1 News Item You Should Know, Explained
1 News Item You Should Know, Explained - Mobile Header

Because… we all know that “just reading the headline” is wrong, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time and energy to do anything more. With our “1 News Item You Need To Know, Explained” series, we take the frustration out of the endless news cycle by…

We Keep It Brief

We honor your time and keep things as short as possible, while providing you with the opportunity to learn more/ dive deeper if you’re interested.

We Actually Explain The News

We use clear, simple, easy-to-understand human language.

Action Items

Because what good is knowing that the climate is changing or inequality is rising if you can’t actually do anything to stop it?

Budget Update
budget
Amy Stansbury

Budget 101: An Update on APD’s Budget

Summary The city is in the process of developing a budget for its new fiscal year (which starts on October 1st). The main point of debate & discussion is over the police department budget. Action Box Get involved in the city’s budget process! Sign up

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Tesla In Austin
Del Valle
Amy Stansbury

Tesla is coming to Austin. What does that mean?

On its face, it sounds like a dream come true. A pioneering company that could dramatically expand the amount of climate-friendly electric vehicles on the road. A community that has long asked for more resources and investment in the area. A city that prides itself

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Police Budget 101
civics
Amy Stansbury

Budget 101: Policing In Austin

Summary City Council is in the process of debating and revising the proposed budget for its 2020-2021 fiscal year. In this guide, we break down and explain the main point of discussion – the police department’s budget. Action Box Have opinion’s about the city’s budget?

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Budget 101: How Does The City Spend Your Money?
budget
Amy Stansbury

Budget 101: How Does The City Spend Your Money?

Summary The city is in the process of developing a budget for its new fiscal year (which starts on October 1st). The new budget will influence everything from Austin’s response to COVID-19 to police reform efforts. Action Box Get involved in the city’s budget process!

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Austin City Hall
equity
Amy Stansbury

How To Impact Racial Justice Policies In Austin: The Basics

Summary In this post, we highlight the local organizations, government departments, and advisory boards and commissions that influence racial justice and policing policies in Austin. Action Box Watch the Austin City Council meeting from June 4th on protests in the city and police policies and

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Healthy Streets Sign
Austin Transportation Department
Amy Stansbury

Healthy Streets Program Means More Space For Walking & Biking

Summary The new Healthy Streets program closes certain Austin streets to through traffic, making more space for pedestrians. Action Box Bring the Healthy Streets program to your neighborhood by filling out the city’s recommendation form. Just click here. Add this to one of the many

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Light Rail
Capital Metro
Amy Stansbury

It’s Time To Talk Transit Again

Summary Austin’s transportation plan, Project Connect, is moving forward with a series of public (virtual) meetings before a possible November election to approve and fund the plan. Action Box Learn more about the transit plan and give your feedback by attending one of Capital Metro’s

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Travis County
Central Health
Amy Stansbury

How Gentrification Could Make A Public Health Crisis Even Worse

As millions more Americans are starting to figure out, navigating the process of applying for government benefits or accessing nonprofit services can be extremely difficult… especially in times of crisis.    That’s what 2-1-1 is for.    Since 1996, the United Way’s 2-1-1 call center

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