Aug. 15, 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

Proposed Budget Filed 
The City of Richardson has released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 following extensive City Council workshops and public input sessions. The combined budget totals $418,498,270, a 3.1% increase ($12,419,516) from FY 2024-2025 and maintains the current property tax rate of $0.54218 while strategically investing in critical services and capital improvements.  

The complete proposed budget will be formally presented to City Council on Aug. 18, followed by public hearings. Final budget adoption is expected Sept. 15, with implementation starting Oct. 1.   

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget, available on the city’s website, and participate in upcoming public hearings. 

Website: www.cor.net/Budget  

Charter Election Postponed 
At Monday’s meeting, the City Council chose not to call a Charter Election for this Nov. 4. Instead, the Council will consider calling the election for May 2026, when a new bond program could also be on the ballot. With no time-sensitive matters in the charter amendments, the Council felt it was more fiscally responsible to hold the two elections at the same time rather than having two separate elections.  

Richardson’s Charter requires that the City Council appoint a commission at least once every 10 years to review the Charter and recommend any changes it deems necessary. Proposed amendments to Richardson’s City Charter were originally presented by the Charter Review Commission (which began meeting in January) for Council consideration June 2, and the Council discussed the amendments at City Council meetings throughout the summer.   

Video: Link 

Miss Belle’s House Moves to Huffhines Park 
Miss Belle’s House was relocated to Huffhines Park, 200 N. Plano Rd. on Sunday, Aug. 10. Built between 1886 and 1889, the two-story Victorian home is one of Richardson’s oldest structures and is designated as a Texas Historic Landmark.   

Originally located in downtown Richardson and later at Owens Spring Creek Farm, the house had been temporarily residing at the City’s Fire Training and Emergency Operations Center, 1621 E. Lookout Dr.  

Now that it is at Huffhines Park, crews will begin work on a new foundation, with potential future plans for exterior and interior restoration.   

Website: www.cor.net/MissBellesHouse  
Video: Miss Belle's House History 

Richardson’s International Business Program Reviews Past Year, Looks Ahead 
The City Council received an overview of Richardson’s International Business Program at its Monday meeting. The City’s Economic Development Department offers a number of services with a focus on domestic and international business attraction, retention and expansion.    

The Council received an update on the City’s partnership with Startup Runway, which has office space in the IQHQ and supports international companies entering the United States market. In a February 2025 trip to India with representatives of Startup Runway, city staff had interactions with hundreds of companies, government officials, universities and industry leaders.    

An update was also provided on nine recent international delegations that have visited Richardson, as well as the Taiwan Expo 2025, which began Thursday in Dallas and runs through tomorrow. 

Richardson is also in the process of creating Friendship City relationships with two cities in Taiwan: New Taipei City and Keelung City. Mayor Amir Omar is scheduled to travel to Taiwan next month for the formal signing ceremonies with both cities.    

Video: Link

Richardson Welcomes Taiwan Visitors to IQHQ
This afternoon, several dozen business leaders from Taiwan, in North Texas for the Taiwan Expo USA 2025, visited the Richardson Innovation Quarter Headquarters (IQHQ). The visit highlighted Richardson’s strong business climate and its economic development partnership with The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas).

The IQHQ is a 27,500-square-foot, City-owned facility that hosts UT Dallas’s Catalyst program, which fosters collaboration between corporate innovators and the university. Developed to support Richardson’s and the region’s startup and entrepreneurial community, the IQHQ advances UT Dallas research while serving as a central hub for innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship within the city’s 1,200-acre innovation district. It is also home to Startup Runway, a joint partnership with the City that hosts international startups to attract foreign operations.

During their visit, the delegation met with members of the Richardson City Council, attended presentations from the City and UT Dallas, and toured the facility.

RISD, PISD Fall Semesters Begin; UT Dallas Starts Aug. 25  
It’s back-to-school time in Richardson, as Plano ISD and Richardson ISD began classes Tuesday, Aug. 12. Drivers are reminded that school zone speed limits and flashers are now activated and to use caution when driving near schools.  

In addition, drivers near the UT Dallas campus may notice an increase in traffic as residence halls are opening on a staggered schedule beginning Monday, Aug. 18 in advance of the fall semester beginning Monday, Aug. 25. 

Lane Closure on Northbound Custer Parkway North of Pleasant Valley Lane 
The left lane of northbound Custer Parkway between Pleasant Valley Lane and Renner Road may be closed to traffic at all times for street and utility improvements through late September. Currently, southbound Custer is fully open between Renner & Pleasant Valley.  

Downtown Road Construction Moves to Next Phase 
Eastbound Main Steet between Greenville Avenue and Abrams Road may be closed to traffic and shifted to the westbound lanes as part of the ongoing Main Street Reconstruction Project. The pavement reconstruction work should be complete in early September. 

Work Complete on Canyon Brook, Canyon Valley and Forest Grove Project 
Work is complete on the Canyon Brook, Canyon Valley and Forest Grove Project, which was funded through the 2021 Bond Program. The project included pavement, utility and drainage improvements along each of the three roads.  

www.cor.net/Projects

Dive-In Movie Tonight for 18+ 
Heights Family Aquatic Center, 709 W. Arapaho Rd.
Cost: $10 at the gate, must be 18 years or older to attend
Friday, Aug. 15
Movie will start at sunset shortly after 8:30 p.m.  

Splash into the lap pool or float through the lazy river during this Dive-In Movies event at Heights Family Aquatics Center. Those 18 and older can watch “Mean Girls.” Lifeguards will be on duty. All rules of the pool must be followed. Concessions will be for sale; no coolers or outside food or drink will be allowed.   

Additional Details: Summer Movie Series 

Dog Splash Day is Tomorrow 
Terrace Pool, 300 N. Lois Ln.
Cost: $5 (dog), $2 (person)
Saturday, Aug. 16
11 a.m.-4 p.m.  

Join Furry Friends of Richardson and the Animal Shelter for a fun day at the pool with your pup.   

Additional Details: Dog Splash Day  

Registration Open for Children’s Entrepreneur Market  
At Huffhines Harvest Fest, Huffhines Park 
Cost to participate: $25  
Sunday, Oct. 19 
noon-4 p.m.   

In partnership with Huffhines Harvest Fest, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market is coming to the second day of Huffhines Harvest Fest this fall, featuring all-youth vendors (ages 5-17) selling artistic creations, food items and more as they learn about entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.  

Sign-up link: Markets – Children's Entrepreneur Market  
E-mail elizabeth.wood@cor.gov for more information  

Learn 3D Printing Tomorrow Morning 
Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free, registration and a valid RPL card required. Call 972-744-4355 to register
Saturday, Aug. 16
10:30 a.m.-noon  

This is an introduction to Tinkercad. In the hands-on class, participants will navigate through Tinkercad’s main 3D design resources, manipulate Tinkercad’s basic geometric shapes, export a 3D model for printing and print on the Library’s 3D printer. This Richardson Public Library-sponsored program is for adults with a valid RPL card.    

Additional Details: 3D Printing Beginner 

“Smart Art” for Kids Next Tuesday Evening 
YS Storytime Room
Cost: Free, registration required. Call 972-744-4358 or visit the Youth Services Help Desk to register
Tuesday, Aug. 19
7-7:45 p.m.  

Kids ages 9-12 can get creative and learn something new as the Richardson Public Library explores different art tips, tricks and techniques from around the world and throughout art history using a variety of artistic mediums.    

Additional Details: Smart Art! 

At the Eisemann Center: 

• “Benise: 25 Years of Passion” Tomorrow 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Admission: $40-$69 (tickets)
  Saturday, Aug. 16
  7:30 p.m. 
   

  It’s one hot night as Benise, “The Prince of Spanish Guitar,” and his Emmy Award-winning production come to town as part of his global tour. Armed with his Spanish guitar, Benise will take the audience on an unprecedented and epic adventure through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Parisian Waltz, exotic drumming and more! Presented by Spanish Guitar Entertainment.

• “Piano Men: Generations” Tomorrow
  Bank of America Theatre
  Admission: $47-$67 (tickets)
  Saturday, Aug. 16
  8 p.m.
  
  Piano Men: Generations isn’t just a concert—it’s a high-octane, emotionally charged musical journey led by a dynamic father-son duo and their world-class band, celebrating the iconic hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. With genuine chemistry, powerhouse vocals and electrifying showmanship, this multigenerational act delivers a rollercoaster of music and emotion. Backed by a stellar live band, every performance pulses with energy—from soaring solos to thunderous rhythms—all driven by a shared love for timeless rock and roll. Presented by T2 Presents.

“Weiner World” Sketch Comedy This Weekend at The Core Theatre 
518 W. Arapaho Rd. Ste. 115
Tickets: $20 (tickets) 
Aug. 15-17
Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.   

Well, it’s certainly been a year! Wait. Just seven months?! Noooo! Anyway, if you’re feeling the heat of waking nightmare on your heels like we are, come out and laugh with us at this Weinerful World we inhabit! You will laugh and cry... with laughter... at Hot Dogs, among other things. You might ask “Who cries at hotdogs?” Come see our show and find out! Rated R - This event contains mature content.  

Town North Concert Band Tomorrow 
Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Cost: Free
Saturday, Aug. 16
1-2 p.m.  

The Town North Concert Band will perform a variety of entertaining concert band music including Broadway and movie themes, marches, popular music and classical transcriptions that is sure to please all. This Richardson Public Library-sponsored program is for all ages.    

Additional details: Town North Concert Band 

“Cook & Sizzle” with RCB Outdoor Jazz Sunday Night 
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expy.
Cost: Free
Sunday, Aug. 17
7 p.m.  

Jazz is the true American art form, so join the Richardson Community Band and revel in the great variety the RCBeboppers bring to its August jazz month.    

Additional details: Richardson Community Band 

Pruning, Inspecting and other August Gardening Tasks 
It’s never too hot to garden, even if you have to do it in the evening! The Dallas County Master Gardener Association (DCMGA), sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, recommends several August Garden Tasks to do this month in order to keep your landscape healthy. Some of the tasks listed for August include:     

Find the complete task list at the DCMGA website: www.dallascountymastergardeners.org    

DCMGA help desk/free gardening advice: Send questions to dallasmg@ag.tamu.edu   

Plan Back-to-School Drop-offs, Pickups Wisely for Cleaner Air 
The North Central Texas Council of Government’s (NCTCOG) Air North Texas division is reminding parents and caregivers to think about the poor air quality that can come with high heat, especially ozone pollution, and to plan ahead when thinking about school pick-ups and drop-offs. School traffic can cause a big spike in emissions during morning and afternoon hours, so if possible, their air experts recommend carpooling, using the school bus, or walking/biking when safe. If you’re waiting in the car, turn off your engine instead of idling, if possible, unless the weather is extremely hot and you need air conditioning for your health.  

Did you know that idling uses more fuel (costing you more money) and produces more emissions that contribute to smog and climate change than stopping and restarting your engine does? With today’s vehicles, actually driving the car helps the engine reach its ideal operating temperature faster than idling it so the notion that “idling is best” is outdated. In addition, today’s gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles don’t suffer “damage” by being turned on and off, as starters and batteries are much more durable now than they were in the past.  

Learn more: Air North Texas - Smart Tips for Students 

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 six months.   

Planner II ($71,836 to $109,176 Salary) 
The Development Services Department is looking for an individual who can perform research, analysis, technical services and production of professional reports, while also being able to do presentations to the City Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Council and the general public.   

Custodian – Part Time ($20.00/hr to $22.37/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
Meet Luna, a 10-year-old mixed breed who embodies sweetness and friendliness. Despite her senior status, Luna's gentle demeanor makes her the perfect companion for quiet evenings and leisurely walks. Her experience over the years has taught her the fine art of companionship, making her a wise and understanding friend. Luna's mature perspective brings a calming presence to any home. She's ready to share her golden years with a loving family who appreciates the value of serene companionship. 

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

City Council Links