Local government is important. It’s the branch of government that affects your life the most, and yet, many of us can barely remember the name of our mayor or City Council member. That’s why we break it all down for you in a way that’s clear, easy-to-understand, and even a little fun. No PhD in poli sci needed!
New to The Austin Common? Here’s two ways we suggest learning more about local government:
#1 – Get yourself a copy of “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government: Austin Edition.”
#2 – Start reading our Civics 101 news stories, conveniently laid out for you below.
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury kicks off a series about policing in Austin, explaining exactly what changes were made to APD’s budget this past summer and sharing an update on what work has been done since. Guests include
Summary There are 181 members of the Texas Legislature. With our latest guide, we run through the members who represent the Austin area. Action Box Stay engaged with your state representatives during this legislative session. Follow them on social media and save their phone number
Summary The Texas Legislature only meets for 140 days every other year… but a lot of important stuff happens during that time. Learn all about it with our latest guide! Action Box Figure out who represents you in the Texas Legislature & follow them on
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury shares the importance of city boards & commissions and explains how you can apply to serve on one. Guests include current board/commission members Pooja Sethi & Rocky Lane, as well as Austin City
Summary In the City of Austin, boards and commissions are groups (made up of volunteers) that advise City Council on a variety of key issues. Action Box Now is a great time to apply to serve on a board or commission. If you’re interested in
Summary Over the course of this past year, the City of Austin has released 3 major studies, investigating racial disparities & racism within the Austin Police Department. Action Box You can help shape Austin’s reimagining public safety efforts by filling out an online survey here.
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with public education advocate Laura Yeager to give you a little civics lesson on the importance of local school boards. After that, we interview several of the candidates running in Austin’s
Summary Two AISD school board races are headed to a runoff election on December 15th. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! 5.23 percent. That was the voter turnout in Travis County as of December 8th, nearly a week into early voting. That’s not great,
Summary Two Austin City Council races are headed to a runoff election on December 15th. Action Box If you live in Austin City Council District 6 or 10, don’t forget to vote! Thought the election was over? Here in Austin, we’ve still got a few
Summary A lot has been done since City Council voted to make $150 million in historic cuts & potential changes to APD over the summer. Keep reading for an update on the latest! Action Box Participate in our city’s effort to reimagine public safety by
Summary Election Day is over, and while the presidential race is still uncertain, here in Austin, we passed two major transportation propositions & broke all kinds of voter turnout records. Action Box If you live in Austin City Council District 6 or 10, you still
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury answers all your voting-related questions and sits down with guest Marissa Rivera for some helpful tips on how you can encourage your friends and family to vote as well! Give it a