Civics 101

Thursday 3

CITY OF AUSTIN "HOW TO HELP" PORTAL Looking for the right way to help your community during the pandemic? Or do you have a volunteer opportunity that you want to list? Visit the city's "How to Help" portal to make a match. The portal includes ways to help from home, donation drives, and active community engagement opportunities. Ongoing Online. howtohelpaustin.givepulse.com.

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 4

CITY OF AUSTIN "HOW TO HELP" PORTAL Looking for the right way to help your community during the pandemic? Or do you have a volunteer opportunity that you want to list? Visit the city's "How to Help" portal to make a match. The portal includes ways to help from home, donation drives, and active community engagement opportunities. Ongoing Online. howtohelpaustin.givepulse.com.

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

WOOD RECLAMATION In the market for large logs for your art projects or milling? The Austin Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Unit has got you covered. Community members are responsible for all loading and hauling of wood. Parks staff can cut logs down to size if needed. 9am-2pm. John Trevino Jr. Metro Park, 9501 FM 969. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE MEETING The task force is responsible for collecting community experiences and recommendations related to Winter Storm Uri for a report for City Council. 10am. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

EASTSIDE VERTICAL TEAM DRIVE-THROUGH SUMMER KICKOFF Learn more about AISD Eastside schools programming, pick up resources, and celebrate the start of the summer. The Eastside Vertical Team is: Allison, Govalle, Ortega, Metz, Sanchez and Zavala elementaries; Martin Middle School; and Eastside ECHS and International High School. Noon-2pm. Martin Middle School, 1601 Haskell. Free. www.austinisd.org.

Saturday 5

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

AISD OPERATION RECONNECT: DOVE SPRINGS Austin ISD seeks volunteers for its door-to-door neighborhood walk to engage and recruit families back to AISD schools in the Dove Springs neighborhood. 9am-1pm. Dove Springs neighborhood. Registration required. www.austinisd.org.

Sunday 6

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

AUSTIN CAVE DAY Learn you can help protect our cave species, groundwater, and springs through virtual reality tours of Austin’s Wildflower and Millennium caves and an online story map. 8am-5pm. Online. Free. www.austintexas.gov/caves.

Monday 7

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING Working groups give briefings and recommendations on the COVID-19 food system response, healthy food access to all communities, and support for farms and farmers, among other areas. 9am. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING New business tackles several important developments, including an update on hiring a new Austin Police chief and the implementation of Proposition ordinances. 3pm. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Tuesday 8

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

HOME OFFICE TAX DEDUCTIONS WEBINAR Discuss the pros and cons of working from home, including its potential impact on personal and work boundaries, tax liability, and other topics. 9am-Noon. Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTING SESSION Several agenda items address local justice planning, including a briefing from the Juvenile Public Defender and the Capital Area Private Defender Service on the DNA Forensic Project and a new contract with the Public Rights Project for the Public Rights Project Fellowship in the Travis County D.A.’s Office. 9am. Online. www.traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: THE DEL VALLE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER Participate in a virtual tour of the design of Central Health’s center. 11:30am-2pm. Online. Free. www.centralhealth.net.

HOME COMPOSTING CLASS Learn how you can turn your food scraps and lawn clippings into fertilizer by using a home composting system. 6-7pm. Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov.

Wednesday 9

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

ZERO WASTE BLOCK LEADER ORIENTATION Austin Resource Recovery’s program connects green-minded community advocates and neighbors to help educate and increase participation in the city’s recycling and composting programs. 1-2pm. Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Discussion and possible action on Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget priorities for public health services. 2pm. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Thursday 10

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP APPLICATIONS OPEN The city of Austin invites community members to help create a new historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. Interested in local heritage? Apply to join the project working group, which will meet 10-12 times over the next year to draft the plan. Compensation is available for group members who need financial support to participate. Applications due Mon., June 14 bit.ly/ATXpresplan.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council tackles a lengthy 127-Item agenda, which includes a resolution directing city staff to participate in Capital Metro’s Equitable Transit Oriented Development Study, as well as the final vote on raising the general homestead exemption to the state maximum of 20%, among other items. This is Council’s last meeting before its July break. 10am. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: THE HORNSBY BEND HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER Participate in a virtual tour of the design of Central Health’s center. 11:30am-2pm. Online. Free. www.centralhealth.net.

Ongoing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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-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.

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.

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.