Election Day is November 3, 2026. Early voting will run from October 19-30.
Who can vote on the annexation proposal?
Registered voters who reside within the proposed territory to be annexed may vote on whether to join the ACC District.
Does ACC support or oppose annexation?
ACC does not advocate for or against annexation proposals. The College’s role is to provide factual information, answer questions, and present the proposed service plan so voters can make an informed decision.
The College hosted a public hearing in Pflugerville on July 16, 2026, to share information about the proposed service plan and receive comments and questions. A recording is available here. Further questions about annexation, tuition, taxes, programs, and services can be directed to the College’s Government Affairs team at 512-223-7071.
What is the return on investment at ACC?
Austin Community College District (ACC) generates $2.6 billion in annual economic impact across Central Texas, according to a 2026 independent report. The analysis by Trellis Strategies examines the College’s role in the regional economy through institutional operations, student and employee spending, and the long-term earnings of its graduates.
What are the outcomes for ACC graduates?
According to the 2026 Economic Impact Report, outcomes for ACC graduates include:
- Five years after completion, ACC graduates earn a median of more than $55,000, compared to about $33,000 for those with a high school diploma or less in the region.
- 68% of graduates remain in the greater Austin area.
- 85% stay in Texas, contributing to the state’s workforce.
How does the ACC Free Tuition program support Pflugerville students?
ACC’s Free Tuition Pilot Program launched in 2024. As a pilot program, it’s designed to support high school graduates, homeschool grads, and GED completers in ACC’s service area — which includes Pflugerville. Since its launch, the program has helped reverse a decade-long decline in college-going rates, contributing to the region’s highest direct-to-college enrollment since 2011.
Data show nearly one-third (31%) of participating students admitted they would not have enrolled in any college at all without the free tuition program. Data also indicate that Free Tuition students are choosing to go full-time at nearly double the rate of the general student body.
How will Pflugerville be represented?
In Texas, when a community is annexed into an existing community college district, it transitions from the College’s service area to its official taxing district. The primary way a community gains a voice is through the College’s governing Board of Trustees. Upon official annexation, residents of the new territory immediately gain the right to vote in College board elections and run for trustee seats.