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 Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax just released his draft budget proposal for next year. Here’s what’s in it… Action Box Have opinions about this budget? Click the badge above to learn how to share your thoughts with your Council member. Passing the budget is
Summary Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax just released his draft budget proposal for next year. Here’s how you can share your thoughts before a final version is approved by City Council Action Box Make a plan to attend your City Council member’s budget town hall…
Summary Here in Austin, you pay property taxes to five different local government agencies. Action Box If you’re curious what your property tax bill might look like next year, click the badge above to visit TravisTaxes.com. To prepare you for the city’s annual budget season,
Summary The city’s Homeless Strategy Office recently presented a plan to City Council to address our city’s homelessness crisis in a more holistic way. Action Box Want to learn more about the city’s homelessness plan? Click on the badge above to explore the entire presentation
Should the City of Austin build caps over I-35? That’s the question Austin City Council has to decide on May 22nd. To dive deeper into the details and learn more about the debate over this issue, host Amy Stansbury sat down with Julio Gonzalez Altamirano,
Summary The City of Austin is facing a budget deficit. Action Box If you want to learn more, click the badge above to look through the city’s financial forecast presentation. City staff recently released their five year financial forecast for the City of Austin. Austin
Summary Austin is at a relatively risk for wildfires. We put together a summary of what the city has done so far to prepare. Action Box Sign up for emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.com Earlier this week, a red flag wildfire warning was issued for Central
Summary This month’s Civic Power Up Bingo is full of great ways to make a difference in Austin. Action Box Get involved in our local community by taking one of the action items below! Each month in 2025, we’re publishing a mini bingo board with
On February 27th, Austin City Council will vote on a new set of rules regulating short-term rentals (Airbnbs and Vrbos) in Austin. To learn more about what’s been proposed, host Amy Stansbury spoke with Daniel Word (from the City of Austin Development Services Department) and
Summary This month’s Civic Power Up Bingo is full of great ways to make a difference in Austin. Action Box Get involved in our local community by taking one of the action items below! Each month in 2025, we’re publishing a mini bingo board with
Summary We’ve put together a list of all the best ways to contact your local elected officials. Action Box Follow your City Council member on social media and save their contact info into your phone. Have something to say to your local elected officials? Keep
Summary We’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to make a difference at the local level in 2025. Action Box Pick one of the action items below and make a positive impact on our local community in 2025! Looking for a