Civics 101

Thursday 5

CULTURAL FUNDING FY20 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES APPLICANT WORKSHOP Individual artists, unincorporated arts groups, and arts 501 (c) 3 organizations learn about the application process. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptop or tablet. Noon. 5202 E. Ben White Blvd Suite 400 Austin, TX 78741. www.austintexas.gov.

MANAGE YOUR CASH FLOW Learn how it works and how cash flow is a tool to keep your business healthy. 1-4pm. 4029 South Capital Of Texas Highway #110. $35. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

PLANNING AND ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSIONS JOINT MEETING The city's two land use commissions will receive a update on the 2019 State Legislature, specifically regarding the process changes put forth under HB 3167, which focuses on county and city approval procedure for land development applications. 4pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 6

CITY OF AUSTIN EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM MEETING See agenda for details. 2pm. 6850 Austin Center Blvd., #320. www.austintexas.gov.

Saturday 7

BIKE START Residents of all ages are invited to attend this workshop on how to ride a bicycle with the help of Ghisallo Cycling Initiative. Email to register – middle-school-aged folks through adults are asked to reach out in advance. 9-11:30am. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/974-4926. [email protected], www.ghisallo.org.

A DEMENTIA FORUM At the panel, Alzheimer’s Texas and Sundance Memory Care will help caregivers learn more about how to support a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or any other diseases. Featured experts include David Eddy, Alan Stevens, Kacye Vanderplas and Matt Stanley. 9:15am-1pm. Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Ln. www.txalz.org.

DISTRICT 10 TOWN HALL ON HOMELESSNESS Join Council Member Alison Alter and the District 10 staff for a discussion about the recent changes to Austin's homelessness ordinances and next steps. 10-11am. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa, 512/345-8314. www.austintexas.gov.

CURBSIDE COMPOSTING INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE Learn about those green composting carts, what can be composted, and best practices for food scrap collection. 11am-1pm. Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar, 512/441-4777. www.austintexas.gov.

CIVICS EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY LoWV's Pamela Bixby, North Austin Republicans President Patrick McGuinness, Anderson High School's social science department chair Amy Jaggers, and Jahziel Leduna of Generation Citizen Student Leadership discuss what a secondary-school civics curriculum should look like. 2pm. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr., 512/974-8860. Free. www.cg4tx.org.

Sunday 8

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.

SPEAKER SERIES: SEARCHING FOR HUMANITY, OUR COMMON THREAD A conversation on Austin's future regarding our immigrant residents and the current border crisis with Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock. 2-3pm. St. Andrew's Church, 14311 Wells Port Dr., 512/413-4056. Free. [email protected], www.fb.com/StAndrewsaustin.

Monday 9

AUSTIN FAST START: MOBILITY INNOVATION PITCH COMPETITION Innovators present ideas for products that use data, technology, and design to improve transportation systems. Attendees will be be asked to vote for their favorite. 5:30-7:30pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-7400. www.austintexas.gov.

TX-10 CANDIDATE FORUM Pritesh Gandhi, Shannon Hutcheson, and Mike Siegel will discuss why they're running for Texas Congressional District 10, currently held by Republican Michael McCaul. A Q&A with attendees will follow. 6-8pm. InterStellar BBQ, 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N ste. 105. www.farnorthwestprogressives.club.

TX CD10 CANDIDATE FORUM - 6-8pm. InterStellar BBQ, 12233 Ranch Road 620. www.farnorthwestprogressives.club.

LIBERAL AUSTIN DEMOCRATS MEETING Hear the group discuss the progress being made in Williamson County and how we can keep turning the area blue with State Rep. John Bucy, Williamson County Democratic Party Chair Kim Gilby, and Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook. 6:30-8:30pm. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto, 405/202-2611. Free. [email protected], www.fb.com/liberalaustindemocrats.

MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING Advise City Council on music development issues. 6:30pm. One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

Tuesday 10

NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES COFFEE WITH A COP Do you live or work in north central Austin? Grab a coffee and discuss safety concerns with your District Reps. 7-9am. McDonald's, 5355 I-35. www.austintexas.gov/department/police.

COFFEE WITH A COP Do you live or work Downtown? Grab a coffee and discuss safety concerns with the Downtown District Rep. 7:30-9am. Capitol One Cafe, 106 E 6th St. Suite 100. www.austintexas.gov.

GOOGLE: HELP CUSTOMERS FIND YOU! Learn how the leading search engine can help grow your business and attract new customers without spending money. 9am-Noon. 4029 Capital of Texas Hwy., #110. $35. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

CULTURAL FUNDING OPEN OFFICE HOURS Drop in to learn about the city’s cultural funding programs. Current contractors are welcome; groups and individuals interested in applying are encouraged to attend. No appointment necessary. 9am-1pm. Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

AIA: DESIGN TALKS WITH VISHAAN CHAKRABARTI The recently named Dean of UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design will discuss architecture and his book on how urban design can create a better world. 11:30am-1pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/788-2181. $40. [email protected], www.aiaaustin.org.

BIZAID BUSINESS ORIENTATION An overview on opening a small business. 3-4:30pm. Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition, 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

TOWN HALL WITH ELIZABETH WARREN That's right, Massachusetts Senator and Democratic presidential candidate is coming to town to talk about her campaign! Admission is first come, so while the event doesn't start til 6:15pm, early arrival is encouraged. 4:15-8:15pm. Vic Mathias Shores, 900 W. Riverside. Free. www.elizabethwarren.com.

CAFE URBAN WITH STEFANOS POLYZOIDES Hear from the Godfather of New Urbanism himself; The Congress for the New Urbanism hosts. 5:30-7:30pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-7400. Free. www.centraltexascnu.org.

INDELIBLE IN THE HIPPOCAMPUS: WRITERS ON #METOO A reading and discussion with the editor and authors of a new anthology on #MeToo. 6:30-8:30pm. BookWoman, 5501 N. Lamar #105, 512/472-2785. www.ebookwoman.com.

Thursday 12

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES COFFEE WITH A COP Do you live or work in south central Austin? Grab a coffee and discuss safety concerns with your District Reps. 9-11am. Whataburger. www.austintexas.gov.

REELECT VIKKI GOODWIN CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF Help this state Rep. kick off her reelection campaign to fight gerrymandering, ensure sustainable funding for public education, and address the high uninsured rate among Texans. 6-8pm. County Line on the Hill, 6500 Bee Cave. www.vikkigoodwin.com.

BINGO, BEER, AND THE DEMOCRATIC DEBATES The South East Democratic Alliance host debate bing (with prizes) and watch party as the 10 qualifying candidates go head to head for three hours. The 10 you'll hear from: Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke, Former VP Joe Biden, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. 6:30pm. Independence Brewing Company, 3913 Todd #607, 512/707-0099. www.fb.com/traviscoSEDA.

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE WATCH PARTY WITH SEDA Play debate bingo with the South East Democratic Alliance. 6:30-10pm. Independence Brewing Company, 3913 Todd #607, 512/844-4416. Free. www.fb.com/traviscoseda.

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE WATCH PARTY The Travis County Dems invite you to join 'em for the Houston debates. One night only! 7pm. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto, 512/474-1958. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY Watch the upcoming Presidential Debate with the Far Northwest Progressives of Travis County. 7-10pm. Charm BBQ Chicken, 12233 RR 620 N. www.farnorthwestprogressives.club.

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.