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. Join the EAT and find more information on the dashboard.
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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Eventbrite RSVP for the June 25th, 2025 EAT Meeting
We are excited to have you for our in-person June 2025 EAT meeting!
Please join us Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 10:30am to 1:30pm
RSVP: bit.ly/JuneEAT2025
The June 2025 EAT Meeting* will be held at:
Street-Jones Building
1000 E. 11th Street, #120
4th Floor Conference Room 400A
Austin, TX 78702
*We will have interpretation into Spanish available.
Agenda:
Hear from some organizations that got a Mini-grant from the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Learn about the Rain to River program which is entering Phase 2.
We look forward to being in community with you. Come as you are, when you can!
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Reunión Eventbrite EAT 25 de junio de 2025 Información de la reunión
¡Nos da mucho gusto que nos acompañe a nuestra reunión EAT presencial de junio! Por favor acompáñenos el miércoles 25 de junio de 2025 de 10:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m.
RSVP: bit.ly/JuneEAT2025
La reunión del EAT de junio* se llevará a cabo en:
edificio de Street-Jones
1000 E 11th St. #120
4.o Piso - Sala de conferencias 400A
Austin, TX 78702
*Tendremos interpretación al español disponible.
Agenda:
Escuche a algunas organizaciones que recibieron una minisubvención de la Oficina de Equidad e Inclusión. Conozca el programa Rain to River que entra en Fase 2.
Esperamos estar en comunidad con usted. Venta tal y como es, ¡cuando pueda!
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ICYMI: May EAT Meeting Recap
Thank you to Danny from the Texas Civil Rights Project and Bryce from TENT for joining us! They both provided updates on bills we have been watching closely. See below for a few of the legislative bill trackers that were shared at the meeting.
The 89th Texas Legislature is "sine die" as of June 2nd (fancy way of saying it's over). Many bills will not become law until September 2025, which gives some time to understand how these laws will impact our community. This is also a time to reflect on lessons learned and carry that momentum into the 90th Texas legislative session in 2027. It's also a time to prepare for what's to come as laws go into effect. Even if Governor Abbott does NOT sign or veto a bill, it will go into law automatically by the date written in the bill.
Main bills we discussed:
(HB=House Bill, SB=Senate Bill)
- HB 229: Relating to general definitions for and collection of governmental information regarding biological sex.
Sent to the governor for signature on 5/30/25
- HB 2017: Relating to increasing the criminal penalty and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for certain persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.
Sent to the governor for signature on 6/2/25
- SB 17: Relating to the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property by certain aliens or foreign entities; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.
Sent to the governor for signature on 6/1/25
- SB 37: Relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman.
Sent to the governor for signature on 6/2/25
- SB 8: Relating to agreements between certain sheriffs and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law and a grant program to cover the costs of implementing those agreements.
Sent to the governor for signature on 6/3/25
- SB 1257: Relating to required health benefit plan coverage for gender transition adverse effects and reversals.
Effective on 9/1/25
- SB 10: Relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Sent to the governor for signature on 6/1/25
- SB 11: Relating to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools.
Sent to the governor on 5/27/25
- SB 689: DID NOT PASS--Relating to employment practices regarding diversity and prohibiting the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by certain governmental entities.
Legislative Trackers Shared at the EAT:
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The Office of Equity and Inclusion's Equity Division Hosted a Equity Mini-Grant Reception on Saturday, June 7th!
This past Saturday, the Equity Division hosted a Equity Mini-Grant Reception—a celebratory gathering to honor the incredible work of local grassroots organizations, and create space for connection, reflection, and inspiration. Mini-grant recipients came to share about their organization and the work that they are doing with the grant funds. They learned about final reporting expectations, and got to connect with other grassroots leaders across the city.
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The Office of Equity and Inclusion Welcomes Civil Rights Officer Enrique Serrano III!
Enrique Serrano III has been promoted as the Civil Rights Officer starting on Monday, June 2, 2025. Enrique brings two decades of dedicated experience in advancing fair housing and promoting equitable employment practices. As the previous Equal Employment and Fair Housing Manager for the Equity and Inclusion - Civil Rights, he has been committed to fostering inclusive, equitable, and just communities.
Enrique has an extensive background which includes conducting comprehensive investigations into discrimination complaints, developing strategic initiatives to promote fairness, and ensuring compliance with civil rights laws. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing civil rights objectives and building trust within diverse communities. He is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Fair Housing Training Academy’s Fair Housing Assistance Investigator Program and holds an EEOC Train the Trainer Certification. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Sam Houston State University and is a certified mediator, exemplifying his commitment to conflict resolution and community engagement.
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Take 30 minutes of your day to watch:
Video footage from the Tommy L. Wyatt Collection of an episode of the Bottom Line, covering topics such as Juneteenth, the history, and the celebrations that come from Freedom Day.
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James Baldwin's searing essay on social isolation, race, and police brutality presented here for the first time as a stand-alone volume, is as incisive and relevant today as it was at the height of the civil rights movement. Baldwin's gifts as a writer and social critic are on full display in this remarkably insightful and prescient offering.
Nothing Personal is Baldwin's deep probe into the American condition; his documentation of his own troubled times cuts to the core of where we find ourselves today. His thoughts move through an interconnected range of questions, from America's fixation on eternal youth to its refusal to recognize the past, its addiction to consumerism, and the lovelessness that fuels it in its cities and popular culture. He recounts his own encounter with police in a scene disturbingly similar to those we see today documented with ever increasing immediacy.
This edition also includes a new foreword from interdisciplinary scholar Imani Perry and an afterword from noted Baldwin scholar Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Both explore and situate the essay within the broader context of Baldwin's work, the Movement for Black Lives, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the presidency of Donald Trump.
Nothing Personal is both a eulogy and a declaration of the will. In bringing this work into the twenty-first century, readers new and old will take away fundamental and recurring truths about life in the US. It is a call to action, and an appeal to love and to life.
About the Authors
James Baldwin (1924-1987) was a novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and social critic, and one of America's foremost writers. His writing explores palpable yet unspoken intricacies of racial, sexual, and class distinctions in Western societies, most notably in mid-20th-century America. A Harlem, New York, native, he lived periodically in exile in the south of France and in Turkey. He is the author of several novels and books of nonfiction, including Notes of a Native Son, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Giovanni's Room, Another Country, Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone, If Beale Street Could Talk, Just Above My Head, The Fire Next Time, No Name in the Street, and The Evidence of Things Not Seen, and of the poetry collection Jimmy's Blues.
Imani Perry is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University. Her books include Breathe and Looking for Lorraine .
Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Princeton University. His books include Begin Again and Democracy in Black. |
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SURVEYS + COMMUNITY INPUT |
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City Council Members will be hosting district level community meetings about the proposed budget in July and August. See the schedule and locations here on the Budget Public Input site.
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The City of Austin's Cultural Funding Process has administered grants since 1981 through the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) authorized by state law. Managed by the Economic Development Department, the following programs support various activities in arts and music. We invite you to share your thoughts!
This survey will remain open through July 2025.
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The Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment was established in February 2025 and is committed to fostering a vibrant, creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions.
One of the goals of ACME is to reimagine the structure, accessibility, and implementation of Austin's cultural funding programs.
To achieve this goal, ACME initiated The Creative Reset, a one-year strategic planning process that includes reviewing years of feedback, focus groups and a survey. Together, we hope to gain further insights into what aspects of the programs are working and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Join ACME leadership for a discussion to learn about this initiative and other department goals.
Free and open to the public. No RSVP necessary.
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The Austin History Center (AHC) invites you to help shape the direction of our programs, exhibits, and spaces. As the archival branch of the Austin Public Library, the Austin History Center's mission is to procure, preserve, present, and provide the historical records that make up Austin's unique story.
Our priorities are guided by the AHC's Collection Policy which seeks to fill the gaps in our expansive archival holdings. This year we are celebrating our re-opening in the John Henry Faulk Building located at 800 Guadalupe St. as well as the 25 year anniversary of our Community Archives Program. Our work is rooted in Community and we'd love to hear your opinions and do what we can to meet your needs. Thank you for your time!
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Observed nationally in June and locally in August, Pride Month honors history and celebrates the full spectrum of identities in the LGBTQ+ community. Celebrate Pride at the Austin Public Library through stories, crafts, film, dance, and our annual Pride Celebration at the Central Library!
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📍 Carver Museum
📅 Saturday, June 14, 2024
🕛 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Join the Carver Museum for a FREE community cookout and music festival that will take place in the historic Rosewood Neighborhood behind the Carver Museum.
Starting at 3 p.m., the Carver MC will open the festival followed by DJs kicking off the vibe and attendees eat smoked BBQ prepared by veteran pitmasters. We'll have carnival games, workshops, fun activations, and more!
At 4 p.m. the festival hosts will kick off the music festival with opening performances by local and national musical acts, featuring hometown hero, Tameca Jones, and Houston-based artist, Chalie Boy.
Come early for our first annual "Car Show for the Culture" at 11:00 AM on Rosewood Avenue, followed by watermelon and popsicles and educational programing inside the museum from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Free and open to the public.
Click here for more information and registration
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📅 Saturday, June 14th
📍 Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Drive, Austin, TX 78724
🕛 12pm to 4pm
🎉 It’s that time again, ATX! Freedom Fest 2025 is going down on June 14th at Colony Park—and it’s about to be BIGGER than ever. 🖤✊🏾
Come celebrate Black freedom, culture, and community with us!
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Dope is Death Film Screening & Discussion
Join us for a special in-person screening of the documentary film Dope is Death! Witness the powerful story of the Black Panther and Young Lords' community clinic in the South Bronx during the 1970s. Learn about the revolutionary acupuncture detox program that paved the way for how we practice and integrate acupuncture into community today. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a crucial chapter in healthcare activism. Reserve your spot now!
Event will feature a special interview with leaders who paved the way in the acupuncture field, Walter Bosque del Rio and Dr. Kokayi Patterson, both featured in the film.
Refreshments provided. Event will include grounding, breathwork, and opportunity to connect with community.
Hosted by Peace Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Austin, Texas. Our mission is to support health equity at its root by providing free community acupuncture to our neighborhoods with a focus on multicultural and multilingual communities.
Get your FREE tickets here!
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Normally we like to share free opportunities in the newsletter, but we couldn't pass up sharing about this film festival!
All-Access Badges, Student Film Passes, 5-Ticket Packages, and Pre-sale Tickets now available for 5 days of film June 25-29 at AFS Cinema!
This year’s program centers around themes of Playful Rebellion with a tremendous amount of representation from local filmmakers! We’re needing more moments of gathering and solidarity-building more than ever. Join us for 5 days of community, independent film, and tapping into and finding your inner happy monster. |
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Dr. Roz Oliphant Jones, a longtime educator and bookseller in Austin, Texas had a vision to organize a book festival in Austin similar to the Harlem Book Fair in New York. In 2006, she reached out to writer Evelyn Martin Anderson and together they established the Austin African American Book Festival. The inaugural festival was held in 2007. Since that time the festival has grown to include nationally recognized authors, a platform for local and regional authors, literary discussions, children’s activities, and a vendor marketplace. The Austin African American Book Festival, held at the George Washington Carver Library and Museum, is a highly anticipated community event that attracts 400+ festival goers each year.
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You're invited to the next Veterans Resource Fair on Wednesday, July 9th, 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.
Highlights include:
- Guest speakers and agency representatives ready to share important benefit updates
- Information on health care, housing, education, employment, and more
- Free breakfast burritos from VFW Post 8925, Round Rock Donuts, and refreshments
Topics:
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- Disability Compensation
- Veteran Pension
- Survivor Benefits
- Burial Benefits
- Sate Veterans Homes/Cemeteries
- Land Sales
- Home/Land Loans
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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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GRANTS + TRAINING + SERVICES |
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The City of Austin encourages you to prepare for summer heat and enjoy summer safely. Help you and your loved ones stay safe in the heat and the water by doing your part to prepare!
Here are some essential emergency preparedness tips for summer heat:
- 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. Sign up for emergency notifications from WarnCentralTexas.org to receive important information during emergencies.
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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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Registration for Building Promise USA's fair-chance hiring event, HIRE, is now open! If you have clients with a criminal background in need of workforce training and connection, please have them register for this two-day event.
What: Hiring Initiative for Reentry Empowerment (HIRE)
Who: People with a criminal background
When: June 23, 9-5, Workforce training workshops and food will be provided!June 24, 10-2, Employer and resource provider connection
Where: Austin Public Library - Central, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St
Also, CommUnity Care is working to ensure those who register early and are seeking MAP and medical connection will
receive their card and
appointment on the second day.
If you are a fair chance employer currently hiring...
On Tuesday, June 24, from 10 - 2 PM at the Central Austin Public Library BPUSA will be hosting our fair chance job and resource event, HIRE.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet with eager and prepared job seekers who would love to connect with an employer like you!Please reach out if you are interested in learning more. And if you are interested in becoming a fair chance employer, we have resources to support you!
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Boost your business with the Austin Reuse Directory
Are you a local business that resells, rents, upcycles, or repairs gently used items? Get listed in the Austin Reuse Directory to reach customers in the Austin area. The directory’s search tool helps residents find businesses that keep reusable items in use and support Austin’s zero waste goal.
Plus, feature your events and workshops on our new community calendar to build connections and grow engagement. It’s free and easy to join.
Sign up today at
AustinReuseDirectory.com.
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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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The Excellence Project is prepared to offer payment assistance and scholarships on an individual basis. The $200 registration cost does include meals provided for the entire week, a camp t-shirt, and access to the fun event at the end of the camp- SPARK Change camp where they will be visiting Typhoon Texas and AALC will be visiting Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to:
Danielle Williams dwilliams@breakthepipeline.org
Treva Scott tscott@breakthepipeline.org |
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There are general camps, art and music, dance and theater, instructional camps, and sports camps.
Check out summer learning for high school, middle school, elementary school, multilingual, and Special Education Summer Programs.
The City of Austin has therapeutic camps, cultural and art camps, nature, community recreation, and free camps available for Summer 2025.
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The Aquatic Division of Austin Parks and Recreation offers Swim Lessons for all ages and skill levels, first-time swimmers to aspiring competitive swimmers. The recreational Swim Team Program is designed to develop swimmers' potential and foster sportsmanship, team spirit, and lifelong fitness. The program aims to enhance both physical competence and mental fitness, building self-esteem through swimming. Don’t miss out! Swim season is practically here. For program details, visit AustinTexas.gov/Swimming. Register today at AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline.
Required citation: [PICA-24217], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library |
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The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, will host its annual Stay Black and Live (SB&L) Juneteenth Festival from June 10-14, 2025. In response to the ongoing global health crisis and heightened awareness of the endemic violence experienced by Black communities, SB&L was launched in 2020. What started as a live stream has now become a fixture of Austin’s citywide Juneteenth celebrations.
We welcome volunteers 18+. The Carver will provide volunteers with a free Juneteenth shirt, food, plenty of water, and breaks, especially for those volunteering outside.
✊🏽 Learn more about Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival here
✅ Sign up to volunteer here
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Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is comprised of nearly 200 Greater Austin churches and thousands of trained volunteers bringing hope into crisis. ADRN’s network enables and empowers church members to organize, prepare, mobilize, and respond quickly in the event of disaster, great or small.
Business partners, local agencies and community support play a vital role in ADRN’s mission. It is through the generosity of their in-kind donations, monetary gifts and volunteer assistance, that ADRN can fund the rebuild/repair of survivor homes and provide immediate assistance to those in crisis.
Sign up for a Saturday cleanup happening June 14, 21, and open opportunities.
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The Townhall aims to:
- Raise awareness about the unique challenges communities face regarding HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
- Create a platform for our priority populations of persons living with HIV to share their experiences and advocate for their needs.
- Develop strategies to improve access to healthcare, support services, and resources for communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS.
We are seeking passionate panelists to share their experiences during the town hall. We are particularly interested in panelists who can speak to the following areas:Biggest challenges in access to careGaps in services of careFuture recommendations and possible advancements of care.
If you are interested in being a panelist, please submit a brief bio and why you are passionate about this topic. Please submit your materials by June 13th, 2025 to HIVPlanningCouncil@austintexas.gov.
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NEW: Seeking AISD PFC Board Members
In April 2023, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees approved the formation of the AISD Public Facility Corporation (PFC)—a new initiative focused on supporting housing and facility development for the District.
Now, AISD is inviting community members to apply for one of two open seats on the PFC Board of Directors.
AISD values transparency, community participation, and the importance of reflecting the diverse voices of Austin. The Board is particularly seeking individuals with lived experience related to housing, as well as those with career expertise in real estate, development, or public service.
This is a unique opportunity to shape how AISD addresses the intersection of housing and education—and to ensure the voices of those most impacted are at the table.
The District is committed to creating a Board that mirrors the diversity of the community it serves, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with direct experience in housing development or navigating housing challenges in Austin.
Applications are open now through June 30.
Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee appointment, but all applicants will be thoughtfully considered.
🔗 Learn more and apply here
📧 Questions? Contact Jeremy Striffler, Director of Real Estate, at realestate@austinisd.org
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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!
See the impact here: "Volunteers, Austin Public Health running vaccine clinics to stay ahead of measles outbreak"
Training is held in person every 3rd Tuesday of the month on Microsoft Teams.
Upcoming Dates for Training:
May 20, 2025
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