Our news philosophy is simple. With all of our coverage, we try and do the following:
Keep it local
Keep it brief
Actually explain the news
Give you clear steps for action
Keep it positive
Keep it nonpartisan
You can learn about how we actually do this by clicking on each of our story types below.
As a community-based news source, we’re here to serve you. That’s why we promise:
To follow journalistic principles of accuracy, fact-checking, multiple sources, and dedication to the truth
To immediately fix mistakes if they’re made and to be honest about how they happened
To approach our news coverage from a place of respect, civility, and kindness for our fellow Austinities
To honor the value of lived experiences (especially within marginalized communities) as well as expert testimony/ opinion
To allow for open, two-way communication between our staff and readers, ensuring that our content is relevant and useful to you
Can’t quite decide which type of news post you want to read? You can scroll through all of our latest posts below.
Summary On July 12th, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax released a draft of the new city budget for next year. Action Box Attend a budget town hall meeting. The city manager just released a draft of the city’s budget for next year. Keep scrolling to
Summary On July 12th, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax released a draft of the new city budget for next year. Action Box Attend a budget town hall meeting. Want to get involved in our city’s budget process? Here’s your guide… You can figure out which
About The Author This post is sponsored & written by The Office of Sustainability, the city department that is working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy & just local food system, and climate resiliency. Action Box Click the badge above to get involved with
Summary Austin currently has about 1,475 emergency shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness. Action Box Donate or volunteer with a local nonprofit organization that serves those experiencing homelessness in our community. Our series on homelessness continues with an overview of Austin’s emergency shelter capacity, a
Summary On May 21st, The Austin Common cohosted a Price Is Right event about the city’s budget with KUT, Austin PBS, and Good Politics. Action Box Tell the city how it should spend next year’s budget! Click the badge above to fill out an online
About Austin Resource Recovery This post is sponsored by Austin Resource Recovery, the city department in charge of trash, recycling, and composting pickup services. Action Box Click the badge above to learn more about composting in Austin. This post is sponsored by Austin Resource Recovery. All
Summary This video is from the Price Is Right city budget event we cohosted with KUT, Austin PBS, and Good Politics on May 21st. Action Box Share your thoughts on the City of Austin’s budget for next year by taking a short online survey before
About CapMetro This post is sponsored CapMetro, Austin’s regional public transportation provider. Action Box Try combining your bike ride with public transit! This post is sponsored by CapMetro. All Austin Common sponsors are screened by The Austin Common team to ensure they’re doing good for their
Summary This video is from the Price Is Right city budget event we cohosted with KUT, Austin PBS, and Good Politics on May 21st. Action Box Share your thoughts on the City of Austin’s budget for next year by taking a short online survey. The survey allows
Summary On May 4th, Travis County voters will get to chose three members of the Travis Central Appraisal District’s Board of Directors. Action Box Vote! Election Day is May 4th. On May 4th, Travis County voters will get to choose three members of The Travis
Summary For the first time, voters in Travis County will vote for three members of the Travis Central Appraisal District Board Of Directors. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is May 4th. Did you know there’s an election on Saturday, May 4th?! Learn
On May 4th, voters in Travis County will get to vote for 3 seats on the Travis Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. It’s a super confusing election, but as always, we’re here to explain it all for ya! This episode features interviews with nearly
