Civics 101

Thursday 13

SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING Learn accounting basics to guarantee timely and accurate tax compliance as well as attracting new partners or investors. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $35. smallbiz@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

MOBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 1pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council.

BURNET ROAD OFFICE HOURS Stop by anytime to meet with city officials and learn about the impending safety and mobility updates to Burnet – between Koenig Lane and MoPac. (A second open house is planned for July 9 if you can't make this one.) 3-6pm. North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck, 512/974-9960. www.austintexas.gov/burnet.

CAMPO OPEN HOUSE Learn about the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Regional Arterials Study and Transportation Demand Management Plan. Can’t attend? Provide feedback through CAMPO’s website until July 15. 5-8pm. 14 N. Main St., Elgin. www.campotexas.org/get-involved.

THE CURRENT LEGAL LANDSCAPE OF DIVERSITY IN TEXAS Network with people who work toward diversity in the legal field, and make your voice heard regarding inclusion in the workplace. 6-8pm. Frost Bank Tower, 401 Congress, 512/473-4343. Free. www.acslaw.org/chapter/tx-austin.

DOVE SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITY PUBLIC MEETING Enjoy food and refreshments while providing your thoughts on the planned Dove Springs neighborhood health center and how it can serve your community. Spanish interpretation available. 6:30-8pm. Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square, 512/414-3284. Free. www.canatx.org.

Friday 14

IMAGINE AUSTIN SPEAKER SERIES: CENSUS 2020 City of Austin Demographer Ryan Robinson will share how the dynamic demographic trends of the census will impact Texas citizens. 9:30-11am. City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2743. Free. jorge.ortega@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

CAMPO OPEN HOUSE Learn about the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Regional Arterials Study, Transportation Demand Management Plan, and MoKan/Northeast Subregional Plan. Can’t attend? Provide feedback through CAMPO’s website until July 15. 10am-2pm. Project Connect Office, 607 Congress. www.campotexas.org/get-involved.

Saturday 15

2K FREEDOM RUN/WALK Part of Austin’s Juneteenth events commemorating slavery being abolished in Texas in 1865, when the announcement finally reached the Lone Star State. So put your walking shoes on for a short fundraiser lap down the historic Juneteenth Parade route to support the Greater East Austin Youth Association. For more info on getting outside for a cause see our blog. 8:30am. MLK & Comal St.. $20. www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com.

JUNETEENTH PARADE Get outside and celebrate the anniversary of the end of slavery in Texas. (If you get up early enough, consider participating in the 2K fundraiser.) 10am-Noon. MLK & Comal St.. Free. www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com.

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND FIX-IT CLINICS Learn how to fix your own clothes, electronics, and more with the guidance of expert coaches. “Why buy Dad a new watch when you can help him fix his favorite one for free?” June 15-16. Sat., 10am-noon; Sun., 11am-1pm Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/fixitclinic.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY Austin Refugee Roundtable and the Bullock Museum commemorate the United Nations' World Refugee Day with a naturalization ceremony, free samples of world cuisine, live music, and family friendly activities. 11:30am-2:30pm. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress, 512/936-4629. Free. www.thestoryoftexas.com.

Sunday 16

SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST MEDITATION A community-centered meditation for empathic change makers with Amira Glickman, Chanelle Glover, Alec Brownridge, Chris Isom, and Jacob Fischer. Email to reserve a spot. First & third Sundays, 10-11:45am. Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey, 512/476-2535. $15 suggested donation. amira@sacredreststop.org, www.sacredreststop.org.

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND FIX-IT CLINICS Learn how to fix your own clothes, electronics, and more with the guidance of expert coaches. “Why buy Dad a new watch when you can help him fix his favorite one for free?” June 15-16. Sat., 10am-noon; Sun., 11am-1pm Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/fixitclinic.

WENDY, SARAH, & LINDA: A ROE V. WADE CONVERSATION The National Women’s Political Caucus of Texas hosts attorneys Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee, who successfully argued this landmark case on the journey toward reproductive rights. 1-3pm. The Riveter, 1145 W. Fifth. $50, pre-sale; $30, students; $65 at the door. www.nwpc-tx.com.

Monday 17

CAMPO OPEN HOUSE Learn about the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Regional Arterials Study, Transportation Demand Management Plan, and MoKan/Northeast Subregional Plan. Can’t attend? Provide feedback through CAMPO’s website until July 15. 4-7pm. Allen R. Baca Center, 301 W. Bagdad Ave. #2, Round Rock, 512/218-5499. www.campotexas.org/get-involved.

DEMAND A RAISE FOR AISD WORKERS A rally with Education Austin, AISD staff, and community members to increase education funding and demand a pay raise for teachers. 6-8pm. AISD Office, 1111 W. Sixth. www.austindsa.org.

Tuesday 18

AUSTIN ISD JOB FAIR The school district is looking to fill job positions in its Transportation, Food Service, or Maintenance departments 8:30am-Noon. ISD Central Warehouse/Food Service building, 3701 Woodbury Rd.. www.austinisd.org.

CAMPO OPEN HOUSE Learn about the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Regional Arterials Study and Transportation Demand Management Plan. Can’t attend? Provide feedback through CAMPO’s website until July 15. 4-7pm. Dr. Eugene Clark Library, 217 S. Main St., Lockhart. www.campotexas.org/get-involved.

LOW WATER CROSSING PUBLIC MEETING City officials will discuss the potential closure of the low water crossing at Old San Antonio Road, between Akins High School and Southpark Meadows. 6:30pm. Akins High School, 10701 S. First. www.austintexas.gov.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN TOWN HALL Hear from newly elected women leaders about the end of the 86th Legislative session and the latest happenings in local government. 7-8:30pm. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse, 512/232-0100. www.vikkigoodwin.com.

Wednesday 19

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK Learn how to properly install your child's car seat. Register online, email, or call the EMS Safety Hotline for more info. Third Wednesdays, 9am Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/972-7233. Free. EMSPubEd@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS WEBINAR An overview of the City’s development process to help business owners identify what’s relevant to their business location development and efficiently navigate the process. 9-10am. Online. Free. smallbiz@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING The dais will dive into the weeds in hopes of wrapping up Thursday before their July break. 1:30pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

CAMPO OPEN HOUSE Learn about the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Regional Arterials Study and Transportation Demand Management Plan. Can’t attend? Provide feedback through CAMPO’s website until July 15. 4-7pm. Bee Cave Public Library, 4000 Galleria Pkwy., Bee Cave. www.campotexas.org/get-involved.

FROM DIVERSITY TO INCLUSION: PANEL DISCUSSION & RECEPTION Industry leaders and UT-Austin faculty members discuss building inclusive cultures in the workforce from the perspectives of gender, race, sexuality, and more. 5:30-8pm. Glickman Conference Center, 305 E. 23rd. Free. www.hdo.utexas.edu.

CANDIDATE 101 Annie’s List hosts a networking event for women interested in running for local or statewide offices, or in building their political foundations. 6-8pm. Spider House Ballroom. $15. www.annieslist.com.

Thursday 20

SPOTLIGHT ON POLICE SEIZURES IN TEXAS & BEYOND The Texas Tribune hosts a discussion with journalists, lawmakers, and attorneys on whether civil asset forfeiture is vital for law enforcement or an abuse its of power. 7:30-9am. Texas Tribune, 919 Congress, Sixth floor, 512/716-8600. www.texastribune.org.

[CANCELED] INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS DESKTOP [CANCELED] Take your accounting software skills to the next level with a better understanding of accounting basics, tracking revenue and expenses, bank reconciliation, and file setup. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $75. smallbiz@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Last Council meeting 'til August. Get ready for a long day! 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

FY 19 FINAL REPORT WORKSHOP Bring your laptop and learn how to complete the FY 19 Final Report for qualifying buildings and cultural and community programs. Noon-1pm. Spicewood Springs Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., 512/974-3800. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

PROJECT CONNECT BLUE LINE OPEN HOUSE Provide your feedback on Capital Metro’s proposed Blue Line Corridor, which aims to provide more high-capacity transit options in Austin. 4:30-6:30pm. Austin Community College Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Dr., 512/223-7300. www.projectconnect.com.

AURORA MARTINEZ JONES CAMPAIGN KICKOFF As a trained advocate who understands the child welfare system, Aurora Martinez Jones is jump-starting her campaign to become the 126th District Judge and carry out her progressive approach. 5:30-7pm. 1204 Castle Hill. Sponsorships start at $250. www.auroramartinezjones.com.

HOUSING INVESTMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING The city’s Housing Investment Review Committee will review applications for both the Rental Housing Development Assistance Program and the Ownership Housing Development Assistance Program to support construction of affordable housing. 5:30-7:30pm. Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office, 512/974-1091. mandy.demayo@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/housing.

MASSCHALLENGE TEXAS IN AUSTIN 2019 STARTUP SHOWCASE Meet the MassChallenge Texas in Austin finalist startups at the startup accelerator's largest open-floor, open-to-the-public expo. Learn how these emerging businesses are poised to change the way we live, work, and play. 6-8pm. Native Hostel - CLOSED, Free. www.masschallenge.org.

FREE COMPOSTING CLASS Learn how to turn food scraps and lawn clippings into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Residents paying the Clean Community Fee qualify for a $75 rebate on any home composting system – attend this class and apply! 6pm. Exaco Trading Co., 10203-B Metropolitan. www.austintexas.gov/composting.

#HOMESNOTHANDCUFFS Grassroots Leadership, Austin DSA, and other activist organizations gather to encourage City Council to vote in favor of an ordinance to decriminalize homelessness. 6:30-8:30pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.grassrootsleadership.org.

KUT’S “SPECTACLE OF KNOWLEDGE” TRIVIA NIGHT Grab a few friends and join KUT 90.5 for a test on your knowledge of news, current events, and sports. 7pm. Cactus Cafe, 2308 Whitis, 512/475-6515. $5. www.cactuscafe.org.

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE: BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER A rally to remember and honor Muhlaysia Booker and Chynal Lindsey, and support our black trans community with Black Transwomen Inc and Transgender Education Network of Texas. Join together to demand state officials stop targeting our queer and trans communities. 7-9pm. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. www.tspb.state.tx.us.

Ongoing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.