Jan. 24, 2025

This is the latest edition of Week In Review — a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.

Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:

City Council | City Plan Commission

City’s IT Server Maintenance to Affect Some Online Services Sunday 
The City of Richardson’s IT Department will conduct server maintenance on Sunday, Jan. 26, that will temporarily prevent access to many online applications. Work will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.   

Impacted online services will include:  

While most services will be unavailable during the maintenance period, BABIC is available to schedule by phone by calling 972-744-4111. 

Fortune 500 Company Investing in $30 Million R&D Center in The IQ^® 
The City of Richardson has entered into a partnership agreement with Micron Technology, a global innovator in semiconductor memory and storage, to renovate and relocate Micron’s North Texas offices into the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ^®). The relocation will bring approximately 250 high-paying jobs to the city.   

Micron, which operates in more than 30 major cities worldwide, has committed to occupying more than 60,000 square feet of office space at Collins Crossing, 1500 N. Greenville Ave. Additionally, Micron plans to invest approximately $30M in the first two years to fund tenant improvements and the addition of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. It is one of several companies that have chosen to relocate or expand in Richardson in the past 12 months.   

The City of Richardson’s Economic Development Department invites businesses considering expansion or relocation to apply for a range of available incentives available to entities that demonstrate a commitment to significant capital investments, notable job retention or creation, or long-term lease agreements.  

Website: www.RichardsonEconomicDevelopment.com  

Charter Review Commission to Host Public Hearing Thursday 
The new Richardson Charter Review Commission will conduct a public hearing next Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber to receive public input regarding amendments to the City of Richardson Charter.   

Details:  

Richardson Charter Review Commission Public Hearing 
Richardson City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Thursday, Jan. 30
6 p.m.  

Anyone unable to attend the public hearing in person can also submit comments/feedback online at www.cor.net/CRC or in writing to:   

Charter Review Commission 
City of Richardson
P.O. Box 830309
Richardson, TX  75083  

The 11-member Charter Review Commission is a temporary advisory group established to review and recommend changes to the City’s governing charter, which functions as a “Constitution” for Richardson, outlining structure, powers, and operational guidelines. It was established in 1956 and is reviewed every 10 years.  

Current City Charter/Code of Ordinances: Click here 
Website: www.cor.net/CRC
E-mail: CharterFeedback@cor.gov

Richardson's State of the City Address is Wednesday 
The public is invited to join the Mayor and City Council for the annual State of the City Address, Wednesday, Jan. 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Eisemann Center’s Bank of America Theatre. The Address will focus on the past year’s highlights for the City of Richardson and take a look at the City’s goals and priorities for 2025. A reception will follow in the Leftwich Grand Foyer.  

Admission and parking for the event are free. The Address will be available to watch online live and on-demand later. (Viewing link: Click here) 
 
More information: www.cor.net/stateofthecity  

MLK, Jr. Essay Contest Ends Jan. 31 
There’s just one week left for children and teens to write an essay for the City’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest—submissions are due by Friday, Jan. 31. Students in grades 4-12 who reside in Richardson or attend an RISD/PISD school in Richardson are invited to use the prompt, “Creating a World Where Everyone Belongs” and reflect on the importance of inclusivity in today’s society in 500 words or less.  

Entering is easy, essays may be completed within the online submission form or cut and pasted into the form. Winning works will be published by the City with authors receiving $200 plus certificates of achievement from the Mayor and Council.  

The City’s annual Black History Month: “Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion” Art Contest for students is also underway and accepting entries through Feb. 28. 

More information/submission forms: www.cor.net/ArtandEssayContest  

City Photo Contest Closes Sunday 
Reminder to all photographers: The City’s annual photo contest closes this weekend, with entries accepted through Sunday, Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, the contest is open to both residents and nonresidents, and is divided into three competition groups (Student, Amateur Adult and Proficient Adult). Costs are $5 per entry for students and $10 per entry for amateur adult and proficient adult.  

This year’s winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony Feb. 27 at the Eisemann Center, with the winning photos displayed at Huffhines Recreation Center Feb. 1-25.  

More information/entry form: www.cor.net/photocontest  

Testing of DART Silver Line Trains Moves to Western Corridor 
If you missed seeing the initial test runs of the DART Silver Line trains when they occurred in the Plano and Richardson areas last year, you might now catch a glimpse of them if you’re at DFW Airport or in Carrollton, Coppell or Grapevine, as testing began this week in the western corridor of the DART Silver Line Regional Rail project. 

Testing in this segment will run from the Terminal B Station at DFW Airport to the end of the constructed track at Interstate 35 in Carrollton with simulated stops at the DFW Airport North Station in Grapevine and the Cypress Waters Station in Dallas, bordering Coppell. Simulated runs will not pick up passengers; each station is an active construction site.   

Revenue service is expected to begin on the 26-mile DART Silver Line by the end of 2025-early 2026.  

Website: www.dart.org/silverline

Property Taxes Due Jan. 31 
Property taxes owed to the City of Richardson are due Friday Jan. 31 and should be paid to either the Collin County or Dallas County Tax Office, depending on where the property is located. The City of Richardson contracts with Collin and Dallas counties for the collection of property taxes. 

Collin County residents can make city, school and Collin County tax payments at:  

Or by mail to: 

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector 
PO Box 8006
McKinney, TX 75070  

If you have questions about Collin County Property taxes, contact propertytax@collincountytx.gov or call their customer care center at 972-547-5020 

Dallas County residents, city and Dallas County taxes are paid to: 

The Richardson Independent School District Tax Office taxes are billed by and paid to the RISD tax office at 420 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, TX 75081, 469-593-0500, or online at www.risd.org/taxoffice 

Expect Temporary Lane Closures Along NB Greenville Between Buckingham Road, Huffhines Street
The right and center lanes of northbound Greenville Avenue between Buckingham Road and Walnut Street, and the right lane of northbound Greenville Avenue between Maple and Huffhines streets, may closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as utility work takes place. An overnight closure may be needed in the area north of Maple Street. Though both closures along Greenville are expected to finish by early February, work in the area north of Buckingham may continue in the future. 

Temporary Lane Closures Expected on Custer South of PGBT 
The right lanes of northbound and southbound Custer Parkway between the Bush Turnpike and Renner Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as boring work for future utility infrastructure takes place. The work is expected to be complete by late February. 

Website: www.cor.net/Projects

Community Walk, Free Yoga Class Tomorrow Morning 
Huffhines Park and Huffhines Recreation Center Meadows Room
Cost: Free (must register for yoga class as space is limited; click here to register)
Saturday, Jan. 25
9 a.m. Walk, 10 a.m. Yoga Class  

Join Richardson City Council members for an easy walk around Huffhines Park followed by a free optional yoga class inside Huffhines Recreation Center. This free event is being offered to the public to encourage all participants to register and take part in the Healthier Texas Community Challenge for the City of Richardson Community. Be sure to download the free app “Healthier Texas Community Challenge” and get registered to start earning points for your healthy actions: eating healthy, staying hydrated and physical activity.  

Note: Bring a yoga mat as limited mats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration in Healthier Texas Challenge not required to attend. 

Save the Date: The CORE District Lunar New Year Celebration Set for Feb. 8 
DFW Chinatown, 400 N. Greenville Ave.
Admission: Free (Free Ticket link: click here)
Saturday, Feb. 8
11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

The City of Richardson, the CORE District and the Dallas Chinese Community Center invite you to join us for the 2025 Lunar New Year festival, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Fun for all ages, this free event will feature stunning dragon and lion dances, musical and martial arts demos, art making, calligraphy, specialty booths and cultural performances. 

Performance schedule/more information: Click here

Make Canvas Flower Bouquets Monday 
Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4395 to sign up)
Monday, Jan. 27
6-7:30 p.m.  

Adults and teens are invited to create a floral masterpiece on canvas with buttons and paper flowers. 

Read, Explore, Create! Friday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Cost: Free (free ticket required; pick up tickets starting at 3:45 p.m. on day of program)
Friday, Jan. 31
4-4:45 p.m.  

Children ages 4-5 are invited to this monthly fun event that helps them explore the world through books. Art, crafts, games and maker activities enhance concepts from the book that will be shared. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Richardson Symphony Orchestra: “She’s Got Soul” Feb. 1 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $30-$90 (tickets)
  Saturday, Feb. 1
  7:30 p.m.
  
  “She's Got Soul” fuses the Richardson Symphony’s orchestral grandeur with the smooth soulful tapestry of R&B singer Capathia Jenkins. From Dolly Parton’s ballad “I Will Always Love You” to Jim Weatherly’s infectious “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Jenkin’s powerhouse vocals taps into the genre's emotional depth and raw energy, promising pure musical magic.
  
  
• Richardson Community Band Feb. 2 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Admission: Free (must reserve a free ticket)
  Sunday, Feb. 2
  3 p.m.
  
  The Richardson Community Band will perform great love songs modern and old, plus some classics that revolve around love. www.richardsoncommunityband.org  

At UT Dallas:

• “Traversing Boundaries: 12 Contemporary Female Artists of India” Exhibit Opens Tonight 
  SP/N Gallery, 3020 Stewart Dr.
  Admission: Free
  Jan. 24-March 1
  Opening reception tonight (Jan. 24) 6-8 p.m.; regular gallery hours Tuesday-Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 1-6 p.m.
  
  This exhibit is the culmination of UTD lecturer Colette Copeland’s Fulbright Scholar research in India writing about interdisciplinary female artists exploring socially engaged themes and practices. Transgressing the institutions of colonialism and patriarchy, these artists use a variety of media to critically and sometimes subversively examine pressing issues including gender violence, caste oppression, inequity of labor, environmental crises and the Partition of India—through the framework of personal history and memory. 
  
  Event link/more information: Click here
  
  
• Two Events Monday Honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day 
  Edith O’Donnell Arts & Technology Building (ATC) lobby and online
  Cost: Free
  Monday, Jan. 27
  Noon and 3 p.m.
  
  Join the students and staff of UT Dallas for two events to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this year the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp: a video presentation of Paul Celan’s iconic Holocaust poem, “Death Fugue” in the ATC lobby at noon, and an online lecture at 3 p.m. with Dr. Alex Kor, the son of Eva Kor, a survivor of Auschwitz, as he reflects on his late mother’s remarkable life and legacy and speaks to her through hologram.
  
  Event links: Click here and here

“Carrie: The Musical” Opens Next Thursday at RHS 
Richardson High School Auditorium, 1250 W. Belt Line Rd. 
Tickets 
Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Thursday-Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.   

The RHS Theatre Collective presents, “Carrie: The Musical,” which originally premiered on Broadway in 1988 and was revised in 2012. It is based on Stephen King’s horror novel of the same name and integrates elements from the 1976 film adaptation. The musical focuses on Carrie White, a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and at home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. 

January Gardening To-Dos
With weather expected to be sunny and in the 50s tomorrow (Jan. 25), this weekend might be a good time to re-shape shrubs and shade trees, mulch leaves from the lawn and remove debris from turf areas to reduce disease and insect problems. The Dallas County Master Gardeners Association (DCMGA) includes those recommendations in its list of January Garden Tasks available at the group’s website—here are a few more:  

Remember that if you don’t mulch your leaves to be left on your lawn, you can place them in compostable bags and call the City’s BABIC service for collection. BABIC also picks up large piles of brush and tree limbs.   

The Dallas County Master Gardeners Association is a nonprofit organization and a component of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.   

DCMGA Website: Click here 

BABIC Information: www.cor.net/babic  BABIC request line: 972-744-4111 

911 Dispatcher ($54,223 - $75,309 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual to operate various telecommunications equipment, dispatch and deploy public safety units, notify other support services and, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver’s License, Class C, required. 

Heavy Equipment Operator ($48,661 – $66,831 Salary) 
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Drivers License will be required or obtained within six months.  

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $26.50/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and has a passion for teaching. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Snickers is a 9-month-old, sweet, playful and energetic Black Mouth Cur mix dog. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his friendliness knows no bounds. He's fantastic with other dogs, always ready for a game of fetch or a friendly romp. His energy is endless, and his playful antics are sure to bring joy to any home. Snickers is not just a dog; he's a companion, a friend and a source of unconditional love. His zest for life is inspiring, and his friendly nature makes him the perfect addition to any family. 

For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.

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