Civics 101

Thursday01

CITY BUDGET HEARING City Coun­cil is all ears today, so tell 'em what you think about the city's proposed budget, including proposed increases in property taxes and utility rates. 4pm. Council chambers, 301 W. Second. www.cityofaustin.org.

ELECTRIC RATE HEARING As a kickoff to the Electric Utility Commission review process, Austin Energy will present its Rate Analysis and Recommend­ations Report to the EUC. A 13% base-rate jump is on the table. 6pm. 721 Barton Springs Rd., Assembly Room 130.

TxDOT PUBLIC MEETINGS The Texas Department of Trans­portation hosts simultaneous meetings on future transportation projects at two Austin locations. 5-6:30pm. 7901 N. I-35, and 200 E. Riverside, Bldg. 200, second floor CST Conference Room 2-B. www.txdot.gov.

Friday02

AFL-CIO LABOR DAY FISH FRY EVENT This is one of local Democrats' most sacred traditions, drawing political officeholders past and present, newbie candidates, and anyone else who supports labor issues. 5:30-7:30pm. AFL-CIO headquarters, 1106 Lavaca. $7 donation, available at registration table.

Monday05

TSEU LABOR DAY BBQ Today's a special holiday; why not observe it by chowing down on some barbecue with the folks at the Texas State Employees Union, the organization that represents the very workers sharing the pain of unemployment, thanks to our Legislature. 2-6pm. TSEU headquarters, 1700 S. First. 448-4225.

Tuesday06

AUSTIN INTERFAITH ENVIRON­MENTAL NETWORK Austin's water future is the topic of the evening, with guests Bill Bunch of the Save Our Springs Alli­ance and George Cofer of the Hill Country Conservancy. 7pm. Highland Park Baptist Church, 5206 Balcones Dr.

Thursday08

WORKERS COOPERATIVES Political activist Carl Davidson speaks on Mondragon and the Workers Cooperative Movement. 7-10pm. 5604 Manor Community Center. $5 suggested donation.

Ongoing

ONLINE BUDGET FORUMS City of Austin: www.speakupaustin.org. Capital Metro: 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.