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.
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
Austin Mayor Steve Adler traveled all the way to Illinois this week to sign a very important document – the Chicago Climate Charter. Created in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement, the Chicago Climate
In other election news… Tuesday was Election Day in America. In case you haven’t had the time to see how things went in Austin, here’s a quick recap: Travis County Bonds Prop A – $93,445,000 for roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, and drainage improvement projects at low water crossings. What happened? Prop A
There’s an election going on right now in Austin and after 12 days of early voting, turnout in Travis County is still less than 6 percent! Here’s the deal – Elections are important. Most people seem to understand that, but we also tend to forget how important they are
Austin Mayor Steve Adler was back in Paris this week to talk all things climate with mayors from around the world. The event was a meeting of the C40 Cities, a network of the world’s largest cities committed to addressing climate change. Collectively, they represent over 90 cities (including
It’s been about three months since President Donald Trump announced he is withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement. So what’s happened since? As you might remember, hundreds of states, cities, universities, and businesses initially spoke out against Trump’s decision, saying that they would continue
We have a new budget folks. Austin City Council officially approved a $3.9 billion budget last week. It will go into effect on October 1st. So what does that mean for you? The average Austin homeowner (with a home valued at $305,000) will pay $151 more next year in taxes
Hurricane Harvey struck Texas nearly a week ago, but its effects will continue to be felt by the state and the entire country for the next weeks, months, and years to come. Houston is underwater. Rockport has suffered widespread destruction and Beaumont has lost access
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