Res Publica

Thursday18

MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Learn about the new sound walls proposed along portions of MoPac. Everything from design and location to height and color will be discussed. 6-8pm. Bryker Woods Elementary, 3309 Kerbey, 996-9778.

Friday19

AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH RESOURCE CEN­TER Local leaders and youth advocates cut the ribbon to launch the city's first center of its kind. Austin Rep. Dawnna Dukes will be on hand for the festivities. 11:30am-2:30pm. 6633 Hwy. 290 E. Ste. 303/307.

48½ STREET GETS A NEW NAME How often does an auto repair shop become a local institution? Gene Johnson's repair shop at 4801 Airport Blvd. is one well-oiled community hub where Johnson's friendly crew has delivered service with a smile since 1946 – a tradition still carried out even without the founder, who died in 2009. Join local officials as they rename this street to honor M.E. "Gene" Johnson for his commitment and investment in the town he loved. 5:30pm. Corner of Airport and Gene Johnson Street.

TAX-FREE WEEKEND Everything you need to go back to school will not be taxed this weekend: clothes, notebooks, crayons, glue, etc. See a complete list of tax-free items online. Fri.-Sun., Aug. 19-21. www.window.state.tx.us.

BILL SPELMAN OFFICE HOURS Hear from and talk to your city council member. Call or email deena.estrada@ci.austin.tx.us to RSVP. 2pm. Thunderbird Coffee, 2200 Manor Rd. 974-7648.

Monday22

AUSTIN JOB FAIR Looking for work? Bring your résumé for review or just start making it rain with curricula vitae. 11am-2pm. Holiday Inn Austin Midtown, 6000 Middle Fiskville. Free. www.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/details/TX/Austin/Austin_register_0711.html

Tuesday23

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT FORUM Austin Travis County Integral Care hosts its first interactive forum on the local impact of federal health care reforms with guest Melissa Rowan, health care policy director of the Texas Council of Community Centers. 5:30-7pm. Integral Care Large Training Room, 1700 S. Lamar. www.integralcare.org

Thursday25

CELEBRATION OF LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL­NESS Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Council Members Mike Martinez and Chris Riley host a celebration honoring Austin's 20th anniversary as the live music capital of the world. 5:30pm. City Council Chambers at City Hall, 301 W. Second.

PUBLIC MEETING ON HEALTH CARE Central Health invites residents in the 78744 ZIP code to a meeting to discuss the health care needs in this segment of Austin. Child care and Spanish interpretation services will be provided. 6-8pm. Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square.

Ongoing

ONLINE BUDGET FORUM Tell the city how to ham­mer out a 2012 budget at www.speakupaustin.org.

CAP METRO BUDGET ON THE GO Capital Metro's budget process is under way, and the agency is soliciting public input. Have any suggestions? See www.capmetro.org/insidemetro/ci-budget.asp or www.capmetro.icanmakeitbetter.com.

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REBATE BONUS To access Austin Energy's new (temporary) rebate increase, call for an estimate: 482-5346.