June 6, 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

Charter Review Commission Presents Recommendations 
The Charter Review Commission presented final recommendations for City Charter changes at its joint work session with the City Council on Monday. Among the proposed recommendations affecting 14 of the 19 Articles of the City Charter are minor updates to language, grammar, and order as well as more substantive updates, including:   

The current 11-member Charter Review Commission, appointed in December 2024, held a public hearing in January and met publicly twice per month (January-May 2025) to develop the recommendations, with a public comment section at the beginning of each meeting. In addition, public comment was also submitted though the Charter Review Commission web page.   

The City Council will hold further discussion on the recommendations at its June 9 and July 21 meetings, conduct a public hearing on the recommendations June 23, and possibly call an election Aug. 11 for public vote on any Charter amendments chosen.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

Commission website: Charter Review Commission | Richardson, TX 

Charter website: Charter / Code of Ordinances | Richardson, TX 

Traffic Box Art Contest Winners Announced 
The five winners of the City’s fourth annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest were recognized at Monday’s City Council work session. Each received $200 and a certificate, and their artwork will be turned into vinyl wraps that will be installed on traffic signal boxes at key Richardson intersections. The art can also be viewed online and in the June issue of Richardson Today. The theme for this year’s contest was “Butterflies.”   

Winning artists are as follows:  

Traffic signal boxes receiving the new wraps are at the following intersections:  

Winners were chosen by a selection committee comprised of members of the Cultural Arts Commission and Richardson Rotary Club. The contest has been a unique way to further the City’s commitment to public art and beautify city streetscapes while reaching a broad range of local talent. Submissions for the 2026 contest will open next spring.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here  

Contest website/images of winning artwork: www.cor.net/boxartcontest  

Outgoing UT Dallas President Honored by City Council 
Dr. Richard Benson, outgoing president of UT Dallas, was honored at Monday’s City Council work session with a proclamation from Mayor Amir Omar that recognized Benson’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence in education, research and community engagement.” The proclamation noted that Benson championed the elevation of the arts at UT Dallas, helping to establish the Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology; collaborated with UT Southwestern Medical Center in the creation of the TI Biomedical Engineering and Sciences building; and helped forge a key partnership with the City that led to the establishment of the Richardson Innovation Quarter headquarters. UT Dallas enrollment increased by 60 percent during Benson’s tenure, making it the fifth fastest growing doctoral degree granting public university in the U.S.  

Benson has been president of UT Dallas since July 2016 and is retiring after a 45-year career in academia. UT System regents recently named Rutgers University’s chief academic officer Prabhas Moghe as Benson’s successor.  

Monday’s presentation: Click here 

“Home Sweet Home” Holds First Workshop 
Richardson’s new Home Sweet Home program kicked off last Saturday with a free “Curb Appeal” workshop held in the City Council Chamber. The workshop was led by certified arborist Dr. Kevin Dilliard and provided information on how trees, shrubs, seasonal color, lighting and more can enhance a home’s look and increase its value.    

This is a program created by the City Council to help make Richardson a city of pride, belonging and community by inspiring homeowners to keep their homes and neighborhoods beautiful and safe through landscaping and basic maintenance. 

Oak Highlands Brewery Opens in The CORE District 
Oak Highlands Brewery officially opened its doors in Richardson at 500 Lockwood Dr. last Saturday with a grand opening celebration. The brewery, which is relocating its taproom and production facility to the Lockwood Neighborhood from a Lake Highlands industrial park, plans to expand its event offerings and has paired with Fort Worth-based Brix BBQ food truck.  

The Lockwood Neighborhood within Richardson’s CORE District has undergone significant revitalization, transforming a once overlooked retail center into a vibrant social hotspot. In addition to Oak Highlands Brewery, the area includes Communion Coffee, Lockwood Distilling Co., The Dream Café, Lizzie Bee’s Flowers, Saint Anita Barber & Studio and (coming soon) Las Lomas Mexican Cuisine.   

Website: www.richardsoncoredistrict.com  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/richardsoncoredistrict  
Website: www.oakhighlandsbrewery.com 

Lake Levels Good as North Texas Heads into Dry Season 
As the calendar turns to June, the six lakes in the North Texas Municipal Water District’s (NTMWD) service area are each currently 100 percent full due to consistent rain in April and May. Even with lakes at these levels, residents are still urged to water only when needed, as hot and dry summer months are ahead.  

Currently, Richardson is in its summer water conservation plan, which allows watering at even-numbered addresses on Tuesdays and Saturdays and at odd-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Sundays. Watering is not permitted from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hand watering is allowed anytime when using a hose with a shut-off spray nozzle. For free, customized weekly watering recommendations based on your ZIP code and sprinkler system, visit www.watermyyard.org.  

Website: www.cor.net/waterconservation 

Website: https://www.ntmwd.com/258/Lake-Levels  

DART Plans Community Meetings Re: Proposed Fare and Service Changes 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will host a series of community meetings across its service area this month, including in Richardson, to gather community input on potential service and fare changes that could significantly impact riders across all 13 member cities. The potential changes are largely driven by the implementation of DART’s newly approved General Mobility Program (GMP), which reallocates 5 percent of DART’s annual sales tax collections, equivalent to approximately $42.59 million, to seven cities including Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Highland Park, Richardson, Plano and University Park. DART's Board adopted this program in response to concerns raised by some member cities regarding sales tax equity.   

DART Community Meeting in Richardson: 
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Phase 2 of DART’s fare restructure reform, separate from the GMP, will also be discussed. Note that a telephone town hall will be available Friday, June 27 and a virtual town hall will take place Tuesday, July 1, with a public hearing scheduled for July 8 at DART Headquarters in Dallas. 

More information/proposed changes: Click here 

Trail Enhancement Work Along Renner to Temporarily Close One Lane 
The right lane of eastbound Renner Road starting 800 feet east of Custer Parkway and extending all the way to Renner Parkway may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily as the adjacent trail is repaired/replaced, river rock and grass are installed, retaining walls are extended and the existing wall is cleaned and stained. In addition, the right lane of eastbound Renner Road between Greenside Drive and Custer Parkway may experience rolling closures (in 15-minute intervals) as materials for the project are unloaded by the contractor. The project is expected to be complete by late July. 

Median Work on Spring Valley to Close One Lane in Each Direction 
In two phases, the left lanes of westbound and eastbound Spring Valley Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as median improvement work takes place. Phase 1 lane closures will occur between Plano Road and Glenville Drive; Phase 2 will take place between Briarcrest Drive and Spring Valley Court. The work is expected to be finished by late July. 

“Lemonade with a Cop” Next Tuesday 
Target, 601 S. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free 
Tuesday, June 10
1-2 p.m.  

Join the Richardson Police Department for some good old-fashioned community connection as you chat with officers and enjoy free lemonade and popcorn. Sponsored by Target. 

The IQ^® Brew Next Thursday 
Richardson IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (registration link)
Thursday, June 12
8:30-10 a.m. (coffee and networking 8:30-9 a.m.)  

Come learn from Natalie Draeger, Senior Director of 101Media, as she talks about how platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and influencer marketing can elevate your brand, increase engagement and drive real sales.  Draeger brings a powerful mix of strategy and creativity to digital marketing and will share the latest tools, trends and best practices.  

The IQ^® Brew is an ongoing networking and educational series hosted by the City’s Economic Development Department that features short presentations from entrepreneurs, small businesses, innovation ecosystem builders and subject-matter experts followed by a Q&A.   

Website: www.richardsoniq.com  

“All About Animals: Colors of Nature” Tomorrow 
Richardson City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, June 7
2-3 p.m.  

Meet Piper the parrot and a host of other amazing colorful critters when zoo culturist Ms. Cindi shares all about animals. Fun for all ages. 

“Messy Baby Mondays” Begins Next Week 
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free; no registration required
Monday, June 9
3-3:45 p.m.  

Have messy fun with your baby as you explore different colors, textures and activities each month. Be sure to dress for the mess—backup clothing and/or towels recommended! For ages six weeks to 18 months; babies must be accompanied by at least one adult. 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Free First Friday Reception Tonight
  Forrest & Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Friday, June 6
  6-8 p.m.   

  Enjoy light refreshments and celebrate the newest exhibit in the Gallery, “A Voice Expressed: In Black and White,” which showcases black and white works by local fine art photographer David Downs. The exhibit will be on display through June 30; regular hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public performances.

• “Satisfaction” The International Rolling Stones Tribute Tomorrow Night 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $55-$90 (Ticket link: click here)
  Saturday, June 7
  7:30 p.m. 

   Having been featured in “Rolling Stone” magazine, “Showbiz” magazine, “CBS Sunday Morning,” and various other national media outlets, Satisfaction continues to set the standard for Rolling Stones tribute performances. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to their music, prepare for a high-energy, hit-filled show that pays tribute to rock 'n' roll’s most legendary band. This 25th Anniversary Tour commemorates 25 years of touring and over 4,000 performances worldwide. Presented by AVA Productions. 

Drain Swimming Pools Legally 
With swimming season upon us, many pool owners have been conducting maintenance to get their pool ready for the summer, and the Health Department reminds homeowners to keep chlorinated pool water and discharge of filter backwash out of streets and storm drains—City ordinances prohibit this, as chemically treated pool water kills aquatic life in our streams and pollutes our water supply.  

Many pools are plumbed, by ordinance, to properly drain to the sanitary sewer. If yours is not, use your home’s sewer clean-out riser connected to a properly flowing sewer line. Or, dechlorinate the water before discharge into a street or alley. 

More information on how to drain pools legally: click here 

June Garden Tasks 
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc., a division of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, has posted its June Gardening Task List, featuring several to-dos that gardeners should be taking note of this month. Among the group’s recommendations:  

Website: www.dallascountymastergardeners.org  

Fleet Technician II ($47,041.80 – $66,038.96 Salary) 
Fleet Services is looking for individuals who can perform light mechanical repairs and welding on city vehicles/equipment. Texas Class A Commercial operator’s license (CDL) required. Texas Class C Driver’s license acceptable if applicant has also passed written portion of test.   

Maintenance Helper II ($41,600 - $51,660 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.   

Day Camp Director ($15.00/hr - $17.50/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. CPR and First-Aid Certification required or must obtain during job orientation. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Dolly, a vibrant 3-year-old Plott Hound with a heart full of love. Her sweetness is unparalleled, and her friendly nature makes her a joy to be around. She loves to chase her tail, play fetch and give the best doggy cuddles. Dolly's love knows no bounds, and she's ready to share it with a forever family. Adopt Dolly and you won't just gain a pet, you'll gain a loyal friend, a source of endless joy, and a companion who will stick by your side through thick and thin. 

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

City Council Links