Aug. 22, 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

 

2025-26 Budget Presented to City Council

At this week’s City Council meeting, City Manager Don Magner presented the proposed budget filed last Friday for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The proposed 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. 

Two public hearings will be available for community input prior to adoption, with hearings set in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525, beginning at 6 p.m. on the following dates:   

The Council will vote on the budget Sept. 15. If adopted, it would take effect Oct. 1, 2025.   

More information: www.cor.net/Budget

 

Richardson Ranked Nation’s Best Housing Market for Small Cities
Personal finance website WalletHub has ranked Richardson #1 in the nation among small city real estate markets and #5 overall nationwide in its latest study of the best housing markets in the U.S. 

The study evaluated cities across 17 key indicators of housing-market attractiveness and economic strength, combining those with market trends and overall economic health. 

Website: www.wallethub.com/edu/best-real-estate-markets/14889 

 

Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ®) Recognized for Excellence in Economic Development
The City of Richardson’s Economic Development Department has received a Bronze Award in the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards for its work in creating the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ®). 

The development of the Richardson Innovation Quarter was the result of a collaborative effort between City officials, staff and business stakeholders which led to the rezoning of a 1,200-acre area as a Planned Development (PD) district and the formal branding of the district as the Richardson Innovation Quarter, or The IQ®. Since 2021, the City has invested more than $14 million in public infrastructure and placemaking initiatives within The IQ®, contributing to approximately $60 million in private capital investment and the creation or retention of more than 1,100 jobs. 

The International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Awards are among the most respected honors in the profession, celebrating programs and projects that exemplify best practices in driving economic growth. Richardson earned recognition in the Innovative Economic Development category, with an independent panel of judges highlighting the City’s approach as a national model for advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and community development. 

 

Public Comment Period Open for Amazon Drone Center’s Environmental Assessment

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Amazon Prime Air Package Delivery Operations proposed to be located at Amazon’s STX8 facility in Richardson at 3051 Research Dr. 

The public comment period is now open. All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Comments can be submitted electronically to 9-faa-drone-environmental@faa.gov or by mail to: 

Federal Aviation Administration
Suite 802W C/O AVS Environmental
800 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20591  

All substantive comments will be addressed in the Final Environmental Assessment. 

Draft EA: www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/nepa_and_drones. 

 

Registration Open for 2025 Gobble Hobble

Registration is open for the annual Gobble Hobble, which is celebrating its 20th year in 2025. The race supports the Richardson Boys & Girls Club and will be held the morning of Saturday, Nov. 22 at Galatyn Park Urban Center, 2351 Performance Dr. 

Website: www.gobblehobble.com  
Registration link: Click here 

 

City Champion Crowned at Sherrill Park

The annual City Championship Golf Tournament was held at Sherrill Park Golf Course Aug. 16-17. John Schaeffer won the City Championship, shooting a 137 over two rounds. It was Schaeffer’s third time taking home the City Championship. More than 100 players were divided into six flights. The Fourth Flight was handicap; all other flights were gross winners. 

Flight Winners 

 

Corporate Challenge Lane Closures

Lane closures will be in place near the UT Dallas campus the morning of Sunday, Aug. 24, as part of the Richardson Corporate Challenge 5K. The race will take place from 7:30-11 a.m.  

The following lanes will be closed: 

 

Alma Road Lane Closures at Bush Turnpike
The left lanes of northbound and southbound Alma Road extended about 600 feet south and north of the President George Bush Turnpike may be closed to traffic at all times as median work related to the DART Silver Line project takes place. The work is expected to wrap up in early September. 

 

Abrams Road Temporary Closures Starting Aug. 26
To complete required concrete pours near Belt Line Road/Main Street, crews will stage two short, back-to-back closures on Abrams Road starting Tuesday, Aug. 26.  

Richardson Reads One Book Lecture Tickets Available Beginning Aug. 26

First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expy.  
Cost: Free, ticket required 
Tuesday, Sept. 16 
7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.) 

Richardson Reads One Book (RROB) will welcome Rowan Jacobsen, author of “Wild Chocolate,” to Richardson next month to discuss his book. Free tickets will be available online beginning Aug. 26 on a first-come, first-served basis, until they are gone. Tickets are limited to two per order and per e-mail address.  
 
Website: www.cor.net/OneBook 

 

Public Meeting Tuesday Re: ADA Transition Plan, Safety Action Plan

City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Tuesday, Aug. 26
6-8 p.m. (Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.) 

At this community meeting, residents are invited to share their experiences and provide feedback on two plans the City is currently developing: an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan and a citywide Safety Action Plan. The ADA Transition Plan will identify and address barriers that limit access to public facilities, programs and transportation infrastructure, and the Safety Action Plan is aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on local roadways, addressing safety for all road users. 

If you can’t attend in person, surveys are available for online feedback; click here to access. 

 

“PM Pints” Thursday
The IQ®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd. 
Admission: Free 
Thursday, Aug. 28 
5-7 p.m.   

This free, quarterly, evening event series is designed to foster networking while providing insights and advice from local small business owners and subject matter experts. City of Richardson Economic Development Director, Chris Shacklett, and Startup Runway CEO, Mahesh Nandyala, will discuss how their collaboration supports Richardson's continued growth as a global business hub. Topics will include new resources for entrepreneurs, the impact on local and international economic development, and how Richardson is positioning itself as a gateway for global companies entering the U.S. market. 

Website/registration: Click here

Microsoft Word Beginner
Library Millwood Creek Room
Cost: Free, registration and a valid RPL card required, call 972-744-4355 to register
Saturday, Aug. 23
10:30 a.m.-noon 

Learn how to use Microsoft’s celebrated word processing program. Learn how to navigate Word’s resources and tools, how to create and format text, how to edit margins, headers and footers, and how to add and adjust pictures. This Richardson Public Library-sponsored program is for adults.   

Additional details: Microsoft Word Beginner 

 

Equally Strong: Comanche Women and the Power of Tradition 
Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Cost: Free
Saturday, Aug. 23
1-2 p.m. 

Hawana Townsley, great-granddaughter of Quanah Parker and Weckeah, will talk about her family history, the role of women in Comanche traditions and the way she was taught by her grandmother and mother. This Richardson Public Library-sponsored program is for adults and teens.   

Additional details: Equally Strong: Comanche Women and the Power of Tradition 

At the Eisemann Center: 

• The Collingsworth Family Tomorrow
  Hill Performance Hall 
  Admission: $20-$42.75 (tickets) 
  Saturday, Aug. 23 
  3 p.m. 
   

  The Collingsworth Family's “Classics & Hymns” tour, presented by IMC Concerts, is a musical journey that celebrates timeless songs and hymns, reimagined with fresh arrangements. This tour features selections from their album “Classics & Hymns,” which pays tribute to classic songs and hymns released over the past 50+ years, presented in contemporary arrangements.

• Richardson Real Heroes “Annie Awards” Ceremony Thursday
  Bank of America Theatre 
  Admission: Free, but must reserve complimentary ticket online (tickets) 
  Thursday, Aug. 28 
  7 p.m.
  
  The 15th annual Richardson Real Heroes Awards Celebration will be an inspiring and entertaining night as the 2025 recipients, Dr. Mona Alnaeemi, Ph.D. and Neil Stampe, are honored for their outstanding volunteer service to the Richardson community, along with the 2025 nominees. Each recipient’s powerful volunteer story will be told in engaging videos. Special guest is singer/songwriter/speaker Sara Hickman, Official Texas State Musician 2010, who will weave song into her talk about the power of giving back. A dessert reception with live music will follow.

 

“Be My Baby” Continues at RTC
Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Ste. 113 
Tickets: $22-$24 (tickets) 
Through Aug. 31 
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m.   

In this 2005 romantic comedy by Ken Ludwig, we meet John, an irascible Scotsman, and Maude, an uptight English woman, both in their late 50s and who despise each other but come together when his ward marries her niece. When the young couple decides to adopt a newborn baby, the older couple has to travel 6,000 miles to California to pick up the child and bring her safely home to Scotland—the journey of a lifetime.    

www.richardsontheatrecentre.net   

Free Sprinkler Check-ups Available to Richardson Residents
The City of Richardson and the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) are offering a pilot program that provides 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).   

Utility account holders are eligible 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.   

Richardson residents submit requests for an evaluation at https://mysprinklereval.com/cor beginning on the 20th of the previous month. Residents will be 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 

Animal Services Officer ($43,764 - $62,088 Salary)
The Animal Services department is looking for an individual who loves animals, and under general supervision routinely patrol city streets, clean, and maintain Animal Shelter daily. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required. 

Crew Chief ($54,504 - $76,104 Salary)
The Public Services Department is currently looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class A is required. 

Fleet Porter Part Time ($20.56/hr to $28.86/hr)
The Fleet Department is currently looking for an individual who can perform general automotive maintenance and assists Fleet Technicians with general repairs and welding on City vehicles/equipment. 

  

Pet of the Week
Meet Shauna, a delightful two-year-old Labrador mix with a zest for life that's contagious! Known for her friendly demeanor, Shauna is always ready to play and enjoys energetic activities. She has a history of being wonderful around children, making her a great addition to any family. Importantly, Shauna has successfully completed her heartworm treatment, ensuring she's ready for a healthy start with her new family. Adopt Shauna today and bring home a bundle of joy and boundless energy that will enrich your life every day.

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

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To read previous Week in Reviews,

visit www.cor.net/WIR.