Civics 101

Thursday 25

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

CONSTRUCTING A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO AUSTIN URBAN DESIGN The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects partners with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Urban Studies & Planning to present a more holistic urban design for "complete communities" in Austin. 1-3pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.aiaaustin.org.

VOTER BAR HOP: WESTSIDE A self-guided bar crawl to celebrate your voting self! Vote in the afternoon at the county's Granger Building, then swing by Parlor & Yard, Rustic Tap, and Dirty Bill's for drink specials! End the night at Stereotype with Genevieve Padalecki and Alpha Rev. 4-7pm. Granger Building, 314 W. 11th, 512/975-0009. Free. [email protected], www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

DISTRICT 3: CITY BOND OPEN HOUSE Residents are invited to stop in to learn more about the 2018 bonds on the upcoming ballot. 6-8pm. Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis, 512/974-2000. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/2018bond.

MEET THE FINAL FIRE CHIEF CANDIDATES The six finalists for the Fire Chief position participate in a moderated discussion. Attend in person or watch live on ATXN. Free parking at Palmer Events Center; Spanish and ASL interpreters provided. 6-8pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.. www.austintexas.gov.

GENERATION PRICED OUT: A DISCUSSION WITH RANDY SHAW Randy Shaw, the director of the San Francisco's Tenderloin Housing Clinic, discusses his new book, which looks at rising property values and displacement in the urban U.S. 7:30-9pm. Goldsmith Hall 3.120, 310 Inner Campus. Free.

Friday 26

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

THE PLANET TEXAS 2050 GRAND CHALLENGE: MAKING TEXAS RESILIENT FOR ALL An academic examination of the present and future of Texas' resource management, urbanization, and environmental health. Lunch provided with RSVP. Fri., Oct. 26, noon-1:30pm Frances Auditorium, TNH 2.114. Free. www.bridgingbarriers.utexas.edu.

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.

Saturday 27

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

SAFE BABY ACADEMY Learn how to create a hazard-free environment for your infant with training in infant CPR and car seat inspection. Open to expectant families, parents, and caregivers of children under 12 months. 9am. CommUnityCare, 2901 Montopolis. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov.

HOPEFEST A Reagan High School community celebration complete with local groups, neighboring schools, nonprofits, and city agencies looking to empower families throughout town. Look for health and vision screenings immunizations, housing information, employment, prenatal support, and more along with live music, food, and fun activities for kids. Families can also register for Blue Santa on site! 9:30am-3pm. Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman, 512/414-2523. www.hopefestaustin.org.

DRUG TAKE BACK INITIATIVE Safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs during this (free and anonymous) drop-off event at constable offices throughout Austin (see website for locations). 10am-2pm. Various locations. www.traviscountytx.gov.

OUT FOR EQUALITY: AN LGBTQ DAY OF ACTION Queers across the state are joining together to mobilize the queer vote during early voting. 10am-4pm. Cedar Park Field Office, 10222 Pecan Park Blvd. #13. www.fb.com/hrcatx.

AUSTIN LGBT COALITION ON AGING MEETING Join the coalition for a meeting with Patricia Bordie, the director of the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area. 10:30am. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. www.algbtcoa.org.

VOTER BAR HOP: EASTSIDE A self-guided bar crawl to celebrate your voting self! Vote in the afternoon at Zaragoza Rec Center then swing by Blue Owl Brewery, Stay Gold, and Craftsman for drink specials. Mayor Steve Adler and mayoral hopeful Travis Duncan are expected to be in attendance. 4-7pm. Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, 2608 Gonzales, 512/975-0009. Free. [email protected], www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

GET OUT THE VOTE PARTY Talk about a political party to mobilize the vote! Cecile Richards and Wendy Davis will be joined by gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez, Vikki Goodwin for HD 47, Joi Chevalier for Texas Comptroller, and more. DJ Lolo adds to the merriment while you learn more about GOTV. 4:30-6:30pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

Sunday 28

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

CLIMATE CHANGE RALLY St. Edward’s Students for Sustainability hosts a rally for the #TrialOfTheCentury to support plaintiffs in the Juliana v. United States court case, which asserts that, "through the government's affirmative actions that cause climate change, it has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, as well as failed to protect essential public trust resources." 1-2pm. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. Free. [email protected], www.tspb.state.tx.us.

AUSTIN ARCHIVES BAZAAR The bazaar features collections from 26 Central Texas archives, a vintage photo studio, a full lineup of speakers, and more. Learn how to preserve your own physical and digital archives, too! 2-6pm. Saengerrunde Hall, 1607 San Jacinto, 917/683-5810. Free. [email protected], www.austinarchivesbazaar.org.

THE MARK OF WAR A documentary feature film that combines archival footage with deeply personal interviews from seven Vietnam veterans. Screening is followed by a Q&A with director Ricardo Ainslie. Free and open to the public. 3pm. AFS Cinema, 6406 N. I-35 Ste. 3100, 512/322-0145. www.austinfilm.org/cinema.

Monday 29

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

CITY OFFICE CLOSURES Commercial plan reviews, residential plan reviews, and building inspections will not be performed from Monday through Wednesday, due to mandatory training. Mon.-Wed., Oct. 29-31 One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

QUEER ISSUES IN IMMIGRATION CLE The Austin LGBT(Q) Bar Association and the Civil Rights and Immigration Section of the Austin Bar Association host UT professor Barbara Hines, Hansen & Taylor partner Stephanie Taylor, Litigation associate at Baker Botts LLP Maddy Dwertman to discuss the relationship between immigration laws and the LGBTQ community, and the evolution of these policies. 11:30am-1pm. AFL-CIO Hall, 1106 Lavaca, 512/477-6195. $25 LGBT Bar Association & Civil Rights and Immigration Sections ; $30 for non-members.

PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 6pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

DISTRICT 1 AND MAYORAL CANDIDATE DEBATE ON STUDENT ISSUES Still undecided? The candidates for mayor and D1 discuss topics presented by local college students. 6:30-9pm. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon, 512/505-3139. [email protected].

Tuesday 30

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

CITY OFFICE CLOSURES Commercial plan reviews, residential plan reviews, and building inspections will not be performed from Monday through Wednesday, due to mandatory training. Mon.-Wed., Oct. 29-31 One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

BARTON SPRINGS BATHHOUSE COMMUNITY MEETING Austin Parks and Rec. wants your feedback on the upcoming remodel of the Barton Springs Bathhouse. 3-6:30pm. Barton Springs Bathhouse, Zilker Park. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

PIZZA, POSTCARDS, AND PHONE BANKING Indivisible Austin hosts a weekly phone-banking, post-card writing pizza party to help build Texas' blue wave on Election Day. For all or our coverage leading up to the Nov. 6 midterms, visiting our Elections landing page. Tuesdays thru Nov. 6; 6:30-8:30pm ADAPT of Texas, 1100 S. IH-35 Frontage Rd, 512/632-2708. Free. [email protected], www.indivisibleaustin.com.

LILITH FUND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE AWARDS Celebrate the year's champions of reproductive justice. Art, food, live music, and more abound. 6:30-8pm. Tamale House, 1707 E. Sixth, 512/495-9504. $25-75. [email protected], www.lilithfund.org.

CHECKPOINT NATION Texas Observer reporter Melissa del Bosque will discuss her article "Checkpoint Nation," which examines the brutalities committed by Customs and Border Protection agents in the 100-mile border zone. Del Bosque will be joined by Harper’s associate editor Rachel Poser and border writer Michelle García. 6:30-10pm. The North Door, 908 E. Fifth, 512/710-9765. Free. [email protected], www.texasobserver.or.

Wednesday 31

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

CITY OFFICE CLOSURES Commercial plan reviews, residential plan reviews, and building inspections will not be performed from Monday through Wednesday, due to mandatory training. Mon.-Wed., Oct. 29-31 One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

U.S.-CHINA TRADE WAR TALK Ralph Chow, regional director of Americas of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will discuss what local businesses can do while "Washington and Beijing continue to enact tariffs against each other." 8:30-10:30am. Greater Austin Asian Chamber Of Commerce, 8001 Centre Park Dr. #160. $15, free for members. [email protected], www.austinasianchamber.org.

THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN PARKS: AUSTIN'S URBAN GREENBELT Learn about the changes coming to Downtown parks and public spaces. Hosted by the Downtown Austin Alliance and Austin Parks and Recreation Department. 11:30am-1:30pm. The Sunset Room, 310 E. Third. www.downtownaustin.com.

Thursday 1

OPEN ENROLLMENT HEALTH INSURANCE HELP – NORTH It's that time of the the year, again. Don’t miss your chance to switch your health insurance plans or get covered via the Marketplace with support from Foundation Communities. (Seriously, they're the best!) For more info visit the website or call 211. Nov. 1-Dec. 15: Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-4pm; Sun. 1-5pm Community Financial Center North, 5900 Airport Blvd.. Free. [email protected], www.insurecentraltexas.org.

OPEN ENROLLMENT HEALTH INSURANCE HELP – SOUTH It's that time of the the year, again. Don’t miss your chance to switch your health insurance plans or get covered via the Marketplace with support from Foundation Communities. (Seriously, they're the best!) For more info visit the website or call 211. Nov. 1-Dec. 15: Mon.-Wed., 10am-7pm; Thu., 10am-4pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-1pm Community Financial Center – South, 2600 W. Stassney. Free. [email protected], www.insurecentraltexas.org.

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

CITY OFFICE CLOSURES Commercial plan reviews, residential plan reviews, and building inspections will not be performed from Monday through Wednesday, due to mandatory training. Mon.-Wed., Oct. 29-31 One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.austintexas.gov.

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

NFBPA CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER'S REGIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2018 The Central Texas Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators hosts two days of workshops, forums, panel discussions, and keynote speeches to address today's complex issues of race. Attendees will leave with tools and strategies to effectively manage these issues and produce positive outcomes. Thu.-Fri., Nov. 1-2, 7am-7pm Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, 4140 Governors Row. $130-210.

KIM OLSON WITH EVAN SMITH Agriculture Commissioner hopeful Kim Olson sits down with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith to talk public service and policy. Attend live or watch online. 7:30-9am. Studio 919 at the Texas Tribune, 919 Congress, sixth floor, 512/716-8655. Free. https://www.texastribune.org/studio-919.

EL BUEN SAMARITANO MOBILE FOOD PANTRY A mobile food pantry providing emergency food assistance to families with financial limitations. Fresh produce, cooking help, and nutrition education available. No appointment is necessary. First and third Thursdays, 9am-noon. Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle. www.elbuen.org/wellness/food-pantry.

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

MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS CERTIFICATION Business owners interested in government contracts are invited to learn more about the certifications available to small minority- and women-owned businesses. 10am-Noon. Small & Minority Business Resources, 4201 Ed Bluestein Blvd.. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

KWAME ANTHONY APPIAH'S KEYNOTE LECTURE: "SOCIAL IDENTITIES AND THE GOOD LIFE" Appiah, a professor of philosophy and law at New York University, will share experiences from writing "The Ethicist" column in The New York Times along with central ideas from his recent book, The Lies That Bind: Rethinking Identity. 4-6:30pm. UT's Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium, 2313 Red River. Free. [email protected], www.liberalarts.utexas.edu/ethicsproject.

CHARI KELLY FUNDRAISER WITH REP. LLOYD DOGGETT A fundraising dinner for Chari Kelly, Democratic nominee for Justice in Place 3 on the Third Court of Appeals. 5-7pm. Santa Rita Tex Mex Cantina, 1206 W. 38th, 512/419-7482. $50+ suggested donation. www.charikelly.com.

CARTEL LAND Vigilante groups on both sides of the border fight the Mexican cartels in this harrowing doc. 6:30pm. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-3625. Free. https://library.austintexas.gov/terrazas-branch.

AURA TOWNHALL WITH RANDY CLARKE AURA members are invited to an evening with the new president and CEO of Capital Metro to hear more about his plans for the city's transit system. 6:30-8pm. Casa Colombia, 2409 E. Seventh, 512/495-9425. www.aura-atx.org.

Ongoing

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, provided by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division. $57, residents; $66, nonresidents. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

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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