May 2, 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

Election Day is Tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) 
A Joint and Special Election will take place Saturday, May 3 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. that will include the Richardson City Council election. On Election Day, registered Dallas County voters may vote at any Dallas County Vote Center; Collin County voters may vote at any Collin County Vote Center.   

No voting will take place at City Hall. In Richardson, there will be 16 Dallas County Election Day vote centers and three Collin County vote centers.  

Collin County Election Day polling locations, sample ballot: www.collincountytx.gov/elections     

Dallas County Election Day polling locations, sample ballot: www.dallascountyvotes.org    

More information: www.cor.net/elections  

DART Offers Free Rides to Voters 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is providing free rides to polling locations within its service area tomorrow (Saturday, May 3). 

On Election Day, riders can travel at no cost on all DART services, including: 

Riders need only show their valid voter registration card to ride for free on Election Day. GoLink riders can use promo code VOTE53 at checkout for a complimentary Adult Local Day Pass in the DART GoPass app. 

www.dart.org/news  

Richardson’s Cottonwood Art Festival is this Weekend 
The City’s Cottonwood Art Festival will be held May 3-4 at Cottonwood Park, 1301 W. Belt Line Rd. A part of Richardson since 1969, the prestigious, biannual festival includes a juried art show featuring close to 200 artists, live entertainment on two stages, a hands-on art area for children and a variety of food and beverage vendors.   

Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 3 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Admission and parking are free, with additional charges for art and concession purchases and select children’s art activities.   

Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com  

Miss Belle’s House Relocation Postponed Due to Weather 
The City of Richardson has postponed the planned relocation of Miss Belle’s House to Huffhines Park due to recent and forecasted weather conditions.  

Originally scheduled to take place the morning of Saturday, May 10, the move is being delayed to ensure safe transport of the historic home because saturated ground conditions are not suitable for the weight of the structure.  

A new move date has not yet been determined.  

Information: www.cor.net/MissBellesHouse  

Low Interest Rates Obtained for Annual Bond Sale   
The City of Richardson held an order period for its 2025 General Obligation Bonds and 2025 Certificates of Obligation on Monday, April 28, with priority granted to individual investors and Richardson residents. In total, the City issued $91.6M in general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation.  Proceeds from the sales will fund municipal buildings, street improvements, equipment, utility improvements and parks projects.  

The general obligation bonds had a true interest cost (TIC) effective rate of 4.14 percent, while the certificates of obligation had a TIC rate of 4.20 percent (series 2025A) and 5.47 percent (taxable series 2025B). The low interest rates are attributable to the City’s “Triple A” status from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, a status the City has held for the past 16 years.   

City/DART Economic Development Partnerships Discussed 
City Manager Don Magner gave a presentation at Monday’s City Council meeting regarding the DART-City Manager Economic Development Working Group (comprised of representatives from DART and six member cities including Richardson) and its plans to include DART in city-created Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) through the use of interlocal agreements (ILAs). The ILA approach will allow DART to contribute future sales tax revenues to TIRZs for the first time in nearly the same manner as other taxing units, without legislative action needed, encouraging economic development, sales and property tax growth, and DART ridership growth.  

Key features of the proposed TIRZ ILAs include:  

Next steps for the ILAs include DART Board consideration in May with City Council approvals by the end of the year.   

Complete presentation: Click here 

Ribbon Cutting Held for New CORE District Development and Open Space 
The City celebrated the official opening last Saturday of the Belt & Main mixed-use development and nearby linear park, Interurban Common, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by City Council members, project partners and City and community leaders. The projects are part of the City’s ongoing efforts (since 2016) to revitalize Richardson’s historic downtown into a vibrant, walkable urban center.  

Belt & Main (150 W. Main St.) is the first mixed-use residential and retail development in The CORE District. It includes ground floor restaurants and retail including Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta and La Souq Coffee. Interurban Common (110 N. Interurban St.) offers a pedestrian-friendly open space that ties into the citywide trail system via the Central Trail.   

Other projects the City has advanced to support downtown revitalization include the reconstruction of Main Street; drainage and parking improvements; and the launch of festivals and community events.   

Video: Click here 

Full press release: Click here 

Current Main Street Revitalization Project activity: Click here 

Website: www.richardsoncoredistrict.com  

Mosquito Testing Has Begun 
The Health Department began its annual mosquito collection and testing this week, with traps set out in 12 areas of Richardson each Sunday and collected Monday, a schedule that will be repeated through October. Nighttime spraying to control the adult population of mosquitoes is conducted by the City in designated areas only when area samples test positive for the West Nile virus, or if a resident contracts West Nile virus.   

Residents are reminded to think of “The Four D’s” when taking personal steps to help protect against mosquito-borne illness:   

The Health Department provides more information online, including an interactive map of all 12 management areas, with updates for each area.  
 
Website: www.cor.net/mosquito 

Lane Closures Expected at Jupiter/Collins During Traffic Signal Rebuild 
Various right and left lanes at the intersection of Jupiter Road and Collins Boulevard may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. due to a traffic signal rebuild at the intersection and associated pedestrian ramp installation. The work is expected to be finished by early June.  

Section of Floyd Road to Become One Lane Temporarily 
Floyd Road between Brandy Station and Wilderness Trail may be reduced to one lane with flaggers for the alternate movement of traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as Atmos gas utility work takes place.  The work is expected to be finished by late June. 

www.cor.net/projects

RWC, City of Richardson Present Annual Garden Tour Tomorrow 
Richardson Woman’s Club Estate, 2005 N. Cliffe Dr.
Tickets: $25 
Saturday, May 3
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (tour starts at 10 a.m.)    

A full day of activities centered around all things gardening. Enjoy coffee and pastries at 8:30 a.m. while browsing the gift shop and bake shop; attend gardening seminars with garden experts at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; and tour Richardson gardens at various locations from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.rwctx.org  

Mother’s Day Charcuterie Workshop in CORE District Tuesday 
Lockwood Distilling, 506 Lockwood Dr.
Cost: $60 per person (Ticket link: click here)
Tuesday, May 6
7-8 p.m.  

Treat yourself and the special women in your life to an hour of fun and learning. This hands-on workshop teaches the basics of creating a beautiful charcuterie board and includes one bamboo leaf board per attendee plus an assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers, seasonal fruits and more.  

RISD Dance Extravaganza Tomorrow 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd, Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 3
Noon-1 p.m.  

All ages are invited to watch students from some of Richardson ISD’s dance programs perform a wide range of dance routines in this Library-sponsored event. Groups include Ballet Folklorico, Step Team, Bollywood, country and western dance/stunt, and hip-hop crew. 

Turkish Coffee and Culture Next Saturday 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd, Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 10
1-2 p.m.  

The Dialogue Institute will teach about the social ritual of Turkish coffee that is steeped in tradition and hospitality, and its role in fostering connections in this Library-sponsored event. Enjoy coffee and Turkish delight as you travel through history and learn more about this tradition. For adults and teens. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• “First Friday” Free Art Reception Tonight: RCAS Annual Juried Art Exhibition
  Forrest & Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Friday, May 2
  6-8 p.m. 
  
  Celebrate the newest exhibit in the Gallery, which showcases the Richardson Civic Art Society’s 59th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. The exhibit will be up through May 25; regular viewing hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public events.
  
  
• Richardson Community Band: “May the Fourth Be With You” Sunday
  Hill Performance Hall
  Admission: Free ticket required
  Sunday, May 4
  3 p.m.
  
  Join the RCB as it celebrates the music of John Williams. From soaring overtures that invite us to explore a galaxy far, far away to hauntingly beautiful hymns that explore the depths of loss, John Williams’ music has the incredible power to transport audiences through time and space, through heartache and exuberance. 
  
  
• Dance Recital Season Underway
  If you’re a “dance mom” or a dance parent or grandparent, you know that May-June usually marks the end-of-year for dance studio classes, and young dancers get to show off what they learned at a dance recital. The Eisemann Center has served as a location for many local dance recitals since it opened in 2002, and this year is no exception.
  
  Over the next six weeks, 24 different recitals will be held at the Eisemann Center, in both the Hill Performance Hall and Bank of America Theatre. In fact, serving the community as a performance venue for local arts groups is the Eisemann Center’s primary focus, with regional, national and global performers and events filling in the rest of the Center’s calendar.
  
  Complete schedule: www.eisemanncenter.com   

At UT Dallas:

• African Vibration Music Festival Tonight, Tomorrow
  ATC Lecture Hall and The Plinth, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Tickets: $40-$150 (Ticket link: Click here) 
  May 2-3
  9 a.m.-10 p.m. both days (mainstage acts begin at 5 p.m.) 
  
  Celebrate the vibrant sounds, stories, and spirit of Africa at this two-day festival that brings together over 22 artists, bands and thought leaders from across the African continent, the U.S. and the Caribbean for a dynamic mix of live music, panel discussions, cuisine and cultural experiences.
  
  Complete schedule/more information: Click here
  
  
• Bass Spring Arts Showcase Continues with Free Concerts, Improv, Drama 
  Various campus venues (see below), 800 W Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  May 4-8
  Various times (see below)
  • Sunday, May 4
    Piano Recitals, 2 p.m., Jonsson Performance Hall
    Wind Ensemble, 2:30 p.m., University Theatre
    University Orchestra, 4 p.m., University Theatre
    
    
  • Monday, May 5
    Brass Ensemble, 5:30 p.m., Jonsson Performance Hall
    Improv Theatre, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre
    
    
  • Tuesday, May 6
    Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., ATC Lecture Hall
    
    
  • Wednesday, May 7 
    Acting Showcase, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre
    
    
  • Thursday, May 8
    Guitar Night, 6 p.m., Jonsson Performance Hall
    Pep Band and Percussion Ensemble, 7 p.m., University Theatre 

www.utd.edu/ah/events

RCC in Concert Tonight 
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Cost: Free
Friday, May 2
7 p.m.  

The Richardson Community Chorale presents its 2025 Spring Concert, entitled, “In Her Own Voice,” a celebration of women composers. 

Zumba Dance Fitness Returns to Huffhines Starting Monday 
Huffhines Recreation Center
Cost: $40 resident, $42 nonresident 1 day/wk.; $50-$52 for 2 days/wk.; one class $10 (registration link: click here)
Classes offered every month; first session is May 5-28
6:15-7:15 p.m. 

It’s a fitness party with a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout. Perfect for anybody and everybody. This total workout combines all elements of fitness - cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.  

RCT Summer Camp Enrollment Still Open
Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit Rd. #2405

“Seussical Jr.” for ages 8-16 
Cost: $525 plus $35 annual membership fee per student
July 14-26
Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Shows Saturday, July 26) 

“Magical Day in the Emerald City” for ages 7-11 
Cost: $200 plus $35 annual membership fee per student
July 28-Aug. 1
Monday-Friday 1-3:30 p.m. (Showcase Saturday, Aug. 2)  

More information/online enrollment form: Click here 

“Lights Out” for Migrating Birds through June 15 
Audubon Texas, the state branch of the National Audubon Society, is inviting businesses, developers and homeowners to help protect billions of migratory birds traveling through Texas this month and next by closing blinds and turning off all outdoor, non-essential (non-security) lighting from 11 p.m.-6 a.m.    

The “Lights Out, Texas!” campaign aims to educate the public/build awareness about bird migration, including the fact that the majority of North American migrating birds travel at night, and that light emanating from our cities can disorient the birds, leaving them confused and vulnerable to urban threats like collisions with buildings (between 100 million and 1 billion birds die every year in collisions with manmade structures).  

Peak spring migration is in full swing right now, ending May 12; full spring migration wraps up June 15. Fall migration begins Aug. 15.   

Website: Click here  

Options Available for Year-Round Pharmaceutical Disposal 
If you missed the Richardson Police Department’s drug take back event last weekend (which coincided with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day), the DEA has a searchable online database of local sites (click here) that accept used pharmaceuticals at their pharmacies year-round for disposal. There is more than a dozen listed in Richardson (or within five miles of city limits), including CVS Pharmacy at 605 W. Campbell Rd., Albertsons pharmacy at 2165 E. Buckingham Rd. and several Tom Thumb pharmacies (listed as parent company Randalls in the database). 

If you choose to dispose at home, the Richardson Health Department has a web page with links to FDA and EPA guidelines with information on how to do it safely. (Health Department information: Click here ) 

911 Dispatcher ($54,223 - $75,309 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual 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.   

Construction Inspector II (57,881.98 – 81,032.12) 
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is currently looking for an individual who can inspect construction or reconstruction of public works, developer, and public utility projects, and manage and coordinate with contractors on methods, sequence, and public safety during construction.   

Lifeguard ($14.00/hr - $15.00/hr) 
This position is for summer 2025. Must be at least 15 years of age with current certification in Lifeguard Training (YMCA or American Red Cross, CPR and First Aid.) 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Jimmy Hendrix, a charming 6-month-old pup with a heart full of love. He's a young soul, brimming with playful energy that can brighten even the gloomiest days. Jimmy's sweetness is contagious; he'll greet you with a wagging tail and friendly eyes that speak volumes about his kind spirit. He's also quite sociable, getting along splendidly with other dogs. He's eager to learn and adapt, making him a delightful companion. He is ready to bring joy and companionship to a loving home. His youthful spirit, friendly demeanor and playful nature make him a perfect family addition. 

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

City Council Links