Learn. Connect. Create.

The City You Want

City I Want helps you understand the local laws and ordinances that shape everyday life, share perspectives, propose community projects and changes to laws and ordinances. Find your ideal city or help shape yours.

Austin residents walking and cycling beside Lady Bird Lake with the downtown skyline beyond.

From understanding to action

How it works

Get informed, hear from your neighbors, and help build a better place to live.

  1. 01

    Understand the rules

    Explore plain-language guides to local laws and ordinances, with official sources and review details so you can check the evidence.

  2. 02

    Share your perspective

    Discuss how rules affect everyday life, exchange experiences with neighbors, and hear other points of view. Community posts are moderated before publication.

  3. 03

    Help shape what comes next

    Propose a community project or a change to a local rule, and invite neighbors to take part. These are resident ideas, not official city decisions.

Learn about your city

Browse Austin Topics

Choose a category to see its complete, directory-style list of articles.

View the full Austin directory

Thinking about moving?

Compare cities

See the everyday snapshot first, then compare how a specific rule works in each place.

Explore the full city comparison
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Rules side by side Compare a local question Open a source-backed answer page, then choose the cities and question you care about.