April 25, 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

Early Voting Ends April 29 for May 3 Election
Early voting for the May 3 Joint and Special Election began Tuesday this week and runs through next Tuesday, April 29.   

Early voting locations in Richardson include:   

Collin County  

Dallas County  

No voting is taking place at Richardson City Hall. Voters can vote at any early voting location in the county in which they reside. 

Election Day voting will take place Saturday, May 3.  

Full listing of all early voting and Election Day polling locations and hours:  

Collin County: https://www.collincountytx.gov/elections  

Dallas County: https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/  

www.cor.net/elections  

www.votetexas.gov  

Richardson City Council Election Ballot Error Corrected 
A ballot error identified on Dallas County ballots early Tuesday (April 22) involving uncontested Richardson City Council races was corrected on voting machines at Dallas County vote centers. The issue involved ballots incorrectly displaying City Council races for Places 1-4 based on voter address, rather than showing all as at-large races. All City Council Places (1-6) and the Mayor are elected at-large and should appear on every Richardson voter’s ballot.

The problem was traced to a coding error that was quickly resolved by Dallas County Elections Office teams and updated at all its voting machines by Wednesday morning. Ballots at Collin County polling locations were not impacted.  

Mail-in ballots and voters who cast ballots before the correction was made will still have their votes counted, but are not eligible to vote again. The outcome of the votes cast for the affected races will not be impacted, as the affected races are uncontested.  

The City of Richardson appreciates the quick response and corrective action taken by the Dallas County Elections Office and will continue to work closely with them to ensure a smooth election process moving forward.  

Complete news release: Click here 

City Awards Second RAMP Grant to Assist R&D in Richardson 
The City of Richardson is proud to announce that an incentive grant through its Research Award Match Program (RAMP) has been awarded to support the expansion of JP Analytical LLC, a cutting-edge materials research and development company headquartered in the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ^®). The $50,000 incentive package is the second RAMP grant to be awarded since the program began in January 2024 with the intention to attract and support research and development in Richardson and complement federal small business programs. JP Analytical recently received a $1.25 million federal Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory.   

JP Analytical plans to utilize the RAMP funding to expand or relocate its current facility and acquire new analytical equipment (potentially incorporating a particle accelerator into its research operations), which will play a critical role in advancing its Phase II SBIR program. The company plans to grow its team as well, with a goal of creating 40 high-paying jobs over the next five years.   

More information/RAMP application: Click here 

Arbor Day is Today; Trees Planted, Given Away at Terrace Park 
Mayor Bob Dubey issued a proclamation at Monday’s City Council Meeting declaring today, April 25, as Arbor Day in Richardson, in alignment with national Arbor Day, urging all residents to “observe the day by planting trees, preserving the natural environment, and engaging in actions that support the health and vitality of our community.”   

The Parks and Recreation Department marked the day by planting 10 trees this morning at Terrace Park, and more than 100 trees were given away to Richardson residents at the park in the afternoon (as part of the Richardson Replants program).    

Arbor Day is typically celebrated on the last Friday in April nationally and was created in 1872 as a day for everyone to appreciate and plant trees.   

www.cor.net/richardsonreplants  

Free Sprinkler Check-ups Now Available to Richardson Residents 
The City of Richardson is partnering with the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) in a pilot program that offers free residential sprinkler system evaluations. The service is part of conservation efforts to protect our future water supply through more efficient water usage. The free evaluation report generated will provide suggested irrigation system repairs (if needed); suggested controller settings; and estimated weekly gallons of water saved if you implement all listed recommendations (the inspector will not make repairs to your system; you may hire a licensed irrigator for any repairs needed).  

Who Can Participate:  

Utility account holders with residential systems that have one controller and no more than 12 zones. Evaluations may be requested once every 12 months by homeowners or tenants.  

How it works:  

Richardson residents submit requests for an evaluation at https://mysprinklereval.com/cor and are then contacted by DFW-area company M&M Irrigation and Illumination for appointment scheduling. (Note that if the form does not allow you to enter information, all appointments for the month are taken. If additional times become available, the request form will be unlocked at 8 a.m. on the 25th of each month.)  

More information: Click here 

Set-up Begins Next Week for Cottonwood Art Festival 
This Sunday marks the start of setup for the City’s semiannual Cottonwood Art Festival taking place May 3-4, as City crews and Community Events staff begin a week of preparations at Cottonwood Park.  Around 200 artists from across the nation have been selected to exhibit, joined by a variety of food and beverage vendors set up throughout the grounds, and musical performers on two stages.  

Hours for the festival are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 3 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Admission is free, with additional charges for food/beverages, art purchases and some children’s activities. Cottonwood Park is located at 1321 W. Belt Line Rd.   

More information: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com 

Animal Services Recognizes Animal Control Officers, Reviews Past Year 
Animal Services staff gave an update to the City Council at Monday’s meeting in conjunction with Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week, celebrated nationally every year during the second full week of April. Richardson employs several Animal Control Officers (ACOs), who play a crucial role in responding and investigating reports of pet abuse and neglect, as well as rescuing stray pets. ACOs also assist with sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and a host of other duties outlined in Monday’s presentation.  

The update also included a review of Animal Services’ 2023-24 Fiscal Year, which took place primarily in temporary facilities due to the 2021 Bond-funded renovations currently underway at the Animal Shelter.   

Highlights: 

Complete presentation (including photos of the renovation progress): Click here 

Realtor Workshop Highlights Richardson Projects, Schools, and Other Amenities 
Local realtors got the chance to learn more about our community Thursday (and gain insights that will help them attract people to Richardson) as the City’s annual Realtors Workshop was held at City Hall. An exhibitor’s fair (featuring information tables staffed by RISD and various City departments) started off the morning, followed by speakers including City Manager Don Magner, Richardson Police Chief Gary Tittle and Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Falgout. Local realtor and former longtime RISD board member Anne Foster also addressed the group, representing Realtors Supporting Richardson Schools.  

The event, now in its 18th year, is sponsored by the City and is part of the City Council’s goal to have residents and all stakeholders choose Richardson as the best place to locate, contribute and participate.  

DART Advances Silver Line Segmented Testing to North Dallas and Beyond 
Beginning next week, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will advance segmented testing of Silver Line vehicles into North Dallas, Addison and Downtown Carrollton. Residents and commuters in those areas will see the trains operating on newly installed tracks, ahead of passenger service scheduled to begin later this year on the 26-mile corridor.   

DART began the testing in fall 2024 between Plano and Richardson, testing track infrastructure, signals, operating systems, and rail crossings. Earlier this year, testing expanded to include the segment from DFW Airport to the current end of the constructed track near I-35 in Carrollton.  

The new train test runs will initially operate between UT Dallas Station and the Downtown Carrollton Station Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with activity gradually increasing. No passengers will be permitted to board.   

DART plans to begin running trains along the full route from Shiloh Road Station in Plano to DFW Airport Terminal B later this summer.   

More information: www.dart.org/silverline  

Sales Tax Holiday This Weekend for Batteries, Other Emergency Supplies 
Texans will be allowed to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free April 26-28 during the annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 26 and ends at midnight Monday, April 28.  There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.        

Examples of supplies that qualify include cell phone batteries and chargers, first aid kits, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, non-electric coolers and ice chests, flashlights, and fire extinguishers.  

Complete list of eligible items: Sales Tax Holiday    

“Real Heroes” Nominations for Outstanding Volunteers Due Next Wednesday 
Nominations are open for a few more days for the 2025 Richardson Real Heroes Award program. The program, now in its 16th year, is sponsored by nonprofit Richardson Real Heroes and is the only citywide program that recognizes extraordinary volunteers whose work benefits the Richardson community. Selected recipients are celebrated during an awards ceremony at the Eisemann Center, this year taking place Aug. 28.    

Eligible nominees do not have to be Richardson residents, but must have:  

Nominations deadline is Wednesday, April 30.  

Nomination form/more information: www.richardsonrealheroes.com  

Richardson Today in Mailboxes This Week 
The May 2025 print edition of Richardson Today has been mailed and is expected to hit mailboxes this week/weekend. It includes guides to both the Cottonwood Art Festival and Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival, including stage schedules, where to park and much more. Also included in the May edition is the City’s Summer Pool Schedule, May 3 Election details, and a map and information about the May 10 move of the City’s historic Miss Belle’s House.  

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. 

Lane Closures North of Jupiter/Renner Intersection Expected This Weekend 
The right and center lanes of northbound Jupiter Road between Renner Road and the Bush Turnpike may be closed to traffic at all times starting today, Friday April 25, through Sunday, April 27 (weather permitting) for manhole cover replacement work that involves concrete curing. 

Possible Traffic Delays on Westbound Belt Line near Frances Way Intersection 
The right lane of westbound East Belt Line Road between Frances Way and Wake Court may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as a gas leak repair takes place on Wake Drive. The work is expected to be complete by mid-May. 

www.cor.net/projects

Drug Take Back Tomorrow 
Police Headquarters, 200 N. Greenville Ave.
Cost: Free
Saturday, April 26
10 a.m.-2 p.m.  

Prevent unused/expired medications from contaminating our trash and water system by taking part in the Richardson Police Department’s (RPD) Drug Take Back Saturday, April 26, part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event keeps medications from being flushed down a sink drain or toilet and potentially entering our waterways, and also helps keep drugs out of the trash, where pets, children and others might acquire them.    

Bring unused and expired pharmaceuticals, both prescription and over-the-counter, for proper disposal. All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in tightly sealed consumer containers will be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to the potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.    

Contact: 972-744-4955 (Richardson Police Department Crime Prevention Unit)  

Website: https://takebackday.dea.gov    

“Intro to AI” Tomorrow 
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free (registration and a current RPL card in good standing required; call 972-744-4355 to register)
Saturday, April 26
10:30 a.m.-noon  

Learn about and tinker with AI to generate text and art.  

Nite! Nite! Bedtime Stories Monday Night 
YS Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Monday, April 28
7-7:30 p.m.  

Children ages 3-7 are invited to wear their favorite comfy pajamas, bring a stuffed animal and wind down with songs, books, flannels and other bedtime activities.  

At the Eisemann Center:

• RSO Season Finale Concert Tomorrow Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $25-$85 (tickets)
  Saturday, April 26
  7:30 p.m.
  
  The Richardson Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4,” a thrilling adventure packed with raw emotion, a bold brass fanfare, and lush strings, along with Sibelius's “Violin Concerto,” a musical dialogue between soloist and orchestra that will feature violinist Geneva Lewis.  

At UT Dallas:

• Panel Discussion: “Through the Lens of Photo 1c: 80 Years After Liberation” Wednesday
  SP/N Gallery, 2030 Stewart Dr.
  Admission: Free (registration requested here)
  Wednesday, April 30
  Reception 5:30 p.m., discussion 6-7:30 p.m.
  
  Commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation and end of World War II in the European Theater. Special panel guests will include:
  • Dr. Michael Bell, (Col., US Army, Ret.), Executive Director of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, World War II Museum
  • Jessica Schneider Adams, MA, Archivist & Volunteer Coordinator, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society
  • Marshall Coleman (USMC, Veteran), Researcher, The Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies at UT Dallas

  The event will also celebrate the wartime photobook of Capt. Duaine Eldred, a recent gift to The Ackerman Center. Event link: Click here

• Bass Spring Arts Showcase Begins Thursday
  Various campus venues (see below), 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Thursday, May 1
  6 p.m. (Applied voice recital/opera workshop; 7:30 p.m. dance presentations)
  
  UT Dallas’ annual showcase of the arts begins May 1 with an Applied Voice recital and opera workshop in the Jonsson Performance Hall followed by “Dance Composition Jumpstart” in the University Theatre (the first night of three dance performances from the UTDance Ensemble and students of Dance Composition).
  
  More information: Events - Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology | The University of Texas at Dallas 

RISD:

• Play: “Caucasian Chalk Circle” at RHS 
  Richardson High School Black Box Theatre, 1250 W. Belt Line Rd.
  Admission: Free
  May 1-3
  7 p.m.
  
  Set in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, Caucasian Chalk Circle retells the tale of King Solomon and a child claimed by two mothers—one reeking of power and privilege, the other just a poor girl with nothing to give the child but her love and determination. (Directions to the Black Box Theatre: Park in the teacher lot off Dogwood Drive and Belt Line Road. Enter through the “Fine Arts” door on the western-most side of the building. The Black Box will be at the top of the hall on left.)
  
  
• Registration for Pearce Theatre Summer Camps Now Open 
  J.J. Pearce High School Theater, 1600 N. Coit Rd.
  Cost: $350 per session 
  May 27-30 (rising 6th-9th graders); June 2-6 (rising 2nd-6th graders)
  9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily
  
  Join theater students and staff for a memorable week of fun and learning while putting together the shows “Between the Lines, Jr.” (May session) and “101 Dalmatians Kids” (June session). Two-session discount for 6th graders!
  
  More information: www.pearcetheatre.org  

Guided Walk through Spring Creek Nature Area Tomorrow Morning
Spring Creek Nature Area (meet at the archway near Renner Rd. and Routh Creek Pkwy. Intersection)
Cost: $5 per person (children under age 18 are free with a registered parent)
Registration Link: Click here 
Saturday, April 26
9-10 a.m.  

Join the Richardson Urban Naturalist program on this exciting nature walk celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day. Led by a Texas Master Naturalist, this walk through the Spring Creek Nature Area is a great opportunity to learn about the natural environment we have right here in Richardson.  

More information: Click here 

Texas City Nature Challenge Begins this Weekend 
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s “Nature Trackers” program is encouraging all Texans to participate in the Texas City Nature Challenge, part of the City Nature Challenge 2025 Global Project, which began today (April 25) and continues through April 28. See which city can document the most species of plant and animal life in this friendly competition. Try observing at a Richardson park or in your own backyard!   

To participate, sign up at www.iNaturalist.org and download the free iNaturalist app. Observe on your own or with a group; take a picture of any type of plant or animal, and the iNaturalist community will help with identification. Every observation contributes to biodiversity science, from a rare butterfly to a common backyard weed. Observations/photos may be uploaded through Sunday, May 4.  

Note: Richardson and surrounding cities compete as part of the DFW Metroplex.  

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/naturechallenge   

Maintenance Helper II ($39,288 - $49,200 Salary) 
The Public Services Department has multiple job opening in Streets, Utilities, Water and Construction and is looking for individuals who love working outdoors doing repair and construction to streets. Texas Drivers License, Class C, required. 

Gymnastics Coach PT ($17.82/hr to $36.77/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
Meet Splash, a young, sweet and friendly Pitbull who can't wait to become part of your family. At just 10 months old, Splash has a zest for life that is truly infectious. He’s a real social butterfly, always ready to make new friends, be they canine or human. Splash’s friendly nature is paired with a sense of humor that will keep you laughing. His love for people and other dogs is evident in his playful interactions. He’s eager to share his love and joy with a forever family. Adopt Splash and add a dash of fun and a splash of love to your life! 

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

City Council Links