Civics 101

Thursday 5

AUSTIN FAIR HOUSING SUMMIT A summit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Hosted by Austin's Equal Employment & Fair Housing Office, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, and UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs. For a full breakdown of keynotes and sessions, see schedule. Tue., April 3-Thu., April 5; times vary see schedule Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/404-4000. $75-$225. www.austinfairhousingsummit.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. 11am-8pm. CommUnityCare Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. www.mystreetcred.org/program.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES APPLICATION WORKSHOPS A workshop on how to complete the cultural arts grant application. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet. Thu., April 5, noon Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/cultural-arts.

FUNDRAISER FOR CHITO VELA Chito Vela, State Rep. candidate for District 46, hosts a public fundraiser at the historic home of D'Ann Johnson. 5-7pm. 1604 E. 11th. Free. www.chitovela.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Join the conversation on Central Health's Strategic Work Plan and share your thoughts on 2019 budget priorities. 6:30-8pm. Lanier High School, 1201 Payton Gin, 512/414-2514. Free. www.centralhealth.net.

Friday 6

ANTI-DISPLACEMENT TASK FORCE MEETING See agenda for details. 9am. Street-Jones Building, 1000 E. 11th. Free. www.austintexas.gov/page/anti-displacement-task-force.

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.

CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: NATASHA HARPER-MADISON FOR D1 The official campaign kickoff for Natasha Harper-Madison for City Council District 1. Admission is free, but a $25 contribution is suggested. 6-9:30pm. Big Easy Bar & Grill, 1806 E. 12th, 512/406-9237. [email protected], www.fb.com/natashafordistrict1.

Saturday 7

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.

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.

BRUSH SQUARE PLANNING EVENT PARD hosts an all-ages, family-friendly public kick-off event for the Brush Square master planning effort. 10am-Noon. Brush Square Park, Fifth & Trinity, 512/974-6700. www.austintexas.gov/department/parks-and-recreation.

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.

FY18 FINAL REPORT WORKSHOP Learn how to complete the FY18 Final Report for Core, Capacity Building, Cultural Heritage Festival Program, and Community Initiatives Program. Noon. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-3625. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/core-cultural-funding-programs.

AUSTIN TOWN HALL WITH JULIE OLIVER A chance to grab coffee and talk with Julie Oliver, Democratic Congressional candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, District 25. Noon-3pm. Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, 500 San Marcos St. #105. www.oliver2018.com.

CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The Commission is seeking public feedback on several issues. See agenda for details. 1pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

TEMPO 2-D ARTIST INFORMATION MEETING An information meeting for artists applying for the program. See online for additional dates. 1pm. Cepeda Branch Library, 651 N. Pleasant Valley, 512/974-7372. Free. www.austintexas.gov/TEMPO.

INCREASING ENROLLMENT, RETENTION, AND COMPLETION FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR ACC's Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Alumni Network discuss the school's work to ensure it's welcoming of all students regardless of ability, race, gender, ethnicity, language, and sexual orientation. 1:30-3pm. Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave, 512/472-6932. www.myec.net.

SMTX TOWN HALL FOR OUR LIVES Student activists from congressional district TX-21 join forces with Indivisible and local D21 candidates to discuss gun violence and youth activism. 2pm. San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins, 512/393-8200. www.sanmarcostx.gov/index.aspx?page=194.

GENERATION SCREWED: HOW AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY HURT MILLENNIALS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT A panel discussion on current U.S. politics and policy and how they're infringing on millennials' future. Speakers include Greg Anderson, Amy Stansbury, and Kevin McLaughlin. 2-4pm. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr., 512/974-8860. Free. www.cg4tx.org.

CECILE RICHARDS: MAKE TROUBLE Join Cecile Richards for a conversation moderated by former Texas Sen. Wendy Davis. 3-6pm. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress, 512/474-1221. $40. www.cecilerichardsbook.com.

TOWN HALL FOR OUR LIVES IN TX-21 The event will highlight activist action in the March for Our Lives movement, as well as set expectations for elected officials to lead the conversation. 3-6pm. Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar, 512/441-4777. Free. www.marchforourlives.com.

Sunday 8

TOWN HALL FOR OUR LIVES Texas-based members of Congress and candidates are invited to participate in a discussion on gun violence and prevention. 2-5pm. William B. Travis High School, 1211 E. Oltorf, 512/414-7703. Free. www.indivisibleaustin.com.

Monday 9

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT CHECK Learn how to properly install child car seats. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. 9am. CommUnityCare, 211 Comal. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

CULTURAL ARTS FUNDING APPLICATION NARRATIVE AND BUDGET WORKSHOP A workshop on the narrative and budget portions of Cultural Arts Funding Applications. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet. 12:30pm. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola, 512/974-9940. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/cultural-funding.

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.

TEXAS INMATE FAMILIES ASSOCIATION MEETING Have a loved one in jail? TIFA can help by offering strength to families through support, education, and advocacy. 7-8:30pm. AGE of Central Texas, 3710 Cedar #2, 512/451-4611. Free. [email protected], www.tifa.org.

Tuesday 10

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

SPECIAL CALLED ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION MEETING See agenda for details. 4pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512-974-6508. Free. www.austintexas.gov/content/zoning-and-platting-commission.

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.

BLACK LIVES MATTER GENERAL BODY MEETING Working committees will meet to discuss education, criminal justice reform, health, and other topics. 6-7:30pm. Sandra Joy Anderson Community Center, 1705 E. 11th, 512/978-8400. Free. www.fb.com/blacklivesmatteraustin.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING See agenda for details. 6pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512-974-6508. Free. www.austintexas.gov/content/planning-commission.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING See agenda for more details. 6pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.austintexas.gov/planningcommission.

PUBLIC HEARING ON FEDERAL HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN Residents give public comment before the Community Development Commission on the FY 2018-19 Federal Housing and Urban Development Action Plan. 6:30pm. Austin Energy, 721 Barton Springs Rd., 512-974-3100. Free. www.austintexas.gov/cdc.

Wednesday 11

BIZAID BUSINESS ORIENTATION An orientation session for residents looking to launch a small business. 9-10:30am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. www.austinsmallbiz.com.

ORAL HISTORY OF THE ATTACKS AGAINST THE STUDENTS OF AYOTZINAPA Author John Gibler discusses his book I Couldn’t Even Imagine That They Would Kill Us: An Oral History of the Attacks Against the Students of Ayotzinapa. 7pm. Resistencia Bookstore, 2000 Thrasher. Free. www.resistenciabooks.com.

Thursday 12

A CONVERSATION WITH VERONICA ESCOBAR The Texas Tribune leads a conversation with Veronica Escobar – Democratic candidate for Texas' 16th Congressional District. 7:30-9am. The Austin Club, 110 E. Ninth, 512/477-9496. Free. www.texastribune.org.

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

CULTURAL ARTS FUNDING PROGRAM BUDGET CLINIC Sign up for 30-minute consultations on applying for Cultural Arts Funding. Applicants are encouraged to bring draft project budgets and narratives. 5:30-8:30pm. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-1700. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/cultural-funding.

CANCELED: CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Canceled to due to an anticipated lack of quorum. Will be rescheduled. See agenda for details. 6:30pm. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-1700. Free. www.austintexas.gov/content/2018-charter-review-commission.

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.

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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/palmdistrict.

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. [email protected], 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.

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. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/budget.

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.

Got something to say on the subject? Send a letter to the editor.