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 In this video, we go over the basics of how the city’s budget get developed in the first place. Action Box Once the draft budget is released, share your thoughts on it by attending your Council member’s budget town hall meeting. Welcome to our
Summary Here are 6 simple things you can do right now to make a difference, right here in Austin, Texas. Action Box Don’t be overwhelmed! Just pick one item below to do this month and you’ll be doing great! This time of year can be
Summary The city’s Bond Election Advisory Task Force is holding a series of community listening sessions. Action Box Attend a community listening session of the Bond Election Advisory Task Force. Keeping track of what’s happening at City Hall can be confusing! That’s why we’re here
Summary Election Day is November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Vote in the election! Love Prop Q? Hate Prop Q? This is your chance to make your voice be heard. Halloween is the last day to early
Prop Q is on the ballot in Austin this year. For a deeper dive discussion about what Prop Q is and the arguments for and against it, we sat down with Council Member Marc Duchen and Council Member Chito Vela. You can hear this
Summary Election Day is on November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! In the second video in our series explaining what Prop Q will fund (if passed), we focus on the Austin Animal Center.
Summary Election Day is on November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! In the second video in our series explaining what Prop Q will fund (if passed), we focus on mental health first response
Summary Election Day is on November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! In the first video in our series explaining what Prop Q will fund (if passed), we focus on parks. For a deeper
Summary Election Day is November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Vote in the election! Love Prop Q? Hate Prop Q? This is your chance to make your voice be heard. If you live in Austin, you’ll see
Summary In November, Austin voters will decide whether or not to fund a property tax increase to pay for homelessness services, parks maintenance, and more. Action Box Vote in the upcoming TRE election! Early voting starts on October 20th. Did you know there’s a very
Next week, Austin City Council will vote on a new budget for next year… and it’s seeming likely that this budget will also involve something called a TRE (or a tax rate election). A TRE allows a city to raise property taxes above a
Summary On August 13th, Austin City Council will vote on a new budget for next year. Action Box If you have thoughts on the budget, contact your Council member and tell them what you think! Click on the badge above for a list of all