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 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
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! In 2025, we’re starting a new tradition here at The Austin
Thought the elections were over? Not quite.If you live in Austin City Council District 7, you still have a runoff election to vote in. In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with both of the candidates – Mike
Summary On December 12th, Austin City Council will vote on Austin Energy’s new Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. Action Box Listen to the latest episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour to learn more about Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. This
On December 12th, Austin City Council will vote on an update to Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. The name might sound boring, but the plan contains lots of important information that will influence everything from Austin’s carbon emissions to what we all
Election season is back! This fall, half of Austin’s City Council seats are up for election… and that’s a lot of candidates! But don’t worry, as always, we’re here to break it all down for you. In this episode we cover the District 2