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.
Been wondering what Austin City Council has been up to lately? They’re on summer break, so we thought now would be the perfect opportunity to catch you up on everything they’ve been working on… That way, you’ll be prepared to give your input and get
Are you a community activist hoping to be more successful right here in Austin? Or perhaps you’re thinking about running for public office someday? Or serving on a local board or commission? If so, then the CityWorks Academy is the thing for you. Hosted each
It’s almost July and that means two things for Austin’s City Council – they’re about to go on their annual summer break and they’ve got a lot of work to finish up before then. So what does this mean for you? The Thursday,
There are few things as confusing in Austin right now as CodeNEXT. At times, it can seem like there are hundreds of opposing viewpoints, all being tossed around online and in public meetings at a lightening fast pace. And that can make it hard for
Guest Editorial – from Al Braden Al Braden is a local environmental activist, photographer, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteer. Austin City Council took a big step last week by becoming the major first city in Texas – and the third largest
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by learning how to get involved and make a difference in your local community? That’s why the Austin EcoNetwork is proud to announce that we’ll be hosting the Changemaker’s Cafe at this year’s Earth Day ATX festival. Located in
One of the Obama administration’s biggest greenhouse gas emission reduction policies is about to be rolled back… and Austin Mayor Steve Adler is not too happy about it. Last week, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced that he intends to roll back vehicle emission standards and is starting a
Frustrated with national politics? Always wanted to get more involved in your local community, but don’t know where to start? Have an issue you care about, but don’t know how to advocate for it because of our confusing political system? With “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government,” you’ll
Guest Post – from Al Braden Al Braden is a local environmental activist and photographer. “Thanks for the invite to come back. I am a member of Sierra Club,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler said as he took the stage at Austin Sierra Club’s
“This coming year we choose what kind of future our children will face,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler during his State of the City Address on Tuesday evening. “It’s going to be a big year. This is the year we act deliberatively, affirmatively, and pro-actively
Austin is not the only city making the push for solar energy. Earlier this month, a group of 70 US mayors signed a letter written by the nonprofit organization Environment America, pledging their support for solar energy and its advancement in local communities across the country. “We, the undersigned U.S.
It was a packed house at City Hall on Wednesday night as Austinites showed up in droves to discuss a very important issue – policing. The focus was the Austin Police Association contract, which has been negotiated on over the past several months. On