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 Meet Gabby Mata, The Austin Common’s first-ever People Not Politics Fellow. Action Box Attend a city board/commission meeting. Click the badge above for a list of upcoming dates and times. What happens when one pop culture-obsessed City Hall newbie decides to make it her
Summary In this video, we explain where your property taxes actually go. Hint – it’s not all just the City of Austin. Action Box Once the draft budget is released, share your thoughts on it by attending your Council member’s budget town hall meeting. The
Summary In this video, we break down where the city’s money comes from. Action Box Once the draft budget is released, share your thoughts on it by attending your Council member’s budget town hall meeting. Where does the city’s money come from anyway? In Episode
Summary In this video, we explain the three major components of the city’s budget. Action Box Once the draft budget is released, share your thoughts on it by attending your Council member’s budget town hall meeting. What do a chocolate chip cookie and a sugar
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
About Austin Resource Recovery This post is sponsored by Austin Resource Recovery, the city department that provides a wide range of services (including trash, recycling, and composting pickup) designed to transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean. Action Box Thank your local Austin
About Downtown Austin Alliance This post is sponsored by the Downtown Austin Alliance, whose mission is to create, preserve and enhance the vibe, vitality and value of Downtown Austin for everyone. Action Box Text ATX to 512-890-3099 to sign up for Summer of Giveaway alerts.
About Austin Resource Recovery This post is sponsored by Austin Resource Recovery, the city department that provides a wide range of services (including trash, recycling, and composting pickup) designed to transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean. Action Box Always remember to throw
About Austin Water This post is sponsored by Austin Water, Austin’s publicly-owned water utility. Action Box Click the badge above to sign up for Purple Choice! This post is sponsored by Austin Water. All Austin Common sponsors are screened by The Austin Common team to
Update – This election is headed to a runoff between Susanna Ledesma-Woody and George Morales III. Below is the podcast episode we published back in March, featuring interviews with all four candidates. You can find the interview with Susanna Ledesma-Woody at 3:18 and the interview
Summary Two candidates are running in the runoff election to be the next Travis County Commissioner for Precinct 4. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! You can find a list of voting locations by clicking the badge above. Did you know? There’s an election going
Summary Austin Energy is making some big decisions about future energy investments. Action Box Council will vote on this issue on May 21st. You can share your thoughts with your local elected officials by signing up to speak or by sending them an email. What’s
