As published by the Austin Monitor on Sept. 15, 2014.
The City of Austin has a plethora of advisory groups that each inform some aspect of how city government operates and regulates the services it provides for the community.
There are more than 60 advisory boards, committees and commissions, including some that regulate water and wastewater, determine historical landmarks, monitor and support equality and quality of life initiatives for different demographic groups, recommend land use and steer food sustainability.
These groups are made up of citizen board members who apply to fill vacant board positions and are appointed by City Council.
As our first foray into the data journalism world, the Austin Monitor has put together a database of appointees and who appointed them to their specific board, committee or commission. The City of Austin provides this information on its website, but not all in one convenient place. We wanted to make it easier for our readers to participate in city government and get a better understanding of who is helping to make the important decisions that shape our city. Read more.