Civics 101

Thursday 12

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, 512/322-9622. Free. austinymca.org.

AISD COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC Second-dose vaccines are available for all AISD community members 12 years of age and older. Pre-registration available; walk-ins welcome (see here for registration link). 3-7pm. LBJ High School, 7309 Lazy Creek Dr.. Free. austinisd.org/student-health/covid-19/vaccine.

AISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES INFORMATION SESSION Before the start of the new school year (Aug. 17), the board will receive an important update from district staff on AISD’s “Safe Return to In-person Instruction Plan.” The meeting will stream live on AISD.TV and the Austin ISD Facebook page. 5:30pm. Videoconference. austinisd.org/board.

SPECIAL SESSION STRATEGIES In preparation for the second special session of the 87th Texas Legislature, Equality Texas hosts an updated messaging and testimony training session for advocates and organizers. 6:30-8:30pm. Online. Free (registration required). fb.com/equalitytexas.

Friday 13

CITY COUNCIL MEETING This meeting is tentative. Whether or not Council meets today (Aug. 13) depends on Council’s FY 2021-22 budget meeting on Wed., Aug. 11. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. austintexas.gov.

MUELLER LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION MEETING Consent items on the agenda include a resolution approving the FY 2021-22 operation budget for the Mueller Redevelopment Project, among others. 10:30am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. austintexas.gov.

Saturday 14

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING PUBLIC FORUMS The Austin Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will soon redraw the 10 City Council districts, and are holding public forums to gather input from each current district. Due to COVID-19, previously scheduled in-person forums will now be held online. Tuesdays & Saturdays through Aug. 17 Online via Zoom. redistrictatx.org.

AISD COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC Second-dose vaccines are available for all AISD community members 12 years of age and older. Walk-ins welcome; no appointment required. 10am-2pm. Martin Middle School, 1601 Haskell. Free. austinisd.org/student-health/covid-19/vaccine.

UPDATED: WATERLOO PARK REOPENING COMMUNITY DAY Due to COVID-19, all events and programs are postponed, but the park will still open to the public on Aug. 14.
Get lost exploring 11 acres of revitalized greenspace, 1.5 miles of trails, stunning Hill Country Gardens, the Moody Amphitheater, and so much more. CommUNITY Day will activate every corner of Waterloo Park, with musical and performing arts at Lebermann Plaza, kids’ activities at the Kitty King Powell Lawn, and STEM programming at the Meredith Heritage Tree Deck. Explore booths from a dozen community partners, and in the evening, enjoy the “Taste of Austin” concert showcase at the Moody Amphitheater, featuring Austin live music staple performances. 10am-10pm. Waterloo Park, 500 E. 12th. waterloogreenway.org.

INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETING Provide public comment and feedback on Austin’s current City Council district map with the commission that’s tasked with redrawing the city’s 10 Council district boundaries. This meeting focuses specifically on District 1. 1pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina. redistrictatx.org.

Monday 16

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.

Tuesday 17

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.

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING PUBLIC FORUMS The Austin Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will soon redraw the 10 City Council districts, and are holding public forums to gather input from each current district. Due to COVID-19, previously scheduled in-person forums will now be held online. Tuesdays & Saturdays through Aug. 17 Online via Zoom. redistrictatx.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTING SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Videoconference. traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETING Provide public comment and feedback on Austin’s current City Council district map with the commission that’s tasked with redrawing the city’s 10 Council district boundaries. This meeting focuses specifically on District 5. 6-8pm. Videoconference. redistrictatx.org.

Wednesday 18

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.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT BUDGET HEARING Submit comments regarding Travis County’s FY 2021-22 proposed budget. The county’s Planning and Budget Office has proposed a preliminary budget of $1.43 billion, which is 10% more than last fiscal year’s adopted budget. 9am. Videoconference. traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Austin Transportation Department Director Robert Spillar will share a presentation on Austin’s FY 2022 proposed transportation budget. 1pm. Videoconference. austintexas.gov.

AISD COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC Second-dose vaccines are available for all AISD community members 12 years of age and older. Walk-ins welcome; no appointment required. 5-8pm. Rodriguez Elementary School, 4400 Franklin Park Dr.. Free. austinisd.org/student-health/covid-19/vaccine.

INTRODUCTION TO COOPERATIVES: CO-OP HOUSING This class covers the basics of the cooperative business model with a particular focus on co-ops as a tool to create affordable housing. 6-8pm. Online. Free (registration required). austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

APD CHIEF FINALISTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS Hear from the top finalists for Austin’s next Police Chief, including APD Interim Chief Joseph Chacon, Dallas PD Assistant Chief Avery L. Moore, and LAPD Deputy Chief Emada E. Tinigirides. In-person seating is extremely limited; the city strongly encourages people to tune in remotely via ATXN.TV. Wed.-Thu., Aug. 18-19, 7-8:30pm ATXN.TV; Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov.

Thursday 19

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.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT BUDGET HEARING Submit comments regarding Travis County’s FY 2021-22 proposed budget. The county’s Planning and Budget Office has proposed a preliminary budget of $1.43 billion, which is 10% more than last fiscal year’s adopted budget. 9am. Online. traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

APD CHIEF FINALISTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS Hear from the top finalists for Austin’s next Police Chief, including APD Interim Chief Joseph Chacon, Dallas PD Assistant Chief Avery L. Moore, and LAPD Deputy Chief Emada E. Tinigirides. In-person seating is extremely limited; the city strongly encourages people to tune in remotely via ATXN.TV. Wed.-Thu., Aug. 18-19, 7-8:30pm ATXN.TV; Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.