Divisions

TARA provides information and communications technology (ICT) resources to the community through public access, free training to enhance knowledge and skills, and by promoting the relevancy and adoption of emerging ICT. TARA's work supports the implementation of Austin's Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan, a dynamic strategy which utilizes community assets to overcome barriers to resident participation in our digital society.

TARA protects consumers by ensuring utility rate changes are reasonable, resolving consumer utility service complaints, and addressing unfair predatory lending practices by monitoring and enforcing the City of Austin Credit Access Business (CAB) Ordinance.

TARA ensures fair compensation and proper use of public rights-of-way (ROW) by private utilities and monitors compliance of state issued cable and telecommunications franchises. Utilities that occupy City ROW include electricity, natural gas, telecommunications (wired and wireless), cable television, broadband transport, and Internet access facilities.