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 our guides to the November 2024 election.

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.

Featured Event

Sustainability Salon

Join the Dougherty Arts Center and share your knowledge and curiosity about sustainable art practices and how artists can contribute to a healthier planet.

“This is the most expensive county in the state of Texas to get child care… and it’s prohibitive for a lot of people who have to make that decision. They can’t go to work because they can’t afford to pay that child care, so they just stay home.”

–  said County Judge Andy Brown, explaining why he thinks Prop A is important. Learn more about Prop A with our latest election guide

This fall, voters in Travis County will vote on Prop A. Here’s what you need to know… 

Prop A is related to increasing affordable, high quality, child care access in the county.

If Prop A passes, it will create 1,900 new subsidized child care slots for infants and toddlers.

Prop A is a tax rate election. If it passes, the average homeowner will pay $125 more in property taxes.

Join the Club

Love The Austin Common? Join The Common Club, our supporters network/Patreon community. As a member, you’ll gain access to special perks (like civic zines, t-shirts, & stickers) & fun programming. So what are you waiting for? Support a local community news source, meet cool people, & grow your civic knowledge.

Jobs For The Common Good

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

Grants Manager – TreeFolks 

Your Vote Is Your Voice

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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

Become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar!