Welcome to the austin common.

(Formerly known as the Austin EcoNetwork)

We’re the local news site that helps you be informed and make a difference… right here in Austin, Texas.

If this your first time visiting? Learn more by clicking on one of the buttons below. Or, keep scrolling for a look at our most recent posts, stories, and suggested civic action items. 

Vote

Elections 101

We make learning about elections fun and easy! Click here for an archive of all our election guides.

News

News Articles

Look through our thousands of local news stories. New posts are added weekly and every story has a focus on community engagement and ways you can get involved.

Events

Community Calendar

Discover new ways to connect to Austin's civic community with our community calendar, featuring events from dozens of local nonprofits & advocacy groups.

Have Fun!

Featured Event

Climate Training

Climate “Train”ing

Join several local environmental organizations for a train ride + discussion about climate change in central Texas.  

“I have someone who is in high need. I know they would benefit from being in a house… I can either get someone in somewhere now and hope for the best or I can leave them on the street and keep waiting for something that’s never coming.”

–  Eli Cortez, Community Organizer with VOCAL-TX, in our latest story, “Austin’s Rapid Rehousing Program,  Explained.”

Rapid Rehousing is one of the programs our city uses to truly solve a person’s homelessness. Here’s what you need to know about how it works… 

Rapid Rehousing provides up to 24 months of rental assistance and case management services.

According to estimates, we need about 1,700 additional Rapid Rehousing units.

Compared to other Texas cities, Austin has a high rate of people experiencing chronic homelessness, which may be making Rapid Rehousing less effective.

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Jobs For The Common Good

A full list of the coolest sustainability + civic jobs in Austin!

Grants Manager – TreeFolks 

Your Vote Is Your Voice

Latest Podcast

Solving Homelessness In Austin Rapid Rehousing Podcast Cover

Solving Homelessness In Austin: Rapid Rehousing

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Latest Quiz

Because it’s time for quizzes with more helpful information in them than “what kind of toast you are” or “which Disney princess you’re most like”… (sorry Buzzfeed). 

 

With our quizzes, we help you learn about your local community, get personalized advice, and of course, have a little fun. — Coming soon!

Connect with us!

Have any questions about The Austin Common? Just send us an email (info@theaustincommon.com). We’d love to chat. 

Action Item

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