Austin Living Democracy: Free Interactive Events for Citizens

Understanding the Austin Budget Through Fun Interactive Activities

Austin, a vibrant Texan city, is preparing to welcome residents to an exciting interactive event aimed at enhancing transparency and understanding of its budget. The event, named “The Price is Right?“, is set to unveil the intricacies of Austin’s billion-dollar budget, focusing on local services and infrastructure spending. The initiative comes wrapped in a unique blend of engaging activities and enriching interactions to encourage civic participation.

The event will feature a gameshow that challenges attendees to correctly guess the cost of various budget items. In addition, a creative activity using a cake metaphor will explain how property tax dollars are allocated to various public services. A select group of KUT reporters will answer participants’ questions on the Austin budget items. Moreover, the announced candidates for the Austin mayoral election, scheduled for November, will be on hand for a candid meet-and-greet.

Scheduled to Wake Up Your Civic Consciousness

Planned for Tuesday, May 21, doors to the Austin PBS Studios will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event commencing at 6 p.m. Sharing details and intrigue about the city’s budget and taxation system, organizers expect this event will enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s budget proceedings while having fun.

Fostering Civic Duties Beyond Voting

A follow-up activity titled “What’s Your Civic Duty?” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22. It aims to take public responsibility beyond the voting booth and into our day-to-day lives to help sustain a vibrant, participatory democracy. The community discussion will feature a live conversation facilitated by 1A host Jenn White.

The dialogue will explore each citizen’s role in the democratic process and how daily activities can contribute to a thriving democracy. Participants from Austin working on the frontline of community education and engagement will join Jenn to elaborate on how residents can become more involved in local government.

A Call to Stir Your Civic Pride

Scheduled at the Rollins Theater at The Long Center, the event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Emphasizing the importance of civic engagement, the organizers hope this initiative will rekindle civic pride in all attendees.

Both events invite residents to engage freely, ask questions, interact with cohorts, and thereby become more informed Austin citizens. Participants are encouraged to RSVP in order to join these important community events designed to educate and enhance our democracy.