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 above for info about the May 2023 elections.

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

Austin Light Rail Community Meeting: District 4

Learn about updates on the future of Austin’s light rail system & share your feedback. 

“We believe that if officers knew that they’d face discipline for brutality and misconduct, they’d do it less. We believe that if officers knew that facts about police brutality and misconduct would always be made public, they would do it less.”

–  Equity Action, speaking about why they put Prop A on the ballot, in our May 2023 election guide

The Texas Legislature is officially in session. Here’s what you need to know… 

The 88th Texas Legislative session began on Jan. 10th & lasts for 140 days.

Texas has a historic budget surplus this year. State lawmakers now have to decide how much of it they should spend & what they should spend it on.

There are 150 members in the Texas House & 31 members in the Texas Senate. Republicans have majorities in both.

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!

Your Vote Is Your Voice

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

Don’t forget to vote!!