Not many people may know this, but poll worker isn’t the only election job available during next month’s election. If you’re interested in being an election worker, Travis County has many paid positions available, from early voting poll worker to ballot-by-mail clerk to supply preparation worker and truck driver, at multiple locations throughout the county. Workers must be registered to vote in Travis County and be able to attend a training before starting their jobs. Being bilingual (English and Spanish) is a huge plus, but not required. The pay is $20-$22/hour. You can find descriptions of all the positions and apply online here.

Thinking of taking a picnic to the Great Lawn at Zilker Park this Saturday? Think again. With peak summer and fall event season behind us, it’s time for annual fall lawn maintenance. That means closing the 46-acre green space to foot traffic so city workers may aerate, irrigate and fertilize to keep the lawn looking green and fluffy and lawn-y all year-round. The lawn will be closed from Oct. 19 to Nov. 1, weather and work pace allowing.

Mayoral candidate Kathie Tovo and Mayor Kirk Watson are both advertising parties to get their supporters excited about voting. And Tovo is hoping to add more money to her campaign fund. Tovo has announced a “pre-election bash” at Batch Kolaches at 3220 Manor Road on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. She’s calling it a party to thank volunteers who have worked on her campaign, though she notes she’s still looking for additional donations. At Watson’s event, a “get-out-the-vote rally,” he’ll be joined by March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, Travis County Democratic Party Chair Pooja Sethi, City Council Member Zo Qadri and the University Democrats. West Mall at UT, Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. Candidates for mayor also include Doug Greco, Carmen Llanes Pulido, and Jeffery Bowen. Early voting starts Monday.

KUT News reporters Maya Fawaz and Audrey McGlinchy are inviting local selenophiles and aquaphiles to join them for a celebration of the waxing full moon. Participants will meet at Rivian’s clubhouse at 208 S. Congress for a discussion about swimming holes in the Austin area before heading to Barton Springs for a nighttime dip. Peaceful lycanthropes are welcome to attend. Howling optional. This event is part of the radio station’s Field Guide to Austin. RSVP here. Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30-8 p.m.

After a three-month pilot program that used artificial intelligence capabilities in service of improving the permitting and development process, the city has entered into a five-year contract with Sydney-based Archistar. The contract will let the company and city focus on pre-check assessments for single-family residential projects, with plans to expand to other areas. This new system aims to streamline the development process, improving speed, accuracy and transparency for applicants. Archistar’s founder, Benjamin Coorey, said in a prepared statement that the technology will reduce approval times and allow city staff to focus on complex evaluations. A second pilot, in collaboration with the International Code Council, is also underway to automate International Building Code compliance reviews.

A recent study of Farmshare Austin’s outreach to low-income communities in Central Texas showed growing usage, resulting in greater consumption of fruits and vegetables by vulnerable residents. The study from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health found that the Fresh for Less Mobile Markets and Home Delivery program had 42 percent of mobile users shopping four or more times per month for affordable produce and staple goods grown in Texas. For home delivery customers, the figure climbed to 71 percent. Food insecurity is a problem for 46 percent of respondents. The evaluation also found that customers were highly satisfied with the quality and variety of products offered, as well as with the affordability of the items. Recommended improvements include expanding the variety of produce and staple goods, increasing awareness of the program and its benefits, and exploring new ways to reach underserved communities.

The Texas Workforce Commission reports that the unemployment rate in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area increased slightly from July to August 2024 to 3.7 percent – an increase representing 54,543 unemployed residents. Austin’s unemployment rate remains below the Texas and national averages, which are both at 4.4 percent. Over the same period, the Austin metro added 4,200 jobs, contributing to an annual growth rate of 1.3 percent, or 17,300 jobs since August 2023. Several industries saw notable job gains in the region from July to August, including professional and business services (+1,800 jobs); mining, logging and construction (+1,700 jobs); and government (+1,000 jobs). However, the leisure and hospitality sector experienced a loss of 900 jobs, with the information sector also seeing a decline of 200 jobs. Over the past year, mining, logging and construction saw the largest annual job growth, increasing by 5.8 percent, while the information industry recorded a 4.9 percent annual decrease.

With the sun blazing overhead it may not feel like it, but we’re on the cusp of flu season once again. Getting the flu is a truly miserable experience, but it’s entirely avoidable with just a quick jab. Austin Public Health has several convenient clinics scattered around the city offering free flu vaccines for kids and adults. The next clinic will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Blackland Neighborhood Center, 2005 Salina St. You can find a schedule for flu clinics at different locations around the city over the next few months here.

Council Member Mackenzie Kelly has contributed $150,000 – saved from her office budget during her term – toward the improvement of a piece of undeveloped parkland. The site is located at the intersection of Spicewood Springs Road and Old Lampasas Trail. “This funding will help transform this space into a vibrant area where families can gather and enjoy nature,” she said in a prepared statement. Kelly said she plans to help conduct community feedback sessions with residents near the parkland to determine how best to use the money in service of the community’s parks and recreational needs.

The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is accepting appointments to prepare members who will need to enroll in coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace in early November. At Monday’s Music Commission meeting, HAAM CEO Paul Scott said the appointments would help musicians determine their appropriate levels of coverage and cost for the signup period, which is being handled in partnership with Foundation Communities. Those receiving ACA plans who earn between 200 and 400 percent of the federal poverty line will be eligible for some level of premium assistance through HAAM, though Scott noted if plans in the federal marketplace have large price increases, the group may have to limit how much assistance it provides. While HAAM recently received a two-year $500,000 grant from St. David’s Foundation toward its premium assistance program, Scott said that he and other HAAM leaders may seek city funding in next year’s budget to help cover costs for some of its 3,100 members.

Another weekend in Austin, another huge, festive, traffic-snarling event. But those who enjoy moving their bodies will rejoice at the news that the 28th annual Livestrong Challenge is coming to town this Sunday. Cyclists may choose from 20-, 45-, 65- or 100-mile routes while runners and walkers will be challenged by timed 5K or 10K courses around Lady Bird Lake. All routes wind up at Auditorium Shores, where participants are welcome to partake of festivities, enjoy food and drink, and snag their very own event T-shirt. Find details, registration info and start times here. Sunday, Oct. 20, 7:30 a.m.

What has typically been a pronounced effort to keep the roads safe on holiday weekends will now be enforced year-round. The Austin Police Department’s “no refusal” initiative – when people suspected of driving while intoxicated are not allowed to refuse a sobriety test – will be in effect between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily throughout the entirety of the year. The initiative will also focus on highways and high-speed roadways.