July 11, 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

RFD, OEM Staff Assist with Flood Recovery Efforts in Central Texas 
In response to the devastating flooding in Central Texas, four Richardson Fire Department members have been deployed to Williamson County as part of Texas Task Force 2. Texas Task Force 2 is one of the state’s two urban search and rescue teams specially trained to locate, extricate, and provide medical care to victims of natural or man-made disasters. Additionally, a staff member from the City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been deployed to Austin to support the flood response as part of the Incident Support Task Force. Since the event, first responders from across the state have been working around the clock to assist with recovery efforts. More RFD and OEM staff are prepared to be deployed if needed.  

More information: texastaskforce2.org 

Richardson Offers Sign-Up for Emergency Texts/Alerts 
The City of Richardson offers an Emergency Notification System that delivers alerts via phone calls, text messages and e-mails to keep residents informed of critical situations in a timely manner.  

This system provides alerts for emergencies such as:  

Because emergencies can occur at any time and may impact communication systems, the Office of Emergency Management recommends using multiple methods to receive alerts. These include weather apps and a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, which can provide reliable indoor warnings even when other systems are unavailable.  

Richardson also uses outdoor warning sirens designed to alert individuals who are outside. However, these sirens may not be heard indoors. That’s why it’s important to use indoor notification tools, such as weather radios or mobile apps with alert functions, which can override other household sounds and ensure critical messages are received.  

More Information: www.cor.net/OEM or call 972-744-0900  

“Disaster Preparedness Passports” Available for Children at RPL 
If you have children anxious about flooding or asking questions lately about disasters in light of news about the recent Central Texas flooding, Richardson’s “Disaster Preparedness Passport” program can help them feel prepared.   

The program, launched by the City’s Office of Emergency Management last fall in partnership with State Farm, uses a free, paper “passport” (available at the Richardson Public Library) to teach about preparedness through activities, puzzles, games and challenges. Once all the tasks are completed, children return the passport to the City’s Emergency Operation Center to receive a special “challenge coin.” Challenges include deciding on an emergency meeting place for family members and building an emergency kit.  

Disaster Preparedness Passports are available at the Library’s front desk during regular hours, while supplies last.  

More information: Click here 

Community Revitalization Award Nominations Now Open 
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Community Revitalization Awards recognizing residential and commercial property owners who have enhanced the community by making significant improvements to their properties.  

Revitalization projects eligible for nomination include:  

Nominations may be submitted by anyone, including the property owner, and are due by Sept. 30.  

The Richardson City Council created the awards in 1994, with nearly 350 properties recognized since the program’s inception.  

Website/Nomination form: Community Revitalization Awards | Richardson, TX 

CARES Applications Open Monday 
The application period for the 2025 Citizens Academy and Resource Education Series (Richardson CARES) opens Monday, July 14 and runs through Friday, Aug. 1. The free, eight-week series is offered to adults ages 18 and up and provides participants the opportunity to meet City staff, learn about the day-to-day operations of Richardson’s municipal government.   

Classes will meet Sept. 4-Oct. 23, every Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m., with a reception and graduation ceremony Oct. 27.   

Website/Application: www.cor.net/RichardsonCARES 

Video: click here 

City Hosts Annual Family 4th Celebration at Breckinridge Park 
Despite some minor weather impacts, the City of Richardson’s Parks and Recreation Department successfully held its annual Family 4th Celebration at Breckinridge Park.  

Due to the potential for inclement weather, the Richardson Community Band made the difficult decision to cancel its performance to protect instruments. In addition, fireworks were launched 15 minutes earlier than scheduled to ensure the show could be safely completed due to the possibility of approaching inclement weather. 

The City thanks everyone who attended and helped make the celebration a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Parks Department Celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month 
Richardson’s Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month in July by offering several events for the community, including an Italian Soda Bar next Wednesday and a Drink Giveaway next Friday.   

Details:  
Italian Soda Bar
Wednesday, July 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Richardson Senior Center  

Drink Giveaway (sports drinks, coffee, electrolyte mixes)
Friday, July 18, 1-4 p.m. (while supplies last) 
Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers 

The department has accomplished much over the past year, including the installation of a new gymnasium floor at Heights Recreation Center, new playground equipment at Woods Park and Woodland Park, and a new addition to their Adaptive Recreation Program called “Adaptive Adventure Days.”   

Read more about the Parks and Recreation Department in this month’s Richardson Today (click here to access the online version.) 

DART to Host Silver Line Update Meeting in Richardson July 15 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is continuing its series of summer biannual community meetings to update residents on the progress of the DART Silver Line Regional Rail project.    

An upcoming meeting is scheduled to take place for anyone to attend that wishes to learn about the project and hear updates specific to the Richardson area and ask questions directly to project staff.  

Silver Line Open House Meeting
Tuesday, July 15
Richardson IQ^®HQ
1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Meeting presentations begins at 6:30 p.m.  

Website: www.dart.org/silverline. 

Lane Closures Expected Near Buckingham/Audelia Intersection 
In two phases, first the right lane of westbound Buckingham Road and then the left lanes of eastbound and westbound Buckingham Road, extended 400 feet west of Audelia Road, may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as water utility work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by late July. 

Gas Utility Work to Close Lanes Near Spring Valley/Abrams Intersection 
The left lanes of eastbound and westbound Spring Valley Road, extended 400 feet east and west of Abrams Road, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as a gas main is relocated at the intersection. The work is expected to be complete by late August. 

www.cor.net/Projects

CityLine Night Market Tonight 
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St. 
Admission: Free, including free parking 
Friday, July 11 
6-10 p.m.  

Enjoy more than 40 booths at this outdoor “Boho Market,” featuring handmade and vintage goods from local makers and vendors, plus live music.  

Pet-friendly.  

Website: www.citylinedfw.com

Annual Nonprofit Fair Next Friday 
West Coast University, 2323 N. Central Expwy.
Admission: Free
Friday, July 18
10 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Learn about the various organizations making a difference in our area. Discover where you can donate, volunteer and support causes that resonate with you. Sponsored by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. 

Murder Mystery Fun Tomorrow 
City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4355 to register during regular library hours or stop by the Library’s reference desk)
Saturday, July 12
2-3 p.m.  

Look out for mayhem in “The Deadly Derby Murder Mystery!” At this library-sponsored event, you’ll hit the Louisville track, where many of the thoroughbred owners have jaded histories together, with foes waiting around every turn! For adults ages 18+.  

Make Keychains/Bag Charms at Creative Community Circle Tomorrow 
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4355 to register during regular library hours or stop by the Library’s reference desk)
Saturday, July 12
2-3:30 p.m.  

Come gather around a big table and craft alongside other artists/creatives/crafters! Bring your latest art, craft, sewing or other creative project to work on and/or learn how to make an easy, upcycled craft-of-the-month using repurposed materials (July’s craft is a keychain/bag charm made of yarn, ribbons and beads). 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Sumi Jo Concert Tonight
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $60-$130 (tickets)
  Friday, July 11
  7:30 p.m.  

  South Korean lyric coloratura soprano Sumi Jo brings her Grammy award-winning voice to the Eisemann Center in a concert entitled, “Mad for Love.” Presented by Walking Slow Productions. 

“Cool Off with Shade Gardening” Free Seminar Tomorrow 
Online (click here to join)
Cost: Free
Saturday, July 12
9-10:30 a.m.  

In this virtual “Texas Smartscape^®” event sponsored by Dallas Water Utilities, learn about the many native and adapted plants that not only survive, but thrive, in shadier spots. Also includes tips and tricks to create beautiful shade gardens that beat the Texas heat; how to garden under mature trees; and turf alternatives and hardscape options for low-light areas.  

Texas SmartScape^® was created by the North Central Texas Council of Governments to teach residents in North Central and West Texas how to create landscapes that will survive spring rains, summer drought and winter cold snaps, while also protecting our water resources.  

July Gardening To-Do List
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc. (DCMGA), a division of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, has released its Garden Task List for July. In addition to watering advice (pay attention to the water needs of lawns, ornamental plants and vegetables, being attentive particularly to new plants with undeveloped root systems and to outdoor potted plants, which can dry out quickly) the DCMGA’s list of tasks includes:  

More July Garden Tasks: www.dallascountymastergardeners.org

Traffic Engineering & Operations Manager (DOQ Salary) 
The Transportation & Mobility Department is looking for an individual to function as the manager of the Service Center Field Operations Section of Transportation & Mobility Department. Bachelor of Science in Engineering required from a university with an accredited engineering program by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology.   

Heavy Equipment Operator ($48,661 – $66,830 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 6 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
Meet Spanky, a 6-year-old Staffordshire dog with a heart full of love and energy. Spanky is friendly, playful and has a knack for bringing joy wherever he goes. Spanky loves playing fetch, going on walks and spending quality time with his human friends. He gets along well with other dogs, making him a perfect addition to a home that already has furry friends. Spanky is waiting for a family that can match his energy and give him the love he desires.  

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

City Council Links