Civics 101

Thursday 1

EARLY VOTING Get a head start on the March 6 primaries. Through March 2, Wherever it says Vote Here. www.votetravis.com.

WARRANT AMNESTY PROGRAM Locals resolving active warrants will have fees waived and will avoid arrest. Multiple walk-in dockets scheduled weekly with judges available to address cases. No appointments needed. Mon.-Wed., 8:30-11am, 1:30-3:45pm; Thu., 8:30-11am, 1:30-3:45pm, 6-8:30pm; Fri., 8:30-11am, 1:30-3:45pm Austin Municipal Court, 700 E. Seventh, 512/433-4800. www.austintexas.gov/department/municipal-court.

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

FREE TAX PREP HELP AVAILABLE: CENTRAL HEALTH StreetCred will be helping low-income patients and the general public file their taxes and identify/claim credits for which they are eligible during hours listed. 11am-8pm. CommUnityCare Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

ANNUAL DIALOGUE AND FRIENDSHIP DINNER Join the Dialogue Institute and keynote speaker Laila Muhammad for their annual dinner. This year's theme is "Racial Reconciliation: The Role of Faith Communities." 6pm. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-1700. www.thedialoginstitute.org.

AMPLIFY AUSTIN DAY Amplify Austin Day is returning and I Live Here I Give Here hopes to raise over $10 million in 24 hours across Travis, Hays, Williamson, Burnet, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Blanco counties. Thu., March 1, 6pm-Fri., March 2, 6pm www.amplifyatx.org.

Friday 2

EARLY VOTING Get a head start on the March 6 primaries. Through March 2, Wherever it says Vote Here. www.votetravis.com.

FREE TAX PREP HELP AVAILABLE: CENTRAL HEALTH StreetCred will be helping low-income patients and the general public file their taxes and identify/claim credits for which they are eligible during hours listed. 1-5pm. CommUnityCare Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

Saturday 3

SAFE BABY ACADEMY For expectant families, parents, and caregivers of kids under 12 months. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. 9am. Seton Southwest Hospital, 7900 FM 1826 (Camp Ben McCollough Rd.), 512/972-7200. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

FREE TAX PREP HELP AVAILABLE: CENTRAL HEALTH StreetCred will be helping low-income patients and the general public file their taxes and identify/claim credits for which they are eligible during hours listed. 9am-5pm. CommUnityCare Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

WOMAYN OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT A conference comprised of breakout sessions panning from panel discussions to opportunities to engage with other attendees. 9am-5pm. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon, 512/505-3139. $10-250. www.counterbalanceatx.org.

FREE TAX PREP HELP AVAILABLE: PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC StreetCred will be helping low-income patients and the general public file their taxes and identify/claim credits for which they are eligible during hours listed. 9am-5pm. People’s Community Clinic, 1101 Camino La Costa. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

BLACK LIVES MATTER NEIGHBORHOOD CANVASSING Join BLM's monthly blockwalking to spread community awareness and education. 10am-Noon. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/339-0016. Free. www.fb.com/blacklivesmatteraustin.

TRAVIS COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING Become a volunteer deputy registrar. After completing this training, VDRs will be certified to register voters in Travis County. No reservation required. First Saturdays, 10:30am; first Tuesdays, 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 6:30pm. Travis County Tax Office, 5501 Airport, 512/854-9473. www.TravisCountyTax.org.

REDISTRICTING, THE CENSUS, AND THE FAIR MAPS PROJECT Mike Ignatowski moderates a discussion on the 2020 census, redistricting in 2021, and the Fair Maps for Texas coalition. 2-4pm. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr., 512/974-8860. Free. www.cg4tx.org.

Sunday 4

FREE COMPOSTING CLASS Learn how to compost to keep food waste out of the landfill. Residents paying the Clean Community Fee qualify for a $75 rebate on a home composting system. Attend a composting class, then apply! 10:30-11:30am. HOPE Farmers Market, Plaza Saltillo, 412 Comal, 512/974-1800. composting@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/composting.

Monday 5

FREE TAX PREP HELP AVAILABLE: PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC StreetCred will be helping low-income patients and the general public file their taxes and identify/claim credits for which they are eligible during hours listed. 4-8pm. People’s Community Clinic, 1101 Camino La Costa. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

SAFE BABY ACADEMY For expectant families, parents, and caregivers of kids under 12 months. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. 5pm. People's Community Clinic, 1101 Camino La Costa, 512/972-7233. Free. EMSPubEd@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

LET'S TALK: CODENEXT & CO-OPS ACBA, College Houses, Evolve Austin, and more host a panel discussion on CodeNEXT and the future of Austin's cooperative housing and affordability. 6:30-8:30pm. Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery, 7020 Easy Wind #100, 512/452-2337. www.fb.com/atxcba.

READING: GODDESS OF ANARCHY: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LUCY PARSONS, AMERICAN RADICAL UT history professor Jacqueline Jones discusses her latest book Goddess of Anarchy. 7pm. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, 512/472-5050. Free. www.bookpeople.com.

Tuesday 6

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION See Council Meeting Information Center for details. 9am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK EVENT Learn how to properly install child car seats. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. 9am. Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez, 512-972-7233. Free. EMSPubEd@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

FREE TAX PREP HELP AVAILABLE: PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC StreetCred will be helping low-income patients and the general public file their taxes and identify/claim credits for which they are eligible during hours listed. 4-8pm. People’s Community Clinic, 1101 Camino La Costa. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

HACKING BIG DATA: DISCOVERING VULNERABILITIES IN A SOCIOTECHNICAL SOCIETY Dr. Danah Boyd, principal researcher at Microsoft Research, discusses the challenges presented by big data and machine learning. 5-6:30pm. Belo Center for New Media Auditorium, northeast corner of Dean Keeton and Guadalupe. Free. www.mediaethicsinitiative.org.

LEGALLINE Need a legal question answered? This hotline can help. Lawyers will answer your questions and give referrals to appropriate community organizations. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. www.austinlrs.org.

FY 18 FINAL REPORT WORKSHOPS Learn how to complete the FY 18 Final Report for Core, Capacity Building, Cultural Heritage Festival Program, and Community Initiatives Program. Bring a laptop or tablet if possible. 6pm. Pleasant Hill Branch Library, 211 E. William Cannon, 512/974-3940. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

AJC GENERAL BODY MEETING Community groups are invited to come and share projects they're working on and ways AJC can get involved. 6:30-8:30pm. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola, 512/974-9940. info@austinjustice.org, www.austinjustice.org.

DERRICK CROWE FOR CONGRESS ELECTION WATCH PARTY Watch election results live with Derrick Crowe, candidate for U.S. Congress in the 21st District of Texas. 6:30-11:30pm. Toss Pizzeria & Pub, 2901 S. First, 512/953-1718. www.electcrowe.com.

SCREENING OF LAMERICA Part of the Faces of Migration series presented by Not Even Past, located at the Julius Glickman Conference Center. 7pm. University of Texas at Austin, 727 E. Dean Keeton, 512/471-3434. Free. www.notevenpast.org.

CHITO VELA'S ELECTION WATCH PARTY HD 46 candidate Chito Vela and his team invite supporters to join him in watching the March 6 primary election returns. 7-10pm. Knomad Bar, 1213 Corona, 512/628-4288. www.chitovela.com.

TEXAS VICTORY PARTY Join Justin Nelson for Attorney General, Texas Democratic Party, and Travis County Democratic Party as they watch the 2018 Texas Primary Election returns. 7-11pm. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto, 512/474-1958. Free. www.txdemocrats.org.

ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY WITH DYANA LIMON-MERCADO Travis County Dem Party Chair candidate Dyana Limon-Mercado celebrates Election Day with supporters. Join her as the returns come in. 7-10pm. Third Base, 3107 S. I-35, Round Rock, 512/388-2273. www.dyanaforchair.com.

SHERYL COLE ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY Join House District 46 candidate Sheryl Cole for a primaries watch party. Win or lose, Cole is expected to speak when the election is called. 7:30pm. Midtown Live. www.sherylcole.com.

Wednesday 7

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION For more information, visit the Council Meeting Information Center. 9am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

FINAL COMPETITION . 6:30-9pm. Atlassian Austin, 303 Colorado #1600, 512/640-3000. Free.

#METOO, #YOTAMBIÉN: SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES Learn about immigrant women's rights and how you can help fight sexual assault in your community. 6:30-8:30pm. St. Edward's University, 3001 S. Congress, 512/448-8400. Free. www.lsvap.org.

Thursday 8

TRIBTALK WITH MAYOR STEVE ADLER Texas Tribune talks with Austin Mayor Steve Adler. 7:30-9am. Studio 919 at the Texas Tribune, 919 Congress, sixth floor, 512/716-8655. Free. www.texastribune.org.

BIG DATA & COMMUNITY POLICING WORKSHOP Training includes breakout sessions, tangible resources to take home, and a networking mixer prior to the event. 10am-3pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/974-4926. Free. www.measureaustin.org.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

NORTH LAMAR & GUADALUPE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE An open house for residents to learn about the Corridor Mobility Plan for the North Lamar Blvd. and Guadalupe St. corridors. 5-8pm. McCallum High School, 5600 Sunshine. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/corridor-improvement-programs.

COMMUNITY MEETING ON VETERANS PARK PARD hosts a second community meeting to review concepts for Veterans Park. 6-8pm. American Legion Travis Post 76, 404 Atlanta St., 512/767-0788. Free. Rey.Hernandez@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

Ongoing

FREE TAX PREP FOR LOW-INCOME AUSTIN FAMILIES Foundation Communities offer tax prep and filing assistance for low- and moderate-income residents (households making up to $55,000). Available at six locations with varying day, evening, and weekend hours – see website for specifics. www.foundcom.org/financial-stability/austin-tax-preparation. Free.

CITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIONERS Council is accepting applications from qualified folks to serve on the five-member Municipal Civil Service Commission. Two three-year terms are currently open. Apply online or email Boards and Commissions Coordinator Deena Estrada. Deadline: Fri., March 2, 5pm deena.estrada@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

VOLUNTEER FOR IT'S MY PARK DAY Thousands of Austinites unite to improve and transform city parks, trails, and greenbelts. Register for a project now! Volunteer for Sat., March 3 Various Locations. www.austinparks.org.

AUSTIN ART IN PUBLIC PLACES SEEKS MURALIST AIPP is expanding its annual temporary public art program (aka TEMPO). Seven to 10 artists will be commissioned to create temporary murals across town. Budget: $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the size and complexity. Deadline: Thu., April 26. www.austincreates.com.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, provided by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division. $57, residents; $66, nonresidents. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

LEGALLINE Call 512/472-8303 for free legal advice concerning family law, criminal matters, traffic problems, consumer issues, landlord/tenant issues, and employment law. Attorneys who are bilingual (English/Spanish) are also available. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. referrals@austinlrs.org, austinlrs.org.

YWCA GREATER AUSTIN WARMLINE Call 512/548-9922 for support amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-8pm; Fridays, 9-5pm; Saturdays, noon-4pm Citywide. ywcaaustin.org.

DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS If you're interested in volunteering at Travis County's drive-through vaccine clinic at COTA, sign up here. Clinic open: Fridays-Sundays Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker. centraltxvaccs.org.

AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COMMITTEES APPLICATIONS Applications are now open to join the following committees: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction; Finance and Risk; and Planning, Sustainability, Equity, and DBE Advisory. The governing body of the agency created to build out Project Connect, ATP will oversee funding, designing, and implementing the $7.1 billion mass transit overhaul. Ongoing Online. atptx.org.

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP LOTTERY REGISTRATION Applicants can register for a random lottery drawing for limited in-person camps. In-person camp costs $120 per week with $20 due upon acceptance of lottery spot. April 19-May 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT Share your experiences and recommendations related to Winter Storm Uri, which will then be incorporated into a final report for City Council. Provide feedback online via the SpeakUp Austin website, or to speak remotely at the task force meetings, call (512/974-6339) or email no later than noon the day prior to the meetings on May 14 & 28 and June 11 & 23. Ongoing Remote. WinterStormTaskForce@austintexas.gov, www.speakupaustin.org/winter-storm-uri-community-feedback.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS NORTH PUBLIC HEARING Review the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements to I-35 from SH 45 N. to Hwy. 290 E. Through June 10 Online. capexnorth.mobility35openhouse.com.

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY Share your feedback on ARR reaching its zero waste goals to help guide departmental efforts to measure Austin’s zero waste progress. Deadline: June 1 Online. www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resource-recovery.

PALM DISTRICT PLANNING SURVEY Austin’s Palm District is located on the eastern edge of Downtown between I-35 and Trinity St., running from Rainey St. to 15th St. The city's Housing and Planning Department seeks public input on the future of the area as it develops the final Palm District Small Area Plan. Explore the area, take a survey, and ask questions on the city’s project website. Ongoing Online. palmdistrictplanning@austintexas.gov, www.speakupaustin.org/palmdistrict.

2021-22 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT The Budget Office’s website includes explanatory videos in English and Spanish about the city’s FY 2021-22 budgeting process, as well as a short survey for residents to share their thoughts on spending priorities. The mayor and City Council are scheduled to adopt Austin’s FY 2021-22 budget and tax rate between Aug. 11-13. Ongoing Online. budgetqa@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/budget.

SHOAL CREEK AUDIO WALKING TOUR SURVEY The Shoal Creek Conservancy is seeking public input to determine which stories to include in its free, self-guided tour along Shoal Creek. Deadline: June 7 Online. info@shoalcreekconservancy.org, www.shoalcreekconservancy.org.

TCSO VICTIM SERVICES VOLUNTEERS The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit needs volunteers to offer immediate assistance to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Those interested must complete a training program from July 31-Aug. 28 (Mondays, virtual, 6-9pm; Thursdays, virtual, 6-9pm; Saturdays, in-person, 9am-5pm). Ongoing Online. www.tcsheriff.org.

DRIVE-UP HIV/STI TESTING No appointment necessary for free and confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Through July 23. Fridays, 9am-noon Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2800 Webberville Rd.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/health.

APA! POURS FOR PETS Austin Pets Alive! puts the "fun" in "fundraiser" this month: For $40, you can purr-chase a passport to use participating locations throughout July, and at each stop, pick up a coffee, beer, glass of wine, or even a refreshing agua fresca. The nonprofit animal shelter is partnering with Austin favorites like Irene’s, Hank’s, Cosmic Coffee, Yard Bar, and more, and proceeds go to pets in need. July 1-31 Citywide. $40 donation. austinpetsalive.org.

SUMMER LUNCH FOR TEENS AND KIDS Central Health is providing children ages 18 and under with free weekly meal packs that include breakfast and lunch for the entire week. Through Aug. 12. Thursdays, noon-2pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr.. Free. fb.com/southeasthealthandwellnesscenter.

ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA WILDFLOWER PROGRAM In collaboration with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Arc offers classes for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities focusing on social-emotional growth, vocational studies, life skills, active recreation, and Texas nature. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-2pm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse. $150-300 per month. arcaustin.org/wildflower.

ACA SPECIAL ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Sunday, Aug. 15, is the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Enroll online, via phone, or find local certified help in your area at localhelp.healthcare.gov. Deadline: Sun., Aug. 15 800/318-2596. healthcare.gov.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS CENTRAL PROJECT FEEDBACK Review the Texas Department of Transportation’s $4.9 billion project by Sept. 24. TxDOT proposes to add two HOV lanes in each direction along I-35 from U.S. 290 E. to Hwy. 71/Ben White Blvd. Extended Deadline: Sept. 24 Online. my35capex.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH 2022 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT Submit your questions or comments on Central Health’s proposed FY 2022 budget and a member of Central Health’s staff will get in touch. Ongoing Online. participate.centralhealth.net/2022budget.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY As part of the engagement process for the first-ever Zilker Park Vision Plan – the guiding framework for the park’s restoration and future development – community members are invited to share their thoughts on the park’s programming. Deadline: Sept. 30 Online. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

ACL ZILKER PARK ACCESS Beginning Sept. 20, the Parks and Recreation Department will close Zilker Park and select roads and street lanes in preparation for the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 1-3 & 8-10). View the city’s interactive map for more details and a schedule of park and road closures. Sept. 20-Oct. 17 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov/page/pard-facilities-closures.

SOUTH PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY The city is gathering comments from residents about how they currently use South Pleasant Valley Road between St. Elmo Road and Onion Creek Park and how they would like to use the road to help guide future changes to the corridor. Deadline: Oct. 10 Online. data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/South-Pleasant-Valley-Road/b375-n8jt/.

DRIVE SAFE 2 SAVE COMPETITION Safe 2 Save, in partnership with Austin Transportation’s Vision Zero program, is hosting a competition to find Austin’s “safest driver” to discourage distracted driving and phone use. The competition features weekly cash prizes of $500, with the top three winners receiving prizes at the end. Through Oct. 15 safe2save.org/greater-austin-safe-driving-competition/.

TRANSPORTATION CRITERIA MANUAL UPDATE The TCM defines the rules, requirements, and technical guidelines for building mobility infrastructure in Austin. The city’s Transportation Department has worked to update the manual over the past two years; the current draft of the revised TCM is available for public review now through Nov. 1. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. austintexas.gov/street-design.

AUSTIN STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN SURVEY Austin Transportation Department seeks community members’ feedback on three new policy changes to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the city’s first comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan. Ongoing Online. austintexas.gov/asmp.

TPWD COMMUNITY OUTDOOR OUTREACH PROGRAM GRANT TPWD’s CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-served populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education activities. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. tpwd.texas.gov.

FORD BUILD TO CONNECT This multiday outdoor event includes displays of Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning truck and Mustang Mach-E SUV models. Oct. 15-24. Mon.-Fri., noon-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 9am-8pm Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe, 512/381-1147. Free. fordautoshows.com/built-to-connect.

AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Austin’s queer business chamber hosts its annual drive for new (and unwrapped) toys, clothing, and shoes for local children. Donations will go to children and families enrolled in LifeWorks programs and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County programs. See here for a list of drop-off locations and suggested donations. Through Dec. 10 Multiple locations. austinlgbtchamber.com/toydrive.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY WORKER Over 600 spots need to be filled at polling locations for the March 1 primaries; this is a paid position through Travis County. traviscountydemocrats.org.

WIC MOBILE UNIT Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Check online for current schedule Various locations. Free. austintexas.gov/wic.

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