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 On January 6th, Austin’s new City Council was sworn into office. Action Box Click the badge above to look up your Council district and figure out who your new Council member is. We officially have a new Austin City Council! Keep scrolling to learn
Summary In November, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department released a draft of the Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan. Action Box Share your thoughts on the plan with city leadership! Click the badge above to fill out the city’s comment form through January
Summary The Austin mayoral election is headed to a runoff between Celia Israel & Kirk Watson. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on December 13th and early voting begins on December 1st. Thought elections were over? Not yet! The Austin mayoral
Summary The Austin City Council District 9 election is headed to a runoff between Zohaib “Zo” Qadri & Linda Guerrero. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on December 13th and early voting begins on December 1st. Thought elections were over? Not yet!
Several local races are headed to a runoff! To make it easier for you to do your ballot research, we’re re-publishing some of our election episodes to feature only the candidates who made it to the runoff. In this episode, you’ll hear interviews with
Several local races are headed to a runoff! To make it easier for you to do your ballot research, we’re re-publishing some of our election episodes to feature only the candidates who made it to the runoff. In this episode, you’ll hear interviews with District
Summary The Austin City Council District 3 election is headed to a runoff between José Velásquez and Daniela Silva. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on December 13th and early voting begins on December 1st. Thought elections were over? Not yet!
Summary The Austin City Council District 5 election is headed to a runoff between Ryan Alter and Stephanie Bazan. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on December 13th and early voting begins on December 1st. Thought elections were over? Not yet!
Summary Austin City Council is getting close to making a final decision on proposed increases to electricity rates at Austin Energy. Action Box Have thoughts about the rate increases? Sign up to speak at Council’s December 1st meeting or send an email to your Council
Summary Austin voters will see several propositions on the ballot this year. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on November 8th and early voting begins on October 24th. Have you noticed all of the propositions on your ballot this year? Wondering what
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with the candidates running for City Council in District 1 (east Austin). You’ll hear interviews with: Misael D. Ramos Clinton Rarey Melonie House-Dixon Natasha Harper-Madison You can hear this
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with the candidates running for City Council in District 8 (southwest Austin). You’ll hear interviews with Paige Ellis Antonio D. Ross Kimberly P. Hawkins (Richard Smith did not respond to