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 2025 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.

Have Fun!

Featured Event

Growing Asian Vegetables & Herbs

Gardening in Texas: Growing Asian Vegetables & Herbs

Learn the ins and outs of growing a wide variety of delicious and nutritious Asian vegetables and herbs—from leafy greens to fragrant staples used in cuisines across the continent. 

“Austin’s legacy of creativity and culture isn’t just identity – it’s an economic engine that has fueled our growth for decades.”

–  said Rally Austin, in the latest story in our Living Eulogies series, A Tale Of A Changing City 

Primary runoffs in Travis County are on May 26th. Here’s what you need to know… 

There is an important runoff election for Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 4.

Travis County Commissioners are kind of like city council members, but for the whole county.

Early voting lasts through Friday.

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!

Programming & Events Manager– Waterloo Greenway

Your Vote Is Your Voice

Latest Podcast

Precinct 4 Podcast Newsletter Cover-2

What's On Your Ballot? Travis County Commissioner Precinct 4

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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!