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News Archives - Civics Mobile

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. 

Zilker Park Vision Plan - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

What’s Going On With Zilker Park?

Summary In November, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department released a draft of the Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan. Action Box Share your thoughts on the plan with city leadership! Click the badge above to fill out the city’s comment form through January

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Mayoral Runoff - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To The Austin Mayoral Runoff Election

Summary The Austin mayoral election is headed to a runoff between Celia Israel & Kirk Watson. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on December 13th and early voting begins on December 1st. Thought elections were over? Not yet!    The Austin mayoral

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Runoff Podcast - District 3 and mayor
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101 Runoff Edition: Mayor + District 3

Several local races are headed to a runoff! To make it easier for you to do your ballot research, we’re re-publishing some of our election episodes to feature only the candidates who made it to the runoff.   In this episode, you’ll hear interviews with

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Austin Energy Rates - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

Austin Energy Rate Increases, Explained

Summary Austin City Council is getting close to making a final decision on proposed increases to electricity rates at Austin Energy. Action Box Have thoughts about the rate increases? Sign up to speak at Council’s December 1st meeting or send an email to your Council

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Propositions
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To Local Ballot Propositions

Summary Austin voters will see several propositions on the ballot this year. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is on November 8th and early voting begins on October 24th. Have you noticed all of the propositions on your ballot this year? Wondering what

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District 1 Podcast
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Austin City Council District 1

In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with the candidates running for City Council in District 1 (east Austin).    You’ll hear interviews with: Misael D. Ramos Clinton Rarey Melonie House-Dixon Natasha Harper-Madison   You can hear this

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District 8 Podcast
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Austin City Council District 8

In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with the candidates running for City Council in District 8 (southwest Austin).    You’ll hear interviews with Paige Ellis Antonio D. Ross Kimberly P. Hawkins (Richard Smith did not respond to

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District 9 Podcast
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Austin City Council District 9

In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury sits down with the candidates running for City Council in District 9 (downtown/central Austin).    You’ll hear interviews with: Zena Mitchell Zohaib “Zo” Qadri Greg Smith Joah Spearman Ben Leffler Linda Guerrero Tom

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