Jan. 31, 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

State of the City is “Strong” - Available to View On Demand 
The Mayor and City Council delivered the annual State of the City Address on Wednesday evening at the Eisemann Center, highlighting Richardson’s major achievements in 2024 and providing a vision for the year ahead. With the theme “A Place for Big Ideas,” the address reinforced the city’s reputation as a hub of innovation, advanced technology and community strength. Concluding the event, the Mayor and City Council affirmed: “The state of our city is strong.” 

The Address highlighted four specific areas: the City’s response to the May 28 storm; the cybersecurity incident that affected the City in September; the ongoing momentum created by the City’s economic development efforts; and Richardson’s continued investment in infrastructure and services.  

Videos accompanied the in-person presentation, and several local leaders from education, business and nonprofit organizations were recognized during the event. The event was free and open to the public; it was also available for live viewing online.   

View on-demand: www.cor.net/stateofthecity  

TxDOT Updates City Council on US 75 Tech Lanes Project 
The US 75 Technology Lanes Project is currently ahead of schedule, according to a presentation given at Monday’s City Council meeting by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) staff. The project affects US 75 between IH 635 and SH 121, and involves converting the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to Technology Lanes (lanes that vary between being available to all motorists and being open only to drivers of HOVs, low emission vehicles and motorcycles depending on the time of day). Work began on the project in March 2024 primarily in the northern segment, President George Bush Tollway to SH 121.  Phase 2 of the project is anticipated in southern segment, PGBT to IH 635, this summer with an expected completion date is late 2026. 

So far, all of the pylons have been removed along the lane borders, most of the LED light poles have been installed, and installation of dynamic message signs is in progress. The concrete center barrier is currently under construction in the project segment north of the Bush Turnpike (PGBT); construction of the center barrier south of PGBT is expected in late summer/early fall of this year. During construction, the northbound Technology Lane is closed in the project segment where work is being done. 

US 75 Crossing Improvements Projects Underway 
City staff provided an update at Monday’s City Council meeting on the progress of the City’s US 75 crossing improvement projects which include the Collins Boulevard overpass and the intersections of US 75 at Arapaho Road and US 75 at Belt Line Road. The improvements, funded by a combination of City, Dallas County and TxDOT dollars, are intended to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and are a high priority in the City’s Active Transportation Plan, adopted by the City Council in 2023.    

The planned improvements include:  

The Collins and Arapaho projects are in the design phase for 2025, with construction expected to begin in 2026 for both. Traffic signal and ADA ramp improvements are currently underway at the Belt Line/75 intersection with an expected completion date of mid-2025; The City of Richardson will be submitting a federal grant application later this spring to secure additional funding to address funding constraints identified during the design process.    

Monday’s presentation/more details: Click here 

Bike Friendly Bronze Status Renewed 
The League of American Bicyclists announced this week that Richardson’s status as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community has been renewed. The award recognizes Richardson for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. Richardson was the first city in North Texas to be named a Bicycle Friendly Community in 2015, when it received bronze certification, and that status was renewed in 2019.   

Since adopting its Active Transportation Plan in 2023, the City launched a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and has moved forward on many other initiatives identified in the plan, including a Complete Streets Policy, bike parking regulations for new development, a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, a Neighborhood Byway program, and advancement of key infrastructure investments such as the Cotton Belt Trail and connections across US 75 (see above story for an update on these connections).  

More information: Click here 

Website: www.cor.net/atp  

Main Street Phase 2 Open House Set for Next Thursday 
Residents and owners of businesses located in/near the Downtown area of the Richardson CORE District are invited to an Open House next Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Police Headquarters to get information about the Main Street Phase 2 Road Improvements set to start Feb. 17. The improvements include pavement and utility work and will take place along Main Street between Greenville Avenue and Abrams Road.   

City Photo Contest Winners Announced 
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced the winners in the 2025 City of Richardson photography contest. Kellie Carter won both Best of Show and the Amateur Adult Division with a photo in the Flora category entitled, “Once Upon a Wish,” top honors in the Proficient Division went to Rita Johnston for “Infinity View” in the Waterscape category, and Sapphire Hao won the Student Division with an Architecture/Cityscape black and white photo entitled, “Urban Symmetry.” Additional winners were announced for Honorable Mention through First Place. 

Kellie Carter, "Once Upon a Wish"

See below in Arts/Culture for information about the upcoming Photo Contest Winners Exhibit.  

View winning works: www.cor.net/photocontest  

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The February 2025 print edition of Richardson Today has been sent to the printer and is expected to hit mailboxes next week, filled with information about the State of the City Address and the City’s upcoming Lunar New Year celebration taking place Feb. 8. The issue also includes information on ways to get involved in the City’s upcoming Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival May 16-18, as a vendor, volunteer and more.   

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Ask your local mail carrier if you do not receive your copy and you live within the boundaries of Richardson.  

Keep up with Richardson Today stories as they happen, including video, at www.RichardsonToday.com. A digital version of the print edition of Richardson Today may also be accessed there.  

Construction on Greenville Avenue to Close Lanes North of Spring Valley Road
The northbound lanes of Greenville Avenue between Spring Valley Road and Huffhines Street will be closed beginning Feb. 3 as crews begin work on an existing storm sewer and water line. During this time, two-way traffic will be maintained as northbound traffic will be diverted into one of the existing southbound lanes. Construction is expected to last about two weeks, weather permitting.

Fiber Optic Work to Temporarily Close Lanes on Renner Road at Three Locations 
Fiber optic work along Renner Road may require closures from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the following locations: 

The work is expected to be complete by late May. 

Website: www.cor.net/Projects

Healthier Texas Challenge: Free Dance Fitness, Flexibility Classes this Weekend 
Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers
Admission: Free (reserve a spot here and here)
Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2
Noon-1 p.m.  

Join Christie at Huffhines Recreation Center at noon on Saturday, Feb. 1 for a dance fitness class, and Teresa at noon on Sunday, Feb. 2 for a flexibility class. These free classes are open to the public to encourage all participants to register and take part in the Healthier Texas Community Challenge for the City of Richardson Community. All participants will receive a free Healthier Texas Community Challenge T-shirt. Be sure to download the app “Healthier Texas Community Challenge" and get registered to start earning points for your healthy actions: eating healthy, staying hydrated and physical activity.  

Note: Participation in Healthier Texas Community Challenge not required to take either class. 

DART Silverline Biannual Community Meeting Next Wednesday at UT Dallas 
UT Dallas Davidson Auditorium (JSOM 1.118), 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Admission: Free
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Registration 6 p.m., Presentation 6:30 p.m. with Q&A following  

This meeting will provide residents, business owners and those seeking additional information on the Silver Line project with an in-depth overview of the project including highlights specific to the Richardson area.  

www.dart.org/silverline  

Pokémon Gym Badge Challenge Begins Tomorrow 
Youth Services Area
Cost: Free
Feb. 1-28
All day during regular library hours   

Catch ‘em all with Pokémon-inspired tasks and receive a special Pokémon button upon completion! For ages 3-18. Note that due to limited supplies, buttons will be awarded once per child. Repeat participation is not allowed. 

C-TECH Kids Club: M&M Survival Challenge Next Friday 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4358 to register)
Friday, Feb. 7
4-5 p.m.  

C-TECH Kids Club invites kids ages 9-12 to experiment with exciting STEM activities. In this edition, they’ll learn about camouflage in the animal kingdom and discover its power while hunting for M&M “prey.” 

At the Eisemann Center:

• RISD District-Wide Arts Showcase Now Open in Green Gallery
  Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Through Feb. 23
  10-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and during all public events
  
  This annual exhibition of artwork by PK-12th grade Richardson Independent School District students was created by the Eisemann Educates program and provides a venue for young artists to showcase their talents and get a taste of life as a professional artist. A First Friday opening reception at the Gallery takes place next Friday, Feb. 7 from 6-8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
  
  
• Richardson Symphony Orchestra Tomorrow Night: “She’s Got Soul”
  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. 
  
  www.richardsonsymphony.org
  
  
• Free Concert Sunday with Richardson Community Band: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” 
  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:

•  José Bowen Sextet Tomorrow Night 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and children age 17 and under; free parking available (Event link: click here)
  Saturday, Feb. 1
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Jazz pianist José Antonio Bowen is joined by some of the finest jazz musicians in DFW playing some of Bowen’s new music and plenty of jazz classics, too. Over the years, Bowen has performed in 46 states and 17 countries, with Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Brubeck, Liberace and many other musical luminaries.   

Photo Contest Winners Exhibit Begins Tomorrow 
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Feb. 1-25
6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays  

All winning entries are on display from the City’s 2025 Photography Contest. 

Sapphire Hao, "Urban Symmetry"	Rita Johnson, "Infinity View"

Annual Wildlife Habits Cause Increase in Coyote, Bobcat Activity 
It’s mating season for both coyotes and bobcats in North Texas, so area residents may see an increase in sightings of the animals over the next few months, as they are part of the natural habitat of North Texas. Bobcats and coyotes rarely pose a threat to people, but domesticated pets such as small dogs and cats could be at risk if left alone or taken off their leash near natural areas. If pets must be kept outdoors, keep them in a securely fenced area—keep in mind that bobcats can climb trees and fences and can also jump up to 12 feet, and coyotes can jump over a five-foot fence. In addition, wildlife are attracted to the rodents that come to eat dropped/spilled food and garbage, so feed pets indoors, keep bird feeders above an animal’s reach (and prevent the buildup of feeder food underneath) and secure garbage containers.  

Visit the Animal Services website for more steps to keep predators at a distance. 
 
Contact: 972-744-4480 
Website: www.cor.net/departments/animal-services/wildlife/bobcats 
Website: www.cor.net/departments/animal-services/wildlife/coyotes  

One More Week for Tree-cycling, Holiday Box Recycling 
Are you the last on your block to take down your Christmas tree? Still have large holiday boxes lying around? The City’s Tree Cycling and Holiday Box Recycling programs are still available to help. Both programs began in December and continue through next Friday, Feb. 7.   

Trees may be dropped off 24/7 at the Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., or set out at the curb and picked up as part of the City’s weekly Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), to be turned into mulch and compost. Trees must be natural (not artificial), unflocked and all decorations, nails etc. must be removed. The mulch and compost are created thanks to a regional partnership between Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco and Texas Pure; it is used in landscaping by the cities and offered to the public for purchase. Residents of the five member cities receive a discount. 

Boxes (flattened) may be dropped off at the following locations:  

Website: www.cor.net/boxandtreerecycling  
Contact: 972-744-4111 for BABIC pick-up; be sure to request that the tree be collected for composting.  

Animal Services Officer ($43,764 - $62,088 Salary) 
Animal Services is looking for an individual who loves animals, and under general supervision routinely patrol city streets, clean and maintain Animal Shelter daily. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required. 

Construction Inspector II/Construction Inspector III (DOQ Salary) 
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can inspect construction or reconstruction of public works, developer and public utility projects. Manage and coordinate with contractors on methods, sequence and public safety during construction. 

Custodian – Part Time ($18.89/hr to $21.72/hr) 
Custodial Services is looking for an individual to clean facilities and perform event setups and breakdowns. Texas Drivers License, Class C required. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Moo is a charming 4-year-old pitbull that is currently in a loving foster home. She’s an absolute sweetheart, brimming with a goofy, playful spirit that’s sure to bring joy to any household. She’s sociable too, getting along wonderfully with other dogs her size or bigger. Playdates with her are a blast, filled with laughter and tail-wagging fun. Moo is not just all play, she’s got a tender side too, always ready to give and receive affection. Adopting Moo means gaining a loyal friend who will fill your life with happiness, laughter and love. 

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

City Council Links