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

Did you know there's an election in May? Learn everything you need to know to cast an informed vote on all 8 ballot propositions. We make learning about elections fun and easy!

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

Civics 201

Civics 201: Engaging With The School Board

Join the League of Women Voters for a presentation about the school board – how it works & how to engage with it. 

“We take hundreds of votes sometimes in a month on the City Council, thousands over the course of several years, and it’s hard for me to think of a vote that could save more lives and that I could be prouder of…”

 

– Council Member Greg Casar, at a press conference announcing Council’s plans to invest in a new family violence shelter for the first time in more than a decade. 

In May, Austin voters approved Prop B. Here’s what that means… 

APD will begin to role out the enforcement of Austin's reinstated homeless camping ban in 4 phases

Austin City Council is considering creating designated legal camping zones on city-owned land

A plan has been released to rehouse 3,000 people in 3 years

Join the Club

At The Austin Common, our goal is to do more than just share news and information. We’re here to build community, standing side-by-side with all the amazing people who make this city so great. That’s why we’ve created a virtual membership club, especially focused on getting us all through this COVID-19 crisis and building community resilience in the process. 

Jobs For The Common Good

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

Public Information Specialist, Office of Sustainability 

Your Vote Is Your Voice

Latest Podcast

Episode 15

Should Austin Reinstate Its Homeless Camping Ban? (Episode 15)

As seen on social media...

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

Give your feedback on APD’s use-of-force policies.