Civics 101

Thursday 13

RAINEY SHARED STREETS PILOT This Austin Transportation and Austin Police pilot program will test the temporary closure of Rainey Street to motor vehicle traffic Thursdays-Saturdays, 9pm-2:30am, in the model of the long-running Sixth Street shutdowns. The pilot period runs through March 8, 2020. Through Mar. 8, 2020. Thu.-Sat., 9pm-2:30am Rainey Street, [email protected]. www.austintexas.gov/raineystudy.

CITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION APPLICATIONS Apply if you're interested in serving on the five-member Municipal Civil Service Commission for both its unexpired term (ending May 2021) as well as a full term, if a full-term position becomes available in May 2020. Due Fri., Feb. 15, 5pm Online. www.austintexas.gov/content/municipal-civil-service-commission.

TRANSGENDER HEALTH: COMPLEX MEDICAL CASE STUDIES Central Texas providers share case studies on providing culturally competent medical care for trans and nonbinary patients. Medical providers are the target audience, but med students and novices are also welcome. Registration open! Event: Thu., Feb. 20, 6pm Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd. www.txtranshealth.org.

COFFEE WITH A COP Grab a coffee and discuss safety concerns with the South Central District Reps. 9-11am. Whataburger, 1616 E. Oltorf. www.austintexas.gov.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: LDC SECOND READING PART 2 The dais will begin reading the second draft of the Land Development Code rewrite at 9am, with a break at noon and plans to reconvene at 2:30pm. 9am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov/ldc.

READY, SET, PLANT! Plant tree seedlings to improve wildlife habitats, reduce erosion, and improve water quality! All supplies (plus coffee and light refreshments) provided. 10am-1pm. Shoal Creek Greenbelt, 3389 Shoal Creek Blvd.. Free (registration required). [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/creekside.

BIZAID BUSINESS ORIENTATION An overview of how to open a small business. 11am-12:30pm. Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove, 512/974-7400. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE See agenda for details. 11am. One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

[SOLD OUT] AIA AUSTIN DESIGN TALKS WITH SARA ZEWDE OF STUDIO ZEWDE Hear from the founding principal of New York’s Studio Zewde, a design firm practicing at the intersection of landscape architecture, urbanism, and public art. 11:30am-1pm. Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/452-4332. SOLD OUT. [email protected], www.aiaaustin.org.

MANAGE YOUR CASH FLOW Class will cover the fundamentals required to manage, measure, understand, and improve business cash flow. 1-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. $35. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

MOBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 1pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION: PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE See agenda for details. 4pm. One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION: SPECIAL CALLED MEETING See agenda for details. 6:30pm. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-1700. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 14

CAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING See agenda for details. 1pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

COMMISSION ON SENIORS JOINT MEETING Commission joined by Mayor’s Committee for People With Disabilities members. See agenda for details. 5pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

Saturday 15

SAFE BABY ACADEMY Parents and caregivers are invited to learn how to keep babies safe and sound. 9am. Seton Medical Center Williamson, 201 Seton Pkwy., Round Rock. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/ems.

HBCU DAY High school juniors and seniors can learn more about attending historically Black colleges and universities. 11am. Carver Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/974-4926. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

Sunday 16

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK Learn how to properly install car seats and other passenger safety tips. Register online or by phone. 10am. Walmart, 11923 U.S. Hwy. 290, Manor. Free. [email protected].

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FORUM Join Kyle/Buda-Area Democrats in hearing from candidates running for federal, state, and local offices. 2-5pm. Plum Creek Golf Course Pavillion, 4301 Benner Rd. Kyle. Free. www.kylebudadems.com.

TEXAS JUSTICE TOUR: WILLIAMSON/TRAVIS EDITION Meet Democratic candidates for state and local judicial offices, including the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Complimentary craft beer and food will be served. 5:30-7:30pm. Whitestone Brewery, 601 E. Whitestone #500, Bldg. 5, Cedar Park, 512/765-4828. Free (registration required). www.whitestonebrewery.com.

Monday 17

PRESIDENTS DAY CLOSURES Closures include City Council offices; City Hall; the Austin Public Library system; all Parks and Recreation Department museums, cultural arts centers, recreation centers, and senior centers; and Austin Animal Center will also be closed for the holiday. Normal business hours will resume Tue., Feb. 18 Mon., Feb. 17 Citywide. www.austintexas.gov.

Tuesday 18

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2020 joint primaries early. Sites throughout the city and county will open polling places. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Feb. 18-28 Anywhere you see "Vote Here".

HAPPY HOUR WITH REP. VIKKI GOODWIN Grab a cocktail, and share thoughts and feedback with your Rep! 6-7:30pm. Jules Design Bar, 12700 Hill Country Blvd. Ste. T-110, Bee Cave. www.vikkigoodwin.com.

Wednesday 19

SEARCHLIGHT SERIES: JUSTICE, EQUITY, AND ACTION AROUND RAPE Join Survivor Justice Project and the Austin Justice Coalition for a five-part series on the intersections of sexual assault survivor justice, racial equity, and criminal justice to uncover ways to advance healing and community accountability for sexual violence in Austin. Wednesdays, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, 6:30-8:30pm Street-Jones Building, 1000 E. 11th. www.fb.com/survivorjusticeproject.

SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES An overview of how to best employ social media as business marketing tools. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. $35. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS Material will cover the potential steps in the city's development process. 9-10am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS WEBINAR A live webinar of BizOpen's "Commercial Property Requirements" overview. 10-11am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 1:30pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

RUNWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES Vendors will receive info about upcoming projects with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. (Both sessions contain the same content.) Wed., Feb. 19. Session one: 2-4pm; session two: 6-8pm Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 Hotel Dr., 512/385-6767. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

2020 DEMOCRATIC DEBATE WATCH PARTY Watch the next round of the Democratic presidential primary debates on the North Door's 25-foot screen. 6-10pm. The North Door, 908 E. Fifth, 512/710-9765. ndatx.com.

BLACKADEMICS TELEVISION TAPING Blackademics Television returns for its eighth season of Black studies scholars, activists, and community leaders discussing issues facing the Black community and the nation today. 6:30-11:30pm. Studio 6A. Free. www.austinpbs.org.

Thursday 20

TEST BEFORE YOU INVEST: THE LEAN START-UP METHOD Class is designed for those interested in starting their own business or who have been in business for less than two years. 9am-Noon. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. $15. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

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

VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRAR TRAINING A one-hour training to learn how to register voters in Travis County. Must be 18 or older and a county resident. See FB for event registration info. Feb. 20 & 22. Thu., 10:30am, 2:30 & 6:30pm; Sat., 10:30am Multiple locations. www.traviscountytax.org.

PARTY FOR THE PEOPLE: CANDIDATE HAPPY HOUR AND HANGOUT Get to know the candidates who are running to represent you – from Travis County Commissioner to U.S. Congress – over a happy hour drink. 6-8pm. Native Hostel - CLOSED. Free. nativehostels.com.

CASA VOLUNTEER INFO SESSION Learn what it takes to become a volunteer and ask questions regarding the agency’s work advocating for kids in the court system. Refreshments provided. 6:30-8pm. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County, 7600 Chevy Chase #200, 512/459-2272. Free. [email protected], www.casatravis.org.

COURAGE TO BE: AN EVENING CELEBRATING SAHELI Celebrate the 28th anniversary of Saheli, the first organization in the South to serve Asian families impacted by domestic violence. 6:30-8:30pm. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-1700. Free. www.austintexas.gov/aarc.

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.

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