Civics 101

Thursday 23

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING TAX SEASON United Way of Williamson County is looking for volunteers to help with free tax prep services in Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Liberty Hill, and Taylor. Work includes tax prep, translating, and greeting. No prior experience necessary, as a free training is provided, complete with IRS certification.

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online, 512/827-2574. [email protected], www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

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. www.austintexas.gov/raineystudy.

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.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON SAFETY & MOBILITY PROJECTS Review and provide feedback for the draft 2020 Mobility Annual Plan, which includes sidewalks, safe routes to school, bikeways, urban trails, intersection safety, Vision Zero improvements, and more. Funded by the 2016 Mobility Bond, the final 2020 MAP is expected to be released in early March. Provide feedback through Feb. 2, 2020 Online.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING And just like that our Council Members return to the dais for the new year with a new agenda. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

BLUEBONNET LANE OPEN HOUSE Stop by anytime to learn about proposed safety projects for Bluebonnet Lane from Del Curto Road to Melridge Place and Melridge from Bluebonnet Lane to Rabb Road. 6-7pm. Zilker Elementary School, 1900 Bluebonnet, 512/414-2317. www.austintexas.gov/bluebonnetln.

TRAVIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND SHERIFF CANDIDATE FORUM Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Resource and Response Team and the Austin Justice Coalition host (some of) the candidates running for Travis County District Attorney and Sheriff. 6-8:30pm. Servant Church, 1605 E. 38th 1/2 St. Free. www.atcsarrt.org.

TREE SMART WORKSHOP Learn the ins and outs of Austin's tree ordinance, designed to protect trees during construction. Kids' activities and snacks on hand so bring the fam. 6pm. Menchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Menchaca Rd., 512/974-8700. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

ATXPLAINED LIVE KUT News brings its crowdsourced reporting series, ATXplained, to the stage with this evening of live storytelling based on listener questions about the city’s people, places, and culture. Watch eight new stories told live on stage by KUT journalists with accompanying visuals and audio, as well as classic ATXplained stories reimagined for a live audience. 7pm. Hogg Auditorium, West 24th & Whitis, UT campus, 512/475-7964. $20-30. www.kut.org.

Friday 24

BUILDING BRIDGES COMMUNITY DIALOGUE María Medina Milner with the League of Women Voters Austin will discuss the Census, why it matters, and LWV's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs. 9am. NAACP Branch, 1709 E. 12th.

MARKETING ESSENTIALS Learn the five best ways to market your small business. Class counts toward the Business Skills Certification. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. $35. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

Saturday 25

READY, SET, PLANT! Join TreeFolks to plant tree seedlings to improve wildlife habitats, reduce erosion, and improve water quality! All supplies (plus coffee and light refreshments) provided. 9am. Williamson Creek at Radam Circle, 1208 Radam Cir. Free. www.treefolks.org.

AISD EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Families of prospective high school students are welcome to attend numerous open houses on AISD's ECHS Program, which allows teens to take college classes for free. Schools hosting the open house are: Akins, Crockett, Eastside Memorial, LBJ, Navarro, Northeast, and Travis. 9am-Noon. Multiple campuses. Free. www.austinisd.org.

MLK JR NEIGHBORHOOD PARK COMMUNITY MEETING Reconnect with nature and learn about the proposed improvements for the park. Kids will enjoy the pop-up play zones, fort building, and more. 10am-Noon. MLK Jr. Neighborhood Park, 2907 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.. www.austintexas.gov.

TRAVIS COUNTY PRECINCT 331 BLOCK WALK This Get Out the Vote effort focuses on "Tier 1" Dems to ensure they get out to the primaries! 10am-2pm. 11527 Heathrow Dr.. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

VOLUNTEER ON WATER QUALITY PROTECTION LANDS Help rebuild strong, native grasslands in the Barton Springs recharge zone by harvesting seeds, removing invasive species, planting, and more. The event will take place near FM 1826 and Slaughter Lane. 10am-Noon. The Maxwell Management Unit on The Water Quality Protection Lands. www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.

FIX-IT CLINIC Learn how to repair your worn-out items – from clothing to small appliances. Noon-3pm. Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library, 3101 Oak Springs, 512/974-9920. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

AYD ENDORSEMENT FORUM The Austin Young Dems are hosting candidates in local races to pick their faves for the 2020 primary! 1-4pm. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-3625. www.fb.com/austinyoungdemocrats.

JUDGES ON THE BALLOT: THEIR FUNCTION AND SELECTION Learn about the role of Texas judges, how the state's judiciary is structured, and whether we should be electing them to power. 2-4pm. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr., 512/974-8860. Free. www.cg4tx.org.

Sunday 26

CAD 2020 PRIMARIES ENDORSEMENT FORUM Join the Central Austin Democrats for their spring meeting on the primary. Noon-6pm. Violet Crown Clubhouse 7100 Woodrow Ave. www.fb.com/centralaustindemocrats.

VOLUNTEER ON WATER QUALITY PROTECTION LANDS Help rebuild strong, native grasslands in the Barton Springs recharge zone by harvesting seeds, removing invasive species, planting, and more. The event will take place near FM 150 and FM 3237, directions sent with registration confirmation. 1-4pm. Onion Creek Management Unit TX. www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.

MODERN TIMES SPEAKER SERIES: THE OTHER MIDCENTURY MODERN As part of the ongoing series, this talk will focus on "Women in Frontier Texas: Contrasts and Contradictions" with local researchers, authors, politicos, and more. 2pm. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel. $5-10. www.nchmuseum.org.

LAKE TRAVIS WOMEN WHO LEAD: A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Hear from and support local women leaders. 4-7pm. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, 512/535-3044. www.laketravisprogressives.org.

Monday 27

Tuesday 28

RECYCLING & ORGANICS REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES Network with other likeminded business owners while learning about zero waste practices. 11:30am. Sno Mo, 11220 N. Lamar Blvd. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

ARC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP: THE ART OF TAXES Designed for artists, this class is hosted by DAC's Artist Resource Center, addressing common tax concerns, important IRS regulations pertaining to creative practices, and more. 6:30pm. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-4000. Free. www.austintexas.gov/artistresourcecenter.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT VALUATION SEMINAR Landowners are invited to learn how a wildlife management plan can help keep low property taxes in place. 6:30-8pm. Austin Board of Realtors Member Events Center, 4800 Spicewood Springs Rd.. Free. [email protected], www.plateauwildlife.com.

Wednesday 29

FINANCIAL WELLNESS CLASS Experienced financial coaches will cover credit, debt, budgeting, and saving in these interactive classes. All attendees receive a free credit report and one-on-one credit counseling session. (Attend all three for a certificate of completion.) Childcare provided when available. Wednesdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29; 6:30-8:3pm M Station Apartments Learning Center, 2906 E MLK Blvd. Free if you make less than $55,000/year. www.foundcom.org.

CIVICS 101: MOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING Austin’s gay chamber wants to help you get involved in city politics. Learn the ins and outs of Council meetings, like how to participate and more, with CM Jimmy Flannigan. 4-6pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. Free, but RSVP. www.austinlgbtchamber.com.

Thursday 30

BIZAID BUSINESS ORIENTATION An overview of how to open a small business. 9am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

REDBUD TRAIL BRIDGE OPEN HOUSE Stop by anytime to learn about the options for replacing the Redbud Trail Bridge over Lady Bird Lake as the project enters design phase. 5:30-7:30pm. O'Henry Middle School, 2610 W 10th St.. www.austintexas.gov/redbudtrailbridge.

KEYHOLDER’20 Join the Women's Fund hosts for a night honoring the local middle and high school students making change in the community. Ziauddin Yousafzai of the Malala Fund will keynote. 5:30-9pm. Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside, 512/474-5664. $100-225. www.keyholderaustin.org.

NORTH UNIVERSITY-HERITAGE-ROSEDALE NEIGHBORHOOD BIKEWAYS OPEN HOUSE Drop in, see the preliminary designs, and share your thoughts with ATD regarding the proposed bikeways. 6:30-7:30pm. Bryker Woods Elementary School, 3309 Kerbey, 512/414-2054. www.austintexas.gov/NUHR-bikeways.

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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