Civics 101

Thursday 26

EMDR TRAINING OPPURTUNITY FOR THERAPISTS The City is offering therapists free Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing training in exchange for working with sexual assault survivors through APD Victims Services. EMDR focuses on the disturbing emotions and symptoms that result from traumatic events and helps the brain organically move toward natural healing and positive mental health. As DNA backlogs are being addressed the need for more EMDR therapists is needed. Apply by May 31 [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/department/victim-services.

FINANCIAL FITNESS A weeklong series of classes in and around Austin teaching financial literacy for consumers and small businesses. Classes will cover credit building, budgeting, financial recovery, and more. See website for dates and times. Sat., April 21-Sat., April 28; free. [email protected], www.financialfitnessaustin.org.

OSHA 10 CERTIFICATION Certification for employee safety. Must attend both classes to complete. Thu.-Fri., April 26-27, 8am-2pm Hispanic Contractors Association, 7701 N. Lamar #410. $10. [email protected], www.ushcadeaustin.com.

MEET LAKE TRAVIS SCHOOL BOARD POSITION 2 CANDIDATE JAN MORELAND Jan Moreland hosts a meet and greet to hear from voters. 8:30-9:30am. Greater Goods Coffee, 12005 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 4-B, Bee Cave, 512/919-4206. Free. [email protected], www.janmorelandforlaketravisschools.com.

SAFE'S FIRST ANNUAL SAFEMEN FORUM Local leaders will gather to create "concrete plans on how they and their institutions will work to break the cycle of violence." This year's panelists include Mayor Adler, AISD Athletic Director Leal Anderson, and Entrepreneurs Foundation CEO & Capital Factory Director Eugene Sepulveda. 9-11:30am. JW Marriott Austin, 110 E. Second. www.safeaustin.org/pledge.

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

INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ARTS FUNDING PROGRAMS A workshop on the Core and Cultural Heritage Festivals Funding Program. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet. 11am. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. Fifth, 512/974-9980. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

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. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. Fifth, 512/974-9980. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/cultural-funding.

MIGRATION: DISCIPLINE AND DISPLACEMENT CONFERENCE Explore how the regulation of migration has served complex political and economic agendas by reinforcing inequalities through imposed legal categories. RSVP required. 3-6:30pm. University of Texas Liberal Arts, 512/471-4141. Free. www.liberalarts.utexas.edu.

PUBLIC HEARING ON FEDERAL HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN Residents can offer public comment before City Council on the FY 2018-19 Federal Housing and Urban Development Action Plan. 4pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-3100. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/cdc.

AISD 2018-2019 BUDGET COMMUNITY CONVERSATION See the results of the Budget Prioritization Survey and how public feedback has impacted the preliminary 2018-19 budget proposal. 6-7pm. Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman, 512/414-2523. www.austinisd.org.

GENDER 50/50 DAY: AN INTERSECTIONAL STAND The YWCA celebrates its Stand Against Racism campaign with a film screening and discussion with Diana Maldonado, Preeti Bhat, and Farah Muscadin. 6:30-8:30pm. Companion, 908 E. Fifth #106. www.ywcaaustin.org.

VILLAIN/VICTIM: STEREOTYPING THROUGH NARRATIVES OF VIOLENCE A panel of African-American, Latinx, and Muslim individuals brought together to discuss issues each of their communities face. 6:30-8:30pm. Cepeda Branch Library, 651 N. Pleasant Valley, 512/974-7372. Free. www.austinjustice.org.

Friday 27

CITY NATURE CHALLENGE – BIOBLITZ EVENTS Austin's Watershed Protection Department hosts "Bioblitz" to boost participation in Austin using the iNaturalist app. Various locations. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/creekside.

TRAVIS COUNTY JUSTICE PLANNING: EMPOWERING WOMEN – RE-ENTRY FROM A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE A conference where planners, administrators, service providers, and policymakers will discuss re-entry initiatives, programs, and obstacles on local and statewide levels. 7:30am-4:30pm. Texas Capitol Extension Auditorium, Rm. E1.004. Free. www.traviscountytx.gov/criminal-justice/research-planning.

MEET LAKE TRAVIS SCHOOL BOARD PLACE 2 CANDIDATE JAN MORELAND Lake Travis School Board Place 2 candidate Jan Moreland hosts a meet and greet to hear from voters. 8:30-9:30am. Vivel Crepes and Coffee, 2011 Main St. #500, Lakeway. Free. [email protected], www.janmorelandforlaketravisschools.com.

SAFE BABY ACADEMY – SPANISH For expectant families, parents, and caregivers of kids under 12 months. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. Class is conducted in Spanish. 9am. CommUnityCare, 1210 W. Braker. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

MANAGING STRESS WHILE RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS Learn how to manage stress by recognizing what causes it, how to relieve it, and developing systems to prevent it. 11:30am-1pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $25. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

YWCA MONTHLY DIALOGUES From DACA to bathroom bills and gun control. Spend your lunch discussing youth activism, how to help, how you participated in change-making as a teen, why some voices given a stage and others dismissed, and more. Noon-1:30pm. YWCA, 2015 S. I-35 #110, 512/326-1222. www.ywcaaustin.org.

LIFEGUARD HIRING EVENT PARD's Aquatics Division needs lifeguards, cashiers, pool attendants, swim instructors, and swim coaches for the 2018 swim season. Attend to learn more, complete an application, interview, and register for training. Free pizza and snacks for attendees too. 4-8pm. Aquatics Administration & Training Center, 2818 San Gabriel. www.lifeguardaustin.com.

Saturday 28

FREE COMPOSTING CLASS Learn how to compost to keep food waste from the landfill. Residents paying the Clean Community Fee qualify for a $75 rebate on a home composting system. Attend a class, then apply! 9:30-10:30am. Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., 512/974-1800. Free. www.austintexas.gov/composting.

MEET MARIANA SALAZAR CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 The D1 candidate hosts a meet and greet to talk to with neighbors. 10-11:30am. Northeast Park, 6705 Crystal Brook. Free. [email protected], www.mariana-salazar.com.

LAND USE COMMISSIONS PUBLIC HEARING ON CODENEXT: DAY 1 Give your feedback to the land use commissions on the city's land development code rewrite before they make their recommendations on the final draft for City Council. Speakers can only talk at one commission hearing. Sign up begins 30 minutes before start time. 10am. Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez, 512/974-3840. www.austintexas.gov/codenext.

FREE CHICKEN KEEPING CLASS Learn how to keep chickens and how to apply for a $75 rebate on a coop. Must register to attend. 11am-Noon. Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., 512/974-1850. Free. www.austintexas.gov/chickenkeeping.

Sunday 29

#JOLTTHEVOTE TOWN HALL The Latino civic engagement organization hosts a Texas candidate forum so members of the Latino community can ask questions. Beto O'Rourke, Lupe Valdez, Andrew White, and Miguel Suazo for Texas Land Commissioner will be among the attendees. 10:30am-1pm. 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd.. Free. [email protected], www.jolttx.org.

CIVICS 101: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT An interactive crash course on getting involved in local government. (Part of the Earth Day ATX 2018 festival.) 5-5:30pm. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon, 512/505-3139. Free. www.austineconetwork.com.

Monday 30

MONEY TALKS: SEED FUNDING ROUNDTABLES Group discussions led by funding experts on traditional and creative ways to successfully connect you to capital. Part of Austin Small Business Week. 2-4:30pm. Norris Conference Centers, 2525 W. Anderson #365. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

MONEY TALKS: GROWTH FUNDING ROUNDTABLES Small group discussions led by funding experts on knowledge of traditional and creative ways to successfully connect you to capital. Part of Austin Small Business week. 2-4:30pm. Norris Conference Centers, 2525 W. Anderson #365. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

MONEY TALKS: NETWORKING Network with seed and growth funding experts from the Money Talks roundtable sessions. Arrive early! This session is overbooked and will be subject to venue capacity. 4:30-6pm. Norris Conference Centers, 2525 W. Anderson #365. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

Tuesday 1

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING WORKSHOP U.S. Small Business Administration lender Sue Malone will introduce current trends in accessing capital for small business owners. 9-11am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-program.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK Certified safety techs demonstrate how to properly install a car seat. Register online or call. 9am. Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez, 512/972-7233. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

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.

PRODUCT LAUNCH SUCCESS WITH DIGITAL MARKETING How to utilize paid social media campaigns as a research tool to minimize product launch failure and engage better with customers. Noon-2pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

BUSINESS COACHING OPEN OFFICE HOURS Receive one-on-one business coaching from Small Business Program staff as part of Austin Small Business Week. 2-4pm. Pleasant Hill Branch Library, 211 E. William Cannon, 512/974-3940. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

LAND USE COMMISSIONS PUBLIC HEARING ON CODENEXT: DAY 2 Give your feedback to the land use commissions on the city's land development code rewrite before they make their recommendations on the final draft for City Council. Speakers can only talk at one commission hearing. Sign up begins 30 minutes before start time. 4pm. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.. www.austintexas.gov/codenext.

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.

ANN WRIGHT: THE 2018 GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLA Ann Wright, a retired U.S. Army colonel and diplomat who resigned from the State Department in 2003 in opposition to the war in Iraq, gives a presentation on Gaza. 7-9pm. Friends Meeting of Austin, 3701 E. MLK. Free. interfaithforpalestinianrights.org.

Wednesday 2

TEST BEFORE YOU INVEST: LEAN START METHOD Discover the “lean start-up process,” how it differs from a traditional plan, and determine which is most appropriate for you. 9-11am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

BIZAID BUSINESS ORIENTATION FOR CREATIVES This will cover the needs of artist-run businesses and offer information on resources to help with starting up or expanding. 3-5pm. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr., 512/974-8860. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

AWARDS RECEPTION CELEBRATING THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAVIS COUNTY DWI COURT Travis County DWI Court, presided-over by Judge Elisabeth Earle, celebrates a decade of work. Earle said, "Because of the court’s dedicated work, Travis County is able to provide the tools necessary to break the cycle of dangerous behavior and provide support to help the participant achieve and maintain sobriety.” 5pm. Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St..

MANAGING LIABILITY Texas CBAR covers the basics of liability issues. 5:30-8pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

LET'S LEARN: THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND YOUR VOTE Learn what the various levels of government are responsible for and what impact your vote can make on the entire process. 6-8pm. Live Oak Brewing Company, 1615 Crozier, Del Valle, 512/385-2299. Free. [email protected], www.facebook.com/thegetupmovement.

AISD 2018-19 BUDGET COMMUNITY CONVERSATION See the results of the Budget Prioritization Survey and how public feedback impacted the shape of the preliminary 2018-19 budget proposal. 6-7pm. Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, 2206 Prather, 512/414-3236. Free. www.austinisd.org.

Thursday 3

CIRCUIT EVENTS LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 8am. Austin Chamber of Commerce, 210 Barton Springs Rd. #400. www.austintexas.gov.

CITY LEADERS & HEALTH EXPERTS ON CENTRAL TEXAS' AIR QUALITY The public is invited to stop by Austin Transportation’s table to pick up free safety items (like reflectors and bike lights), before the 10am discussion on Ozone Action days with Clean Air Coalition Chair and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt, CM Ann Kitchen, and the Environmental Defense Fund’s Vice President of Clean Energy Jim Marston. 8-10am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov/transportation.

EL BUEN SAMARITANO MOBILE FOOD PANTRY A mobile food pantry providing emergency food assistance to families with financial limitations. Fresh produce, cooking help, and nutrition education available. No appointment is necessary. First and third Thursdays, 9am-noon. Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle. www.elbuen.org/wellness/food-pantry.

5G: NEXT CENTURY CITIES SPECIAL SESSION Next Century Cities presents findings from newly released 5G research during multiple panels at the Broadband Communities Summit. 9:10-10am. Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd., 512/343-2626. [email protected], www.nextcenturycities.org.

WEBINAR – BIZOPEN ORIENTATION: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS Learn more about Austin's developmental processes relevant to your business, and location development. See Eventbrite for details. 10-11am. Virtual Training Room. www.austintexas.gov.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS WEBINAR A general overview of the city's development process to help viewers identify relevant processes to business development, and navigating the steps in a timely and efficient manner. 10-11am. 512/974-7800. Free; register online. [email protected].

WRITING A WINNING BUSINESS PLAN Learn the essential elements for preparing a plan for business success and utilizing databases from Austin Public Library resources. 10:30am-1:30pm. Spicewood Springs Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., 512/974-3800. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

BTALK TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT Workshops for small businesses! Learn how the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could impact individuals and businesses. Noon-1pm. Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, 8001 Centre Park Dr. #160. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. [email protected], www.austinasianchamber.org.

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

BUSINESS COACHING OPEN OFFICE HOURS Receive one-on-one business coaching from Small Business Program staff as part of Austin Small Business Week. 2-4pm. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Commissioners discuss CodeNEXT following the public hearings. See agenda for details. 5pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov/content/planning-commission.

SMALL BIZ LAWYER UP! LEGAL CLINIC Volunteer attorneys available for one-on-one 30-minute consultation sessions. 6-8:30pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program.

MEET THE TWO CANDIDATES FOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT PARD invites the public to a meet and greet with the final candidates for assistant director. 6-7:30pm. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., 512/477-8672. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/parks-and-recreation.

PRIVATE VIOLENCE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING Part of the Austin Public Library and UT's Difficult Dialogues Program, this documentary follows two survivors and explores abusive relationships. 6:30pm. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-3625. https://library.austintexas.gov/terrazas-branch.

MEETING WITH MLS SOCCER STADIUM DEVELOPER Residents of the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association, North Park Estates, and all interested residents are invited to meet with MLS soccer stadium developer Dave Greely, president of Precourt Sports Venture. Greely will share background information and ask for feedback. 7pm. 1210 W. Braker. www.austintexas.gov/mckalla.

UPDATE ON GAZA AND BDS WITH REBECCA VILKOMERSON The executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace discusses the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement and Gaza. 7pm. Friends Meeting of Austin, 3701 E. MLK. www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org.

Ongoing

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.

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