The upcoming transportation referendum seeks voter approval of a regional 1 percent sales tax, which would generate $7.22 billion to fund transportation improvements throughout a 10-county metro Atlanta region, including light rail service along the Clifton Corridor.

The "lunch & learn" events, which are free and open to everyone, will be:

• Tuesday, June 12, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Emory Eye Center, in the Calhoun Auditorium, Clinic Building B.

• Wednesday, June 27 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Mathematics and Science Center N306.

• Thursday, June 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Jones Room of the Woodruff Library.

The forums will bring together representatives from Emory's Office of Sustainability Initiatives and the Metro Atlanta Voter Education Network (MAVEN) to explain the referendum and its related projects, answer questions, and assist with voter registration and absentee ballot requests.

"Our plan is to present a brief PowerPoint to explain the basics of the referendum and open the discussion to audience questions," says Emily Cumbie-Drake, sustainability programs coordinator. "We will review the benefits to the Clifton Corridor, but we'll also be open to what the audience wants to know."

Those attending the June 12 event are asked to bring their own lunch; drinks and treats will be provided. For more information, contact Mallard Benton at mwbento@emory.edu.

Lunch will be provided for the June 27 event. Anyone planning to attend is asked to send an email confirmation to Erica Weaver at eweaver@emory.edu.

Other Emory offices and departments that are interested in arranging informational sessions are invited to contact Cumbie-Drake at ecumbie@emory.edu.