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: Understanding Your Government – Engaging With City Council

Join the League of Women Voters and The Austin Common for a workshop on how to engage with your local elected officials. 

“What we’ve done is we’ve criminalized, now, mental health issues. So I think fundamentally, that’s one of the core issues that I see. Is that we have to move toward being a community that understands mental health is a health issue.” 

 

– Karen Ranus (Executive Director of NAMI Central Texas), on The Austin Common Radio Hour (Episode 14: Mental Health & Policing)

In May, Austinites will vote on Prop B (which is all about homelessness). If passed, Prop B will prohibit… 

Camping in public areas

Sitting, lying down, or sleeping outdoors in parts of downtown Austin

Aggressive solicitation & solicitation during certain times and at certain locations

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!

Food Forest Storyteller Fellowship

Your Vote Is Your Voice

Latest Podcast

Episode 14

Mental Health & Policing (Episode 14)

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!

Your Ultimate Local Election Guide

Everything you need to know, in 3 simple emails. Sign up below. 

Action Item

Volunteer at one of Travis County’s COVID-19 vaccination sites.