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.
Summary Every 10 years, Austin’s City Council districts are redrawn by an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Applications for new members are being accepted until Sept. 30th. Action Box Learn more about the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and consider applying! Want to impact Austin politics for
Summary Austin City Council recently voted to put an active transportation bond on the ballot, known as Prop B. Action Box Continue to educate yourself on all of the propositions that will be on the ballot in November… and don’t forget to vote! Traffic. It’s
Summary Austin City Council recently approved the city’s 2020-2021 budget after months of debate over police spending. Action Box Even though the budget is finalized, there’s still a lot of work to be done, so stay engaged! Follow your favorite nonprofit/ advocacy organization, as well
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the city’s new budget (and changes to the future of the Austin Police Department), but did you know that Council made another big decision last week? At their most recent meeting, Council officially voted to put Project
On Wednesday night, Austin Mayor Steve Adler delivered his annual State of the City Address, discussing his major priorities & goals for the city. Didn’t have a chance to watch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our handy little guide. You can also watch
Summary The city is in the process of developing a budget for its new fiscal year (which starts on October 1st). The main point of debate & discussion is over the police department budget. Action Box Get involved in the city’s budget process! Sign up
Summary City Council is in the process of debating and revising the proposed budget for its 2020-2021 fiscal year. In this guide, we break down and explain the main point of discussion – the police department’s budget. Action Box Have opinion’s about the city’s budget?
Summary The city is in the process of developing a budget for its new fiscal year (which starts on October 1st). The new budget will influence everything from Austin’s response to COVID-19 to police reform efforts. Action Box Get involved in the city’s budget process!
Let’s face it. Not a lot of people vote in July primary runoff elections. And it’s understandable why. Keeping track of so many different races and understanding what a runoff election even is can be extremely overwhelming. But it doesn’t mean that these elections aren’t
Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn how to vote safely with our visual guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. Feeling nervous about voting in the midst of a pandemic? Here’s our list of tips & info for
Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn about the state senate race with our easy-to-read guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. Care about health care? Affordability and property taxes? Education? These are all things that a state senator
Summary The Democratic primary runoff for the next Travis County District Attorney is on July 14th. Have no idea who’s even running? Check out our easy-to-read guide below. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. One of the biggest races in this election is for our next