1. The city of Austin’s economic development department is looking for a professional artist or team of artists to create artwork for the new combined fire and EMS station in the Onion Creek area. The commission is part of the city’s Art in Public Places program, and the application deadline is Jan. 12. The project is open to visual artists who live or work in Austin and neighboring Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Burnet and Blanco counties. Learn more about what kind of art the program is looking for here.

2. The Austin Police Department is currently accepting applications for its spring citizen police academy. The academy is a 14-week program designed to give the public a working knowledge of APD. Find the application and more information here.

3. Austin nonprofit organization Black Fret, which empowers musicians to create and perform new music, is holding its third annual Black Ball Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin. Fourteen out of 20 musicians nominated for grants will perform during the ball. Learn more about the ball.

4. Austin’s annual Trail of Lights kicks off Saturday. The trail features more than 40 light displays and runs through Dec. 23 in Zilker Park.

5. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services department has changed its name to Austin Public Health. Communications Manager Carole Barasch said in a news release the name change was done in an effort to increase understanding of and visibility for the department. “This milestone offers a unique and valuable opportunity for Austin Public Health to capture the attention of clients, customers and our many partners and share with them what public health is and how the practice of public health contributes to the quality of life for the entire community,” she said.