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 sorry we missed you all in September!
Join us for the
💀 October EAT Meeting 💀
🗓️ Wednesday, October 22nd
🕕 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
📍 Street-Jones Building, 1000 E 11th St, 4th Floor Conference Room (400A), Austin, TX 78702
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🌟 Thank You for Celebrating Welcoming Week!🌟
The City of Austin is proud to share that we are a
2-star Certified Welcoming City!
A huge thank-you to City staff, community members, City Council, and partners who joined us for Austin’s first-ever Welcoming Week! Together, we celebrated stories, cultures, and connections that make our city stronger. Be sure to check out the photos above for highlights from events across town, and if you attended, we’d love to hear your feedback. Your ideas will help us make next year’s Welcoming Week even more meaningful!
What is Certified Welcoming Designation?
Austin is now a 2-Star Certified Welcoming City!
Certified Welcoming is a national initiative led by Welcoming America that recognizes cities and counties for creating policies and programs that reflect their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion.This innovative program evaluates local governments on their efforts to welcome immigrants and include them in all areas of civic, social, and economic life. Strong communities connect and include people of all backgrounds. By doing this, communities–and everyone who lives there–can reach their highest civic and economic potential.
Reach out to us: aei@austintexas.gov
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Are you part of the veteran community? Looking for opportunities to honor those who have served?
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There’s a new look rolling into town!
For the first time in our city’s history, the City of Austin introduced an official, unified logo that is inspired by our stunning landscapes, vibrant waterways, and unique culture. Austin’s new look reflects who we are as a community and connects you to City resources at your service.
Every day, people place their trust in the City of Austin in a variety of ways. It could be when you are visiting a park, calling 3-1-1 to report an issue, picking up your suitcase at baggage claim, or using electricity and water.
Our new look is about ensuring that City services are easier for you to recognize, navigate, and trust. Our goal is that every interaction with the City leaves you feeling heard, respected, connected, and proud to call Austin home.
As of October 1, the introduction of our brand is now active on our website, social media, and in other ways we connect with you online and on the go. Other things like, uniforms, building signs, and vehicles will be updated over time, as each department’s budget and replacement schedule allows over the next few years.
For more information visit austintexas.gov/austinbrand
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Photo Above: Poet and activist Raul Salinas with Gilbert Rivera in 1983, PICA 37565B, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, courtesy of Susana Almanza
“We were being beaten, our families were getting killed, we saw friends being sent to prison for 50 years for having two or three joints in their pocket.” – Gilbert Rivera
This month, we invite you to check out Oakwood Cemetery and Chapel's
Unificar Collection: Tejano Social Organizations.
"
Unificar, or
To Unite, is a digital exhibit that explores the history of Tejano social organizations from their beginnings in the 1800s Mexican-governed Texas to their integral influence on the present-day state’s food, music, built environment, and ways of life. In addition to telling stories, the exhibit serves to map ongoing Tejano efforts within and outside of Austin."
Advisors [to Unificar] include Dr. Emilio Zamora, Dr. Andrés Tijerina, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Mexic-Arte Museum, the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin, the Austin History Center, and ATX_Barrio_Archive.All of the research, translation, and editing was completed by Smithsonian Museum Affiliate interns Tess Harmon, Marienne Duran Henriquez, Hailey Gisseñia Caudillo, and Eli Galli-Anderson.
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SURVEYS + COMMUNITY INPUT |
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What Do You Want to Know about Historic Preservation?
The Historic Preservation Office is updating public materials and planning future programs to make preservation more accessible to everyone! Help them get it right by sharing what information is important to you.
Share your thoughts in a 3-minute survey by Sunday, October 12.
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The Austin Transit Partnership, CapMetro, and the City of Austin invite community members in the Austin area and CapMetro service area to apply for the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The purpose of the CAC is to assist the Austin Transit Partnership, CapMetro, and the City of Austin in engaging the community and advising on anti-displacement and related matters regarding Project Connect. The CAC includes 11 eligible community members who apply and are selected by a Nominating Committee to serve for a term of four years.
🔗 Learn more and apply here by October 15th.
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The Travis County Parks Foundation is seeking your feedback on the Travis County Parks Comprehensive Plan for 2026! Review the recommendations for the future of our parks and share your input through the online survey. Looking to get further engaged? Check out our Community Events section for an upcoming Travis County Parks Comprehensive Plan Open House.
🔗 Take the brief survey here by October 23rd.
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Transportation Research Study 🚍
Austin is investing in better ways to get around—making travel safer,
easier, and less dependent on cars. We want to hear from you about how you get around Central Texas.
The City is conducting a research study to:
- Learn more about how people in the City of Austin and surrounding counties use transportation in their daily lives
- Better understand what makes Central Texas area residents decide to use or not use transportation options that are available.
Complete the survey by October 31st for a chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards to HEB. Apply to participate in a focus group by September 19th for a chance to chat with neighbors about travel in Central Texas. If you are selected for the focus group, you will be notified by September 26th and you will get a $50 HEB gift card for your participation.
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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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Aging Boldly Flyers for Download HERE in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese |
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Empowered Women, Empower Women
Join us on Thursday, October 16, at the Austin Public Library Central Library for breakfast and inspiring conversations with Austin’s women entrepreneurs driving purpose, inclusion, and impact. Hear from Tara Godby (Teakeasy Tea), Andrea Hernandez (Airstrike HVAC), and Rae Wilson (Wine For The People), moderated by Melinda Garvey of Austin Woman. Don’t miss this opportunity. Get Your Tickets.
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Join the African American Book Festival (AAABF), in collaboration with Black Mamas Village and Child Inc., for a special family-friendly evening with author Maya Smart on Thursday, October 16. Maya will share insights from her acclaimed book
Reading for Our Lives, providing parents, caregivers, and educators with practical strategies to support children ages 0–6 in building strong literacy skills and critical thinking.
Enjoy an engaging author talk and book signing, dinner, door prizes, and creative play activities for children.
Reading for Our Lives will be available for purchase at a discounted price. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the impact of early literacy! |
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Being and Belonging: Exploring Asian American Identity
Curious about Asian American history, culture, and arts? Being and Belonging is a free, hands-on pop-up series for adults (18+) that dives into the Asian American experience through interactive activities, guest speakers, and media. Join as many sessions as you'd like—no commitment required!
🎬 October 28th Pop-Up from 6pm to 8pm: Representation
It’s movie night at the AARC! Come explore how Asian American films reflect identity, history, and community through curated clips and discussion. Light refreshments provided.
Pop Up Dates
- October 28, 2025, 6 to 8pm - Representation | RSVP on Eventbrite
- December 2, 2025, 6 to 8pm - Diaspora | RSVP on Eventbrite
- February 24, 2026, 6 to 8pm - Belonging and Citizenship | RSVP on Eventbrite
- April 28, 2026, 6 to 8pm - Asian Americans in Texas | RSVP on Eventbrite
- June 23, 2026, 6 to 8pm - Resistance, Advocacy, and Solidarity | RSVP on Eventbrite
- August 25, 2026, 6 to 8pm - The Future of Asian America | RSVP on Eventbrite
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Day of the Dead Festival
🗓️ Saturday, November 1, 2025
🕑 2:00pm- 6:00pm
📍 Oswaldo AB Cantu Pan American Park
Please follow Facebook and Instagram @ESBMACC for the most up to date information!
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) invites the public to its 18th annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) This beloved tradition brings family and community together to celebrate the lives of our ancestors, family, friends, and public figures. This family-friendly, alcohol-free event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Oswaldo A. B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center. We will welcome the memories of our loved ones with Day of the Dead altars, art installations, & activities that foster an appreciation for the sweetness and fragility of life. The collective outdoor ofrenda (altar) will be a gathering of memories to which the public can contribute.
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🗓️ November 14, 2025
🕘 9:00 am to 1:00pm
Sustaining our Strength is a special gathering focused on connection, community, and restoration. It will offer opportunities to network with peers, strengthen relationships across the coalition, and engage in simple restorative practices that promote personal and collective well-being. Whether you're new to SX6 or a long-time member, we invite you to take this time to recharge, reflect, and re-energize alongside your coalition partners. |
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GRANTS + TRAINING + SERVICES |
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East Austin Riverside Corridor (ERC) Ambassador Program
We’re excited to share a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the East Riverside Corridor! The City of Austin will be partnering with the community to update the existing East Riverside Corridor Vision Plan and Regulating Plan, emphasizing inclusive public engagement. For this effort, the City is recruiting East Riverside community members to participate in the Ambassador Program, a paid leadership role that centers community voices in the planning process.
As an Ambassador, you will:
· Connect your community with the East Riverside Corridor Planning Initiative
· Share project updates and gather community input
· Earn $25/hour for approximately 100 hours over 12 months
We’re seeking passionate individuals who are interested in shaping their neighborhood’s future. For more information, review the attached flyer or visit:
SpeakUpAustin.org/ERCPlanning
and see the tab “Become an Ambassador!” to apply.
Applications are open until October 12, 2025.
Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive, community-driven future for East Riverside!
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Nos entusiasma compartir una oportunidad única para ayudar a forjar el futuro del Corredor East Riverside. La Ciudad de Austin colaborará con la comunidad para actualizar el Plan de Visión y el Plan Regulador del Corredor East Riverside, priorizando la participación ciudadana inclusiva. Para ello, la Ciudad está reclutando a miembros de la comunidad de East Riverside para que participen en el Programa de Embajadores, un puesto de liderazgo remunerado que prioriza las voces de la comunidad en el proceso de planificación.
Como Embajador, usted:
· Conectará a su comunidad con la Iniciativa de Planificación del Corredor East Riverside
· Compartirá actualizaciones del proyecto y recopilará las opiniones de la comunidad
· Obtendrá $25 por hora durante aproximadamente 100 horas a lo largo de 12 meses
Buscamos personas apasionadas e interesadas en forjar el futuro de su vecindario. Para obtener más información, consulte el folleto adjunto o visite:
SpeakUpAustin.org/ERCPlanning
y vaya a la sección "¡Conviértase en Embajador!" para aplicar.
La aplicación estará abierta hasta el 12 de octubre de 2025.
¡Gracias por ayudarnos a construir un futuro más inclusivo y comunitario para East Riverside!
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PTA Mini Grants are Open! Apply Now!
Are you looking to hold a fun event, educate families, or support your school in another way?
Apply for an ACPTA mini-grant by October 31!
We prioritize applications from PTAs with small fund balances. Check out details on our website. (National PTA also offers many grant opportunities; applications are open until 9/24.)
If your PTA is fortunate to have plenty of resources, please consider including a donation to our mini-grant program in your budget! A few hundred dollars can make a world of difference for another Austin school, letting them bring together families or hold an event that might not have otherwise been possible. You can donate here and know your contributions will go to great use here in our community!
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Changarrito Artist Residency — Call for Applications
The Mexic-Arte Museum invites artists to apply for the Changarrito Artist Residency, an innovative program inspired by artist Maximo Gonzalez’s art vending cart. Selected artists can display and sell their work directly to the public from the Changarrito cart while keeping 100% of sales. The residency spans four days over two weekends (Sat–Sun, 12–3 PM) and includes a virtual showcase on Mexic-Arte’s Instagram and Facebook, where artists share their process and promote their art.
Learn more and apply here!
Applications are due December 1 at 12:00 AM CST.
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ACPTA is offering Mini Grants to help PTAs bring new programs and events to their campuses. The application is simple and open to all PTAs that have submitted officers to Texas PTA, with priority given to schools and communities with the greatest need. Projects that serve all students, build campus community, or support parent engagement are especially encouraged. Applications can be submitted in English or Spanish, and upcoming deadlines are October 31 (fall) and February 28 (spring). Winning PTAs will be asked to share receipts and photos of their programs.
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Call for Speakers – 2026 Speaker Series
The Transition Support Team at Integral Care is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Speaker Series, a yearlong program highlighting diverse voices and expertise to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Texas. Professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply. This is a paid opportunity. Presentation topics may include healthy relationships, self-advocacy, transition supports, community resources, and more. Proposals are due by October 31, 2025. To apply, download and complete the proposal form here and email it to jp.cardenas@integralcare.org. For questions or to schedule a chat before submitting, contact JP Cardenas at 512-804-3454. |
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Preservation Pathways is the primary vehicle through which we deliver educational activities, technical services, and strategic support to Asian and Pacific Islander American communities to reach their historic preservation goals. Whether you are mapping your cultural heritage, navigating the historic designation process, restoring a building or site, or advocating for your neighborhood – we will meet you where you are to guide you toward success.
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It is that time of year!
We are seeking volunteers to contribute arts, music or time for this cultural event.
Preparations will include:
1) a fall cemetery clean up at both cemeteries Oct 18 - 19 or 27 - 28,.
2) a community Talmalada (tamale making) Oct 30,
and 3) set-up for Dia de Muertos November 1 and 2.
For more detailed info, please visit the newsletter page at:
https://sanjosecemetery.blogspot.com/
If interested, please email:
info@sanjosemca.org
Please share!
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¡Llegó la época del año!
Buscamos voluntarios que contribuyan con arte, música o tiempo para este evento cultural.
Los preparativos incluirán:
1) una limpieza de otoño en ambos cementerios el 18 y 19 o el 27 y 28 de octubre;
2) una talmalada comunitaria (preparación de tamales) el 30 de octubre;
y 3) la preparación del Día de Muertos el 1 y 2 de noviembre.
Para obtener más información, visite la página del boletín informativo en: https://sanjosecemetery.blogspot.com/
Si está interesado, envíe un correo electrónico a: info@sanjosemca.org
¡Comparta! |
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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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