Feb. 6, 2026

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

New BBQ Restaurant Concept Chooses The CORE District for First Location
The City of Richardson announced this week that Two Twenty-Five, LLC, operating under the restaurant concept Soulcraft BBQ, will be locating in the Downtown neighborhood of Richardson’s CORE District.  

The ownership group will renovate and activate approximately 3,200 square feet at 107 E. Main St., representing a significant private investment in the Downtown neighborhood and aligning with the City’s long-term strategy to support locally owned businesses, culinary entrepreneurship and continued reinvestment in The CORE District. The project has received a tenant improvement grant from the City to assist with interior renovations and site enhancements.  

Soulcraft BBQ is a modern Texas barbecue concept centered on live-fire cooking, premium ingredients and inclusive hospitality, operating under a Halal-focused culinary program that emphasizes transparency, sourcing integrity, and broad community appeal—while remaining welcoming to all guests regardless of background. It is expected to enhance Main Street’s growing reputation as a destination for unique, locally driven dining experiences.  

Read Full Release: Press Release 

Development Priorities, Possible Zoning Ordinance Update Discussed by City Council
At Monday’s City Council meeting, City staff led a discussion regarding the Council’s development priorities for Richardson and a possible update of the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), originally adopted in 1956. Holding the development priorities discussion is one of the Council’s Tactics for 2025-27, and updating the CZO is a high priority action item in the recently adopted Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan.   

The CZO has not been significantly changed to address land uses and development standards since its inception, thus not supporting certain development trends, evolution of uses, and today’s market realities. A revision would add or update parameters for certain allowed land uses, reducing the number of Special Permits and Planned Development Districts that the Council and City Plan Commission consider each year, while streamlining and improving City processes.  

Further discussion is planned for the March 9 City Council meeting, where staff will present a possible timeline and other components of a CZO update process.  

Monday’s presentation: Video 

Richardson Public Library Recognized with Excellence Award 
For the 21st consecutive year, the Richardson Public Library has been recognized with an Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. Of the 516 public libraries in Texas, only 101 received this award for 2025.  

The annual award recognizes Texas libraries that meet benchmarks of excellence over the past year in a broad variety of areas, including summer reading programs, services for underserved populations, cultural, topical and educational programming for adults and families, literacy support for all ages, and training opportunities for staff at all levels.   

Website: www.cor.net/Accolades.  

Renovated Library Opening Now Expected in September 
City staff provided the City Council with an update on the Library renovation project at Monday’s City Council meeting, outlining completed work, remaining components, timelines, and the budget. The project, funded by the voter-approved 2021 Bond Program, began in spring 2024 and is now approximately 75 percent complete.   

While the original scope included waterproofing the east side of the building due to prior basement water infiltration, new infiltration was discovered on the west side during construction. As a result, a change order was proposed to excavate and waterproof the west, north, and south sides to prevent future issues (it was approved by the Council on the Consent Agenda later in Monday’s meeting). The $1.1 million increase needed for the change will be covered by bond program contingency reserves.  

Due to this added work, and a six-week closure of the Library needed for staff and supply move-in, the renovated Library reopening is now planned for September of this year.  

Monday’s presentation: Video 

City’s First Quarter Financial Report Given 
The City budget remains on track with its current fiscal year outlook, according to the 2025-26 First Quarter Financial Report presented by City staff at Monday’s City Council meeting. The First Quarter Report represents activity from Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2025.   

All five funds (General, Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Services, Golf and Hotel/Motel Tax) were compared against the original budget as adopted in August 2025, and all are performing within or close to established parameters. Of note, revenue in the Golf Fund continues to outpace expectations following the renovation and re-opening of Sherrill Park Course #2 last spring.  

Budget presentation at City Council meeting: Video 
Website: www.cor.net/budget  

Wildflower! Festival 2026 Lineup to be Released Tuesday
Music fans, take note: headlining acts for the 2026 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival are scheduled to be announced Tuesday, Feb. 10, and sales of resident tickets and discounted single day tickets are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. that day (weekend passes went on sale Jan. 1).     

The annual three-day festival will be held May 15-17 and will feature local, regional , and national acts on multiple performance areas/stages. Wildflower! also includes the Al Johnson Performing Singer-Songwriter Contest, an art guitar auction, food vendors throughout the festival grounds, a craft beer garden, strolling entertainers, and the new interactive area, The Grove, featuring a silent disco, retro arcade, and more. This year, admission to the festival is free to all on Sunday; a free ticket will be required at the gate.  

Website: www.wildflowerfestival.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildflowerfestival  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wamfest/  

One More Week to Submit Applications for Altrusa Scholarships 
Altrusa International of Richardson will accept applications for its 2026 scholarship program through Friday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. The program began accepting applications Jan. 2 and is open to high school seniors planning to attend universities/colleges, community colleges or vocational training programs in the United States. Applicants must reside in the City of Richardson or attend an RISD school, and recipients will be selected based on scholastic achievement, financial need, community volunteerism, extracurricular activities and a short essay. Scholarships must be used for the next school year and will be sent directly to the school.  

Last year, Altrusa Richardson awarded $22,000 in educational scholarships to RISD seniors.    

Website/application: www.AltrusaRichardson.com 

Southbound Turn Lane Closures for Utility Work at Custer Parkway and Renner
The left lane of southbound Custer Parkway and the left turn lane from southbound Custer onto eastbound Renner Road may be closed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Feb. 9 so the North Texas Municipal Water District can perform utility work. The closure is expected to last through Friday, Feb. 13, weather permitting.  

Pavement Replacement Work Begins Next Week at Lookout/Custer Intersection 
Pavement replacement work is scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 9 at the intersection of Custer Parkway and Lookout Drive, weather permitting. The work is part of the Custer Parkway Reconstruction Project. Work will take place on the west side of the intersection in two stages: First, work will occur on the eastbound and westbound outside lanes, with the inside lanes remaining open. Once that is complete, work will occur on the inside lanes. One lane in each direction (eastbound and westbound) will remain open at all times. The work is expected to be complete by mid-March. 

Two Lanes Temporarily Closed for Utility Work At, Near Coit/Arapaho Intersection 
The right and center lanes of westbound Arapaho Road, extended from Cottonwood Drive to 500 feet west of Coit Road, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily as Dallas Water Utility work takes place. Note that one lane may be kept closed overnight as needed, and two lanes will be opened to through traffic every day at 3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be completed in early February. 

Richardson Projects: www.cor.net/projects. 

Parks and Recreation Offers Free Yoga, Cooking Classes this Weekend
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free, no registration needed
Feb. 7-8
Noon  

Enjoy a free yoga class by Tiffany on Saturday and a free cooking class on Sunday entitled, “Cooking Well Texas Meets Mediterranean” hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Both are being offered in conjunction with the Healthier Texas Community Challenge, a free fitness and health challenge taking place through March 29. Earn points for yourself and your community while getting fit; register and learn more through the link below. Participation in the HT Community Challenge is not required to enjoy the free yoga and cooking classes.  

Website: Healthier Texas Community Challenge 

RSO “Beaujolais Bash” French Food/Wine Event Next Friday Night
Richardson Woman’s Club, 2005 N Cliffe Dr.
Tickets: $100 individual (tickets)
Friday, Feb. 13
7-10 p.m.  

This elegant, French-inspired evening features live performances by Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO) musicians; French food paired with five different French wines; plus prize drawings and a live auction. Proceeds support the RSO’s education and community engagement programs. 

Hearty Arty Valentine Party Tomorrow
City Council Chamber and Youth Services Area, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525 and 500
Admission: Free
Saturday, Feb. 7
2-3:30 p.m.   

Have a heart-happy Valentine afternoon with a storytime and puppet show, along with fun crafts, games, and activities! For all ages. Note: Storytime and puppet show will be held in the Council Chamber 2-2:30 p.m.; crafts and activities will follow in the Library Youth Services Area from 2:30-3:30 p.m. 

“Music and Movement” Next Wednesday 
Youth Services Storytime
Admission: Free
Wednesday, Feb. 11
11-11:30 a.m.  

Children ages 2 and up will sing, dance, and learn as they work on gross and fine motor movement, language, and rhythm - all through the magic of music! Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

For a full list of library events, visit www.cor.net/calendar. 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center: 

At UT Dallas:

Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced” Opens Tonight at RTC 
518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 113 
Tickets: $22-$24 (tickets)
Feb. 6-March 1
Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.  

An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock's Victorian house. The victim is not one of the house's several occupants, but an unexpected and unknown visitor. What follows is a classic Agatha Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a second death and a determined inspector grimly following the case's twists and turns. Fortunately, Miss Marple is on hand to provide the solution! 

Save the Date: RCC presents Free Valentine’s Day Concert 
First Presbyterian Church, 271 Walton St.
Admission: Free
Saturday, Feb. 14
3 p.m.  

The men and women of the Richardson Community Chorale will celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing some of their favorite songs of love. 

www.rcchorale.org  

Time to Prune Oak Trees and Other February To-Dos in the Garden
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association (DCMGA), part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, states in its latest Garden Task List that oak trees need to be pruned before Feb. 15 to minimize the chance of oak wilt infestation. If you must prune them after Feb. 15 and before June 30, always “paint” the cut end with tree wound paint, being very careful not to paint over the collar of the cut.  

Here are a few more to-dos from the DCMGA’s February Task List:  

More information: February Garden Tasks – Dallas County Master Gardeners Association  

City of Richardson Tree Planting Guide  

Earth Friendly Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day 
The North Central Texas Council of Government’s Air North Texas division reminds the public to love our air and our environment while we show love for each other as we plan for Valentine’s Day celebrations/gifts—Air North Texas’ Clean Air Corner blog offers several ways to do this. Among the suggestions are:  

Note that Valentine’s cards and wrapping paper that feature glitter and/or embossed foil are not recyclable in most municipal recycling programs, including Richardson’s. 

Website: Air North Texas - Love Your Air  

Engineering Management Analyst ($60,122-$85,667 Salary) 
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can perform a multitude of quality control and reporting tasks associated with various projects and programs. This position includes the performance of complex and difficult tasks and responsibilities using PowerBI, such as analyzing and reporting department activities relating to projects and programs, develop asset statistics, forecasts and lifecycle analysis. Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Process Improvement or related preferred. Master’s degree in similar is preferred. Must be proficient in Power BI and SQL computer language. Possess Power BI certification or be able to acquire it within 6 months of the date of hire. Texas Driver’s License required.   

Heavy Equipment Operator ($49,877-$68,502 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 Driver’s License will be required or obtained within 6 months.    

Day Camp Counselor ($13.00/hr-$14.25/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First-Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation.

www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Twinkle Toes, a 7-year-old Lab mix with a heart full of love. This senior dog is not only friendly and sweet but also impressively smart. She knows a variety of commands and loves to show off her skills. Twinkle Toes thrives on affection and enjoys the company of people, making her a delightful companion. Her intelligence and gentle nature make her perfect for someone who appreciates a well-mannered friend. Twinkle Toes deserves a forever home where she can share her boundless love and brighten someone's life.  

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

City Council Links