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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. 

Prop A, Explained
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

Prop A, Explained

Summary This election season, Austinties will have the opportunity to impact the future of public transportation in Austin with Prop A. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! And don’t forget to vote in these important local races as well. Maybe you’ve read the headlines. Maybe you’ve

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District 10
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To The District 10 City Council Race

Summary There are seven candidates running to represent District 10 (west Austin) on City Council. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! And don’t forget to vote in these important local races as well. Live in west Austin? Interested in police reform? Our city’s response to homelessness?

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Early Voting
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

Here’s How To Vote Early In Texas

Summary Early voting for the November 3rd election starts on October 13th. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! And don’t forget to vote in these important local races as well. Elections are going to look a little different this year. In the midst of a global

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Austin Common Radio Hour Episode 3
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To The District 2 City Council Race (Episode 3)

In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, Diana Gómez (of La Politica) joins Amy Stansbury to cohost our conversation with the candidates running for Austin City Council in District 2 (southeast Austin). Topics of discussion include gentrification/ displacement, police reform, and advancing racial equity

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Travis County Guide
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To The Travis County Elections

Summary Even though it gets the bulk of media attention, the presidential election won’t be the only race on your ballot this year. There will also be several important races here in Travis County. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! And don’t forget to vote in

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District 2 City Council Race
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To The District 2 City Council Race

Summary There are four candidates running to represent District 2 (southeast Austin) on City Council. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! And don’t forget to vote in these important local races as well. Live in southeast Austin? Concerned about gentrification and displacement? Passionate about social justice?

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Episode 2 - Rail For Austin?
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Rail For Austin? You Decide (Episode 2)

In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury goes over the basics of Prop A, which, if approved by voters in November, could bring a $7.1 billion transit system to Austin. We also take a deep dive into Austin’s transportation history

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The Austin Common Radio Hour
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Why Local Elections Matter (Episode 1)

In the first-ever episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury talks about why voting in local elections is so important, kicking off a series of election-themed episodes to get you prepped for November!   Guests include : Austin City Council Member Greg

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Guide to COA elections
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To The City of Austin Elections

Summary There are several important races on the local ballot this year, including 5 City Council seats and 2 propositions that could impact the future of transportation in Austin. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! And don’t forget to vote in these important local races as

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Vote By Mail
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

So You Wanna Vote By Mail In Texas

Summary With a global pandemic still raging and a long list of problems at the US Postal Service, concerns over voting by mail in the November election are high. Action Box Vote! Vote! Vote! Make a plan now and decide if you’re going to vote

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Climate Equity
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
Amy Stansbury

The Austin Climate Equity Plan, Explained

Summary The City of Austin Office of Sustainability has just released a draft of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which lays out a roadmap for Austin to reduce its emissions by 52% by 2030. Action Box Look through the new plan and then share your

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