Civics 101

Thursday 11

NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES COFFEE WITH A COP Grab a cup of joe and chat with members of APD. 9am. H-E-B, 9414 N. Lamar. www.austintexas.gov.

INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS DESKTOP Everything you need to know to master accounting basics, revenue and expenses tracking, bank reconciliation, and file setup. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $75. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

SUMMER SAVINGS COMMUNITY EVENT Discover ways to lower your summer utility bill, monitor your usage from a phone or tablet, and save on electricity with representatives from Austin Energy. 4-7pm. Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave, 512/472-6932. www.austinenergy.com.

CERTIFICATION 101: OVERVIEW AND APPLICATION PACKET REVIEW For-profit business owners interested in working with government contracts are invited to this workshop on small and minority business enterprise certifications. 5:30-7pm. www.austintexas.gov.

CIVICS 101: AUSTIN CITY GOVERNMENT AND YOU A crash course on all things City Council with the Austin Young Chamber and other local organizations. 5:30-7pm. The Brewtorium, 6015-A Dillard Cir., 512/524-0323. Free, members; $10, nonmembers. www.austinyc.org.

JOHN TREVIÑO JR. METRO PARK MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING #2 Provide feedback to the plan to develop a community park and open 330 acres of new parkland and river access to the public. 7-8:30pm. Turner-Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Dr. www.speakupaustin.org.

Friday 12

HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN Learn how to develop a step-by-step business plan for a small startup or business expansion. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $35. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: NOMINATING & ELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 9:30am. 6850 Austin Center Blvd. #320. www.austintexas.gov.

MAYOR'S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MEETING See agenda for details. 5pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

UPPER BOGGY BASH Celebrate the grand opening of the Upper Boggy Creek Trail with free sno-cones, live music, a parade, and activities for the whole family. Drop in anytime. 6-8pm. Downs Field, 2816 E. 12th. www.austintexas.gov.

BORDERLESS: CONVERSATIONS ON ART, ACTION, AND JUSTICE A conversation with Raj Patel, co-author of an award-winning book, activist, and academic, on the role art plays in reflecting and changing our world. 7pm. Malvern Books, 613 W. 29th. www.malvernbooks.com.

Saturday 13

SAVE THE CENSUS: CENTRAL TX CENSUS TRAINING Learn the importance of the census; how it impacts Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and all communities of color; along with ways to ensure everyone is counted fairly. 9:30am. Northwest Fellowship, 13427 Pond Springs. www.afssaustin.org.

CULTIVATING CO-CONSPIRATORS OF EQUITY Honor and celebrate Sandra Bland, who was found dead in Waller County jail four years ago. The event will include a march from the Texas Capitol, lunch, and a day learning and communing. 10am. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon, 512/505-3139. www.communityadvocacyhealing.org.

STAND UP TO FASCISTS Take a stand against fascists and Nazis in Austin during a rally with ATX Resistance Action in response to a event featuring former City Council Member Don Zimmerman with "nationalist hate group Nomad SAR." Attendees are encouraged to bring water, noisemakers, megaphones, signs, and umbrellas. 11am. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. www.tspb.state.tx.us.

FIX-IT CLINIC Learn how to repair your worn-out items – from clothing to household appliances. Noon-3pm. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd., 512/974-7400. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov.

NO WAR WITH IRAN Join Israel Is Palestine for a rally to protest against a possible war with Iran. 5pm. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. www.fb.com/IsraelIsPalestine.

Sunday 14

SJP MONTHLY GATHERING Join grassroots sexual assault survivor advocates for their monthly check-in. Second Sundays, 1pm Batch Craft Beer + Kolaches, 3220 Manor Rd., 512/401-3025. www.fb.com/survivorjusticeproject.

FLIPPING AWESOME FUNDRAISER Help Blue Action Democrats raise money to recruit and train volunteers, register voters, and mobilize Dem turnout at the polls with former state Sen. Wendy Davis and Julie Oliver. 3pm. The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar, 512/383-8309. www.blueactiondems.com.

Monday 15

SPECIAL EVENTS TASK FORCE MEETING See agenda for details. 3pm. One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS WITH ERICA NIX! Austin queer workout queen has teamed up with Planned Parenthood to host a nineties-inspired workout protest in from Gov. Greg Abbott's mansion. The goal: "Make clear that our creativity and resilience will always hold more power than extremists trying to strip away our rights." (Head to Kitty Cohen's after for a community toast at 7:30pm!) 6pm. Governor's Mansion, 1010 Colorado, 512/463-0063. www.PPtexasvotes.org.

Tuesday 16

BIZAID BUSINESS ORIENTATION An overview of how to open a small business – or how to reevaluate an existing one during growth. 9-10:30am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

NATIONAL DISABILITY VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK KICKOFF Kick off National Disability Voter Registration Week with this volunteer deputy registrar training so you can help get folks eligible to vote. RSVP via email or phone. 10am-Noon. Disability Rights Texas, 2222 W. Braker. Free. [email protected], www.revuptexas.org.

FUNDING HEALTH CARE IN TRAVIS COUNTY Join Central Health for a conversation over Twitter about building a healthier community through your tax dollars. Make sure to use the hashtag #CHealthChats. 7pm. Twitter. www.twitter.com/CentralHealthTX.

Wednesday 17

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK Learn how to properly install car seats and other child passenger safety tips. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline at 512/972-SAFE to register. 9am. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/339-0016. www.austintexas.gov.

SUMMER SAVINGS COMMUNITY EVENT Discover ways to lower your summer utility bill, monitor your usage from a phone or tablet, and other ways to save on electricity with representatives from Austin Energy. 4pm. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa. www.austinenergy.com/go/summer.

PROJECT CONNECT ORANGE LINE WORKSHOP Learn about Project Connect's proposed Orange Line – a form of high-capacity rapid transit planned to run on North Lamar and South Congress. Provide feedback, ask questions, and learn about improving public transit in Austin. 5pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-7400. www.capmetro.org.

MEASURE ALL-HANDS: THE HEALTH IMPACTS OF CHILDHOOD CRIMINALIZATION Community members will discuss the health impact of childhood incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline, and how to mobilize to change the statistics. 6pm. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon, 512/505-3139. www.measureaustin.org.

Thursday 18

PROJECT CONNECT ORANGE LINE WORKSHOP You're invited to hear about Project Connect's proposed Orange Line – a form of high capacity rapid transit planned to run N. Lamar and S. Congress. Provide feedback, ask questions, learn about improving public transit in Austin. 5pm. Ragsdale Center, St. Edward's University, 3001 S. Congress, 512/448-8796. www.capmetro.org.

FY 19 FINAL REPORT WORKSHOP Learn how to complete the Cultural Funding final report for Core, Capacity Building, Cultural Heritage Festival Program, and Community Initiatives Program. Attendees should bring a laptop or tablet if possible. 6pm. Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove, 512/974-7400. www.austintexas.gov.

AUSTIN TEJANO DEMS 10TH ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MIXER Members new and old are invited to come out for food, drinks, and to renew your dues! 6pm. Casa Maria, 4327 S. First #102, 512/444-8861. www.casamariarestaurant.net.

MEET + GREET: CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM IN TRAVIS COUNTY Discuss Dominic Selvera's plan to bring criminal justice reform to the Travis County Attorney's Office by ending cash bail, and decriminalizing marijuana and homelessness. 6pm. Butterfly Bar at the Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd., 512/478-5282. www.dominicselvera.com.

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. [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.