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 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
Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn about the County Attorney’s race with our easy-to-read guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. In 2019, 25 percent of the inmates booked in our county jail were Black. That’s despite the
Newly interested in getting more involved in what’s happening at City Hall? Then you’ve got to get yourself a copy of “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government.” It’s fun, it explains all the basics of Austin’s local government system, and it comes with stickers. What
Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn about all the positions that are on the ballot (and what the heck they even mean) with our easy-to-read guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. Raise your hand if you’ve ever
Every Monday, The Austin Common staff shares what we’re reading, watching, and listening to. This week, we’re focusing our recommendations on police reform & the upcoming election. For more, follow us on Instagram – @the_austin_common. Read: Black Lives Matter’s Years of Pressure Paved Way For
Every Monday, The Austin Common staff shares what we’re reading, watching, and listening to. This week, we’re focusing our recommendations on racial justice & local government. For more, follow us on Instagram – @the_austin_common. Read: A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government Just starting to get involved
Summary We’ve partnered with the team at A Functional Democracy to share some helpful tips for testifying and to help distribute their “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government” book. Action Box Sign up to speak at the next Council meeting and get yourself a copy