The Equity Action Team (EAT) is a coalition of community members and City of Austin staff focused on advancing racial equity in our communities through partnerships with City departments, non-profits, philanthropic entities and community-based groups.
The EAT meetings are dedicated to critical discussions and strategizing on how to best improve the quality of life for most directly impacted communities in Austin.
Everyone is welcome to join the EAT! As a member, your responsibility is to attend and bring your community with you. During our meetings, we hear from community members and City staff to understand community needs and City projects and work together to produce better outcomes for all.
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WHAT'S IN THE NEWSLETTER? |
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Click one of the buttons below to go to that section's content |
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EQUITY + INCLUSION OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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We're back from vacation! Join us for the
🌻 August EAT Meeting
🗓️ Wednesday, August 27th
🕕 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
📍 Street-Jones Building, 1000 E 11th Street #120, Austin, TX 78702
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(English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Simplified Chinese) |
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Image description: "Photograph of Barbara Jordan and Gerald Ford conversing during the signing of an extension to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in the Rose Garden, accompanied by various congresspeople standing behind the two. Ford is seated at a desk furnished with a notepad and two microphones, and is turned towards the left to receive a bundle of papers from Jordan, who looks towards the right."
In Texas, as the Special Session is underway, we want to recognize one of the Special Session agenda items, redistricting. This topic was added by Governor Abbott after hearing "constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice". Many community members have shown up to hearings at the Capital and have shared their concerns about redistricting. This call for redistricting has us thinking about history and the fight for voting rights.
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President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law on August 6, 1965. This landmark legislation aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Photo:
President Lyndon B. Johnson moves to shake hands with Martin Luther King Jr. while others look on after Johnson signed the federal Voting Rights Act into law at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 6, 1965.
Yoichi Okamoto/Lyndon B. Johnson Library |
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SURVEYS + COMMUNITY INPUT |
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Help the Watershed Protection Department prioritize their work!
The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department is creating a strategic plan to protect Austin’s creeks and communities, and they want to hear from you! Over the past three years, Watershed Protection asked the community about your vision for Austin's waterways. Now, they need help deciding what to prioritize. Your input will help guide their work and decision making to confront urgent challenges such as climate change, population growth, and racial inequities.
Take the 10-minute survey by September 15!
Visit RainToRiverATX.com to share your thoughts and help make decisions that truly reflect our community’s needs.
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Budget Adoption Timeline:
- July 11: FY 2025 - 26 Proposed Budget Available Online
- July 15: FY 2025 - 26 Proposed Budget Presentation to Council
- July 23: Council budget work session and community input session
- July 29: Council budget work session
- July 31: Council budget work session and public hearing on the budget
- August 5: Council budget work session
- August 7: Council budget work session
- August 13 - 15: Budget and Tax Rate Adoption by City Council
For more information and updates on the process timeline, click here.
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The City of Austin is updating the City of Austin Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP). The Plan will address hazards that affect the area. The goal of the Plan Update is to evaluate current risks and develop an effective mitigation strategy to ultimately minimize or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from known hazards.
Hazard Mitigation Plans must be updated and approved by FEMA every 5 years to remain eligible for grant funds through FEMA's hazard mitigation assistance program. An approved HMAP also earns application scoring points for a variety of other grant programs.
Public participation in this survey and / or attendance to the public meetings will provide the planning team valuable information that will be used in the development of the HMAP and educate the planning team's approach.
This survey closes November 21, 2025
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The CHW Social is August 8th at Stargazer starting at 5pm. As always, this event is open to all and not just limited to Community Health Workers. If you are looking for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support each other in the work you are doing in and around our communities, please consider stopping by. It’s an amazing opportunity to find a space to be real with one another and hopefully make lasting relationships.
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🗓️ Sunday, August 10th | Out of the Shadows
📍 Blu Dot on West Cesar Chavez
Due to space capacity, this event is limited to 25 RSVPs.
All other RSVPs will be standby for this event and receive priority for the following event.
Our partner, Blu Dot, would love to invite you to their future events and by completing this form, you want to be included in invites for other events hosted by Blu Dot with other partners like milk+honey Spa. If you'd rather opt-out or have additional questions, send an email to whatsthechismetisha@gmail.com. |
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OVERCOME WRITER’S BLOCK, BECOME A BETTER WRITER & HAVE FUN WITH WRITING AT THE WRITE ABOUT NOW ACADEMY (WANA)
WANA is a year long schedule of instructor-facilitated virtual writing classes.
Every month we are offering writing intensives facilitated by some of the most talented poets from all across the globe.
Each master class will focus on a different topic, but will leave you feeling empowered, enlightened, and elevated in your craft.
If you can't make it at the scheduled time, register anyway! You will also have access to the recordings and workshop material just in case you miss a class or wish to revisit a class you attended.
Did you know that Texas taxpayers spend over $1 billion on keeping Texans in jail? Did you know, also, that more than 70% of jail populations in Texas are people who haven’t been found guilty of a crime, and you can do something about it? In this workshop, we will learn and write about Texas jails — with a specific focus on erasure poetry and opinion editorials using excerpts from the ACLU of Texas’ groundbreaking jail brief. By the end of the session, participants will have at least two pieces that speak truth to power, and serve as a tool to talk about the criminal (in)justice system.
Note: This workshop is free and open to the public, though it is made with currently and formerly incarcerated writers in mind. All participants in this workshop have the opportunity to be considered for two paid performance and writing opportunities with the ACLU of Texas.
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You're invited to the next Veterans Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Austin VA Outpatient Clinic (Room 1G-101), located at 7901 Metropolis Dr, Austin, TX 78744.
Hosted in partnership with the City of Austin, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Texas Veterans Commission, this monthly engagement takes place every second Wednesday and is open to veterans, surviving spouses, and veteran dependents.
The goal of the fair is to connect our veteran community with the benefits and resources they’ve earned. The event features a combination of presentations and tabling from local, state, and federal agencies.
📈 Nationally, nearly 1 in 4 veterans are unaware of the full range of benefits available to them—including VA health care, education assistance, and disability compensation. Events like this help close that gap by providing direct access to knowledgeable representatives and support services.
Please help spread the word to those in your networks who could benefit from this important event.
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Sunday, August 17, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Join Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) for our summer Zero Waste Resource Fairs. We will provide information on composting for multifamily properties. You can pick up a free kitchen compost collector (one per household) and enjoy compostable snacks while supplies last! Also, meet with other City of Austin departments to learn about their programs, including some that promote zero waste and sustainability.
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Imagine Austin Speaker Series: Working for You
The Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan is Austin’s 30-year plan for our future growth and development. Shaped by ideas and contributions from the community, Imagine Austin is based on our greatest asset: the people of Austin. Imagine Austin provides a roadmap for that guides City decision-making when setting goals and policies.
Register for the August 23rd, no-cost event which will provide an open house format where Austinites can talk to City staff from various departments to learn how the Imagine Austin comprehensive plan has been executed over the past 13 years.
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Austin Pride Festival and Parade
Saturday, August 23rd
Austin Equity and Inclusion will be at the festival--stop by and say hi from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and then stick around for the parade.
Festival tickets are FREE this year!
The wait is over, Austin! The energy is rising, the streets are calling, and in 2025, we refuse to be silent. Austin PRIDE 2025 is here, and this year’s theme—Silence = Death—reminds us that our voices are power.
Join us August 23, 2025, for a fearless, unapologetic celebration packed with world-class entertainment, stunning performances, and a community that refuses to back down. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement. Louder, prouder, and bolder than ever.
Are you ready to make history? Bring your energy, your truth, and your pride—Austin is listening.
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The City’s Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR), in partnership with Economic Development and Financial Services Departments, will host the 2025 Small Business Connections Conference on Wednesday, August 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center. Register today for a day packed with valuable insights, networking, and growth opportunities! |
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GRANTS + TRAINING + SERVICES |
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In-person trainings for Austin providers→ Use this link to register for in-person training
Basics of Working with PWUD- August 5th from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at Terrazas Library
Housing Providers- August 6th from 9:30 - 11:30 am at Menchaca Branch Library
Healthcare Providers- August 6th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Terrazas Library
Training Descriptions
Basics of Working with PWUD: This is an ideal training for counselors, peers, advocates, and other social service professionals. The training will defi ne risk reduction, identify the role of person-centered services, describe practices that exemplify a person-led model, and build practical skills for working with people who use drugs. Includes 2 hours of continuing education for social work.
Housing Providers: This training is ideal for providers working in housing and homeless services. The training will: explain risk reduction, describe the signs of opioid overdose and learn how to use naloxone, describe how drug policy shapes housing access, defi ne housing fi rst principles, and build practical skills for housing people who use substances. Includes 2 hours of continuing education for social work.
Healthcare Providers: This training is ideal for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, community health workers, and medical social workers. The training will: defi ne risk reduction; identify individual, institutional, and structural barriers PWUD face to accessing healthcare; describe potential health outcomes related to barriers to care for PWUD; and apply risk reduction strategies to address barriers to healthcare for PWUD. Includes 2 hours of continuing education for social work, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy |
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BIG CHANGES FOR ACLT!
Applications are Open!
Now the Applications will stay open 24 hrs, 7 days a week until all homes are sold!
Once you apply, you will here from a staff member within 48 hours to begin the income certification process.
No NEED To REAPPLY if you applied in a previous round. If you duplicate your application it will be deleted.
NEW APPLICANTS - Complete the short application by clicking below! You will receive a confirmation email once you have applied.
Questions? Please email info@aclt-homes.org or call 512-790-9590
Apply Now!
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The City of Austin through Austin Community Court is providing $2,500 grants to 10 organizations with case managers and/or outreach staff for populations with outstanding cases and/or warrants with Austin Community Court and Austin Municipal Court. These organizations will receive training to help the people they serve better navigate the court system.
Apply by 10:00 a.m. on August 22, 2025.
Introduction: Austin Community Court is a problem-solving court that seeks to empower people to thrive by providing impartial justice and compassionate community-based services. Toward that end, Austin Community Court is comprised of both a traditional court staff and a staff of licensed clinical case managers. In an effort to connect more individuals with court services, Austin Community Court is accepting applications from organizations to receive training to help the people they serve navigate the court system. Services provided through this grant are intended to supplement existing case management and/or outreach services, rather than a standalone service.
Who is eligible to apply? Organizations who have case managers and/or outreach staff for individuals experiencing homelessness or other populations who may have outstanding cases and/or warrants with Austin Community Court and Austin Municipal Court are encouraged to apply. Applicant must be (or be willing to become) a registered vendor with the City of Austin.
Funding:Ten selected organizations will receive $2,500 each in compensation to participate in the in-person, 3-hour training, share feedback, and track results over a two-month period. This opportunity is meant to expand pathways to access Austin Community Court’s Court Services for members of the Austin community.Information about the process can be found and the application document can be downloaded at: https://www.austintexas.gov/article/minigrant-court-navigation-training
Responses Due Prior to:
August 22, 2025, 10:00 AM, Central Time
Optional Virtual Pre-Application Meeting:
August 11, 2025, 10:00 AM, Central Time
Dialing in by phone: Phone number: 512-831-7858
Access code: 646226542#
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Thanks to an Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant, the City of Austin is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic classes to the public!
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates community members about disaster preparedness through classroom and hands-on training.
Upcoming Classes:
Things to know:
- To sign up, you will need a FEMA Student Identification (SID) number. If you don’t have one yet, click here.
- Before signing up for CERT Basic (G-317), students are encouraged to take the free, online FEMA Independent Study IS-317: Introduction to CERT.
- CERT Basic (G-317) is a 24-hour class. Please only sign up if you can commit to completing the course.
- To learn more about CERT, please click here.
- At this time, we offer training only. The potential for a future City of Austin volunteer CERT program is still to be determined.
CERT Basic (G-317) Classes:
Please note: after you have created your FEMA SID, you will use it to create an account on the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Training site.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (evening) UpClose Meet & Greet
This premier program offers an exclusive opportunity to look into the inner workings of Austin ISD. Through monthly meetings with back-to-back presentations in English and Spanish, participants gain in-depth knowledge of the district's diverse programs and essential services, alongside a clear understanding of its opportunities for growth. The upcoming Class of 2026 marks the 20th cohort of this impactful program, established in 2007.
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Martes, Agosto 26, 2025 (en la noche) UpClose Meet & Greet
Este programa de primer nivel ofrece una oportunidad exclusiva para explorar el funcionamiento interno del Austin ISD. Mediante reuniones mensuales con presentaciones consecutivas en inglés y español, los participantes adquieren un conocimiento profundo de los diversos programas y servicios esenciales del distrito, además de una comprensión clara de sus oportunidades de crecimiento. La próxima generación de 2026 marca la vigésima cohorte de este programa de gran impacto, establecido en 2007.
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Prepare for Extreme Heat
The City of Austin encourages you to prepare for summer heat.
Here are some essential tips:
☑️ Make a plan: Create an emergency plan with your family that includes designated meeting spots and emergency contacts. Make sure everyone knows what to do and practice your plan.
☑️Build an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and any necessary medications. Do not forget to include supplies for pets.
☑️ Know Your Neighbors: By knowing your neighbors and building a strong network, you can increase your community's readiness level in an emergency.
☑️ Stay informed: Keep your cell phone charged or a battery-powered radio to monitor local weather conditions, and sign up for emergency notifications from WarnCentralTexas.org
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Be sure to know the dangers that can come with heavy rain and flash flooding. As little as 6 inches of water can cause unsafe driving conditions.
🛑 Never drive around barricades.
🛑 Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
🛑 Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
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Asegúrate de conocer los peligros que pueden venir con la lluvia intensa y las inundaciones repentinas. Incluso tan solo 6 pulgadas de agua pueden causar condiciones peligrosas para conducir.
🛑 Nunca conduzcas alrededor de barricadas.
🛑 No camines, nades o conduzcas a través de aguas de inundación.
🛑¡De la vuelta, no te ahogues!
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Application opening date: June 1-August 31, 2025
Deadline for applications: 11:59pm (CT), Sunday, August 31, 2025
Austin Central Library invites artists, collectives, curators and beyond to submit proposals for consideration to exhibit at the 2700sq ft. gallery for a 12-week exhibition period, taking place between Fall 2026-Spring 2027. Selections will be made by impartial juries comprised of local artists, curators, educators and community leaders through a jury-scoring process. Candidates will be announced in Fall 2025. It is free to apply, and the call is open to applicants residing in Texas. |
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📅 Festival Dates: Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, November 2, 2025
🌿 Why Host?
- Celebrate trees, pollinators, and many other related aspects of nature in your own, unique way!
- Receive guidance during the planning process, tools for promotion, and many event resources!
- Mini-grants of up to $1,500 available to support your event!
📅 Join us Wed. May 21st, 12-1pm for the Roots & Wings Festival Information Session w/ Q&A
- Zoom details: Register here! (Strongly recommended, but will be recorded)
📝 Apply by August 1, 2025: 2025 Roots & Wings Festival Application
- Click to review it first, and once started, save it every 30 days until submission.
🌐 Visit rootsandwingsfest.com for more information
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As funding and staffing for public health services face growing challenges, volunteers are more essential than ever. The Austin/Travis County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a vital community-based network of volunteers who support emergency preparedness, disaster response, and everyday public health efforts like vaccination clinics and health fairs. Open to anyone over 18 — whether or not you have a medical background — the MRC offers a meaningful way to give back, build skills, and help protect your community. With reduced capacity among health professionals, MRC volunteers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and resilient. Joining is simple — apply today and be part of the mission!
Held in person every 3rd Tuesday of the month with a hybrid option available on Microsoft Teams Fill out the form on our volunteer application page to receive more information on how to attend.
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