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.
Austin has a big goal. Net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050… at the latest. This means that we have less than 30 years to virtually eliminate the climate-change causing emissions from the electricity we use, the cars we drive, and the trash we throw away. So
Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time, there was a group of Austinites who were really concerned about the lack of access to healthy food in their community. Thirteen zip codes in Travis County don’t even have a grocery store
How to spend your money. It’s one of the most important decisions that City Council makes. Each year, Austin’s City Council is responsible for setting a new city budget. This budget impacts everything from the quality of our local parks and libraries, to how much money you
Take a moment. Think. What is it you’re passionate about? What keeps you up at night? What gets you up early, excited to go out there and go do? Which news stories make your blood boil? Now’s your chance to make a difference…
Thought election season was over? Not quite. Early voting has begun for Austin’s City Council runoff elections. Election Day is on December 11th. What’s a runoff election? In Austin, if no single candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote in the
What role can businesses play in making Austin a better place to live? Can they leverage their voices and resources to make a positive impact? That’s the idea behind Good Work Austin, a new organization made up of socially-responsible, local businesses. At their official
It’s happening! Today is Election Day. That’s right, you now have the chance to help choose the future leaders of our city, state, and country. Here’s everything you need to know to cast an informed vote: 1. Early voting started on October 22nd and lasts through Friday,
Who should be the next mayor of Austin? That’s the question all of you will have to ask yourselves when you go to the polls in November. Incumbent Steve Adler is running against several opponents who are trying to unseat him, including Laura Morrison,
In case you couldn’t tell from the yard signs, bumper stickers, and news headlines… it’s election season. And yes, a lot of attention has been given to the senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke, but did you know that it’s also a
You are officially invited to a more functional democracy. On Tuesday October 2nd, in the year 2018, join your fellow lovers of local democracy to explore, engage, interact, ask questions, confess unknowns, and get ready to vote this November. Join AEN Editor-In-Chief Amy
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