Week in Review, April 3, 2026

April 3, 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

Bond and Charter Open House Events Begin Tomorrow
Two open houses will be held this month for the May 2 Richardson Bond and Charter elections. The events are offered as an opportunity to learn more about each measure that will be on the ballot. City staff will be available to answer questions and provide information about proposed projects and impact of amendments.

Details:

In addition to bond and charter information, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the US 75 at Arapaho Road Crossing Enhancements Project.

This separate project is designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle access across US 75, enhancing connectivity between key destinations such as City Hall, the Richardson Public Library, and the DART Arapaho Center Station. Planned improvements include a new trail along Arapaho Road from Custer Road to the east side of US 75, as well as aesthetic enhancements to the US 75 underpass to complement ongoing investments at the municipal campus.

2026 Bond Election
Website: www.cor.net/2026BondElection
Voter Guide: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/45763

2026 Charter Election
Charter Website: www.cor.net/CharterElection
Charter Voter Guide: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/45629

Municipal Closings for Easter Holiday
The Animal Shelter, Eisemann Center and Sherrill Park Golf Course will remain open on Easter Sunday. All other City facilities that are typically open on Sundays will be closed and will reopen Monday following their normal operating schedules.

Website: https://www.cor.net/holidayschedule

Developer Receives Award for Belt & Main
Catalyst Urban Development was recognized this week with the 2026 Innovation in Development Practice Award for the Belt & Main project, at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Impact Awards held this week. ULI recognition is especially significant as it reflects industry-leading standards in design, innovation and long-term community impact, evaluated by experts in real estate and urban development.

Opened one year ago this month, Belt & Main is a strategic public-private partnership and the first major mixed-use residential and retail development in The CORE District-part of Richardson's original retail destination, which includes five distinct neighborhoods: Chinatown, Downtown, Heights, Interurban and Lockwood, all home to local dining, retail and community events.

The City has prioritized transforming this area into a more walkable, connected urban environment by working with developers to add residential and retail opportunities.

The CORE District represents one of several areas in Richardson where the City is focused on creating momentum for continued reinvestment and long-term redevelopment.

https://www.richardsoncoredistrict.com

April Recognized as Month of Volunteerism
The Richardson City Council has designated April as the City's Month of Volunteerism, recognizing the important role volunteers play in supporting City programs, services and events throughout the community. The observance is intended both to acknowledge current volunteers and encourage broader participation in community service by highlighting the many ways people can get involved.

The City's volunteer webpage includes opportunities at the Animal Shelter, Library, Eisemann Center, Police Department VIPS program, and major special events such as the Cottonwood Art Festival, Santa's Village and Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival.

The webpage also identifies opportunities that can accommodate school groups, corporate teams and other organizations interested in serving together, and opportunities available for City Council appointed board and commission positions.

See the Environmental section below for information on two recent volunteer activities in the City, and the News section for details on an award recognizing volunteer service.

Websites: https://www.cor.net/Volunteers and https://www.cor.net/GetOnBoard

Landscape Watering Schedule Changed to Summer Conservation
Richardson began its annual summer water conservation plan this week, to help reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation during higher temperatures. The plan restricts the times for sprinkler system irrigation citywide to evening, night and early morning hours on designated days each week, depending on address-even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Sprinkler system watering is not permitted between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from April 1-Oct. 31, unless the North Texas Municipal Water District asks for more severe restrictions due to drought conditions. Watering via drip irrigation, soaker hose or hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle may be done any day at any time.

Websites: https://www.cor.net/waterconservation, Water Conservation | North Texas Municipal Water District, TX

Annual Chlorine Maintenance Concludes for 2026
The annual 28-day chlorine maintenance conducted by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), Richardson's water supplier, ended Monday, March 30. The safe treatment is both a water system maintenance function as well as a water conservation measure that helps optimize drinking water quality and reduce the amount of hydrant flushing necessary during the warm weather months. The maintenance also meets guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Website: https://www.cor.net/Chlorine

Richardson Reads One Book Announces 2026 Selection
Richardson Reads One Book has announced "The Trouble with Heroes" as this year's RROB selection. The book, written largely in verse, is from New York Times best-selling author Kate Messner and invites readers to explore a story about grief, growth and finding strength in unexpected places. It follows 13-year-old Finn Connelly, who is making headlines for all the wrong reasons after losing his father, a veteran New York City firefighter, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. After damaging the headstone of a legendary mountain climber, he is offered a unique way to make amends: climb all 46 Adirondack High Peaks with the climber's dog.

RROB will host Messner for an author lecture and book signing Sept. 15 at First United Methodist Church Richardson.

This is the 22nd year for Richardson to have a "one book" program, a popular event in many cities that builds connections through the shared experience of large portions of the community discussing the same book. Copies of the book in various formats are now available for check-out at the Library.

Website: https://www.cor.net/OneBook

Cottonwood Art Festival's 2026 Emerging Artists Announced
Ten RISD high school artists have been selected for the Cottonwood Art Festival's 2026 Emerging Artist program, sponsored by Neighborhood Credit Union. The Emerging Artist Program is an annual innovative mentoring program that gives art students real-world experience in the professional art world, including getting the chance to sell their work at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival and part of a month-long exhibit at the Eisemann Center (exhibit began this week; see below under Arts/Eisemann Center for more information).

The 2026 Emerging Artists are as follows:

Berkner High School
Ray Hunter

J. J. Pearce High School
Elia Villaseñor
Mako Weathers

Lake Highlands High School
Leira Myers
Charlotte Williams
Banner Roby
Max Young

Richardson High School
Ellie Schneider
Daijah Smith
Lana Wong

Festivalgoers are encouraged to stop by the Emerging Artist booths to support the students' work. The Cottonwood Art Festival will take place May 2-3 at Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd.

Website: https://www.cottonwoodartfestival.com

"Real Heroes" Nominations Now Open
To celebrate volunteers who go above and beyond, local nonprofit Richardson Real Heroes is accepting nominations through April 30 for its 2026 Richardson Real Hero "Annie Award." The awards program began in 2010 and is the only citywide program that recognizes extraordinary volunteers whose work benefits the Richardson community. Selected recipients are celebrated at the Eisemann Center in late August.

Nomination Form: https://www.richardsonrealheroes.com

Renner Road Pavement Work Underway Near Routh Creek Parkway
In two phases, the right and center lanes of eastbound Renner Road between Routh Creek Parkway and Plano Road may be closed to traffic alternately at all times, as pavement repair is taking place. Only one lane will remain closed overnight. The second lane may be closed as needed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be finished by late April.

Temporary Streetlight Removal Expected This Month Along Custer Parkway
Temporary light poles and fixtures installed along Custer Parkway south of Lookout Drive are scheduled to be removed in April as part of the next phase of the Custer Parkway Improvement Project, with lane closures expected as the work takes place.

Permanent streetlights will be installed during the final phases of construction, with overall project completion anticipated in fall 2026.

More information: Contact David Cruz, Senior Project Engineer, 972-744-4271, [email protected]

Sign up to receive project information by e-mail at https://www.cor.net/CusterParkway.

Richardson Projects: https://www.cor.net/projects.

Registration Open for Disc Golf Tournament, Mother/Son Nerf Challenge
Sign-ups are now open for two City-sponsored competitions coming up Saturday, April 18, with several spots available in each:

Richardson Disc Golf Tournament
Breckinridge Park, Complex C
Cost: $30 Registration Link
Saturday, April 18
8:30 a.m.-noon; check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.

Top winners in both divisions earn prizes from Innova Disc Golf in this one-round, 18-hole tourney. All ages welcome.

Mother & Son Nerf Challenge
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Cost: $20 per participant (nonresidents add $2) Registration link
Saturday, April 18
6-9 p.m.

Moms, get ready for an unforgettable night of Nerf battles with your special guy(s)! This exciting Nerf Challenge includes a thrilling Nerf Battlezone and target shooting fun. It's a night your little one will always remember! Open to boys ages 6-14, accompanied by a mom, stepmom, grandma, aunt or other mother figure. Registration deadline: Friday, April 10

Website: https://www.cor.net/parksonline

CityLine's 2026 Outdoor Live Music Series Begins Tonight
CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St.
Admission: Free (including free parking)
Friday and Saturday evenings through May 30
6-9 p.m.

CityLine Live is back at CityLine Plaza with nine weeks of free concerts, featuring rock, country, Tejano, R&B and more. Dogs and picnics welcome!

Website: Complete lineup

Drop-in Tech Help Thursday
Library Help Desk
Cost: Free, no registration required
Thursday, April 9
2-5 p.m.

A quick tech help option at the Library, this program is available every Thursday. Just walk in and spend 5-15 minutes with a librarian to ask your tech questions.

Topics covered:

More information: 972-744-4350

CubeTroop: Learn to Solve the Rubik's Cube Friday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free (registration required; call 972-744-4358 or visit the Youth Services desk to register)
Fridays, April 10, 17 and 24 (must be able to attend all three sessions)
4-5:30 p.m.

For children ages 9-12, this program is all about applying problem solving skills to Rubik's cubes. Both beginners and intermediates are invited to join the interactive fun of learning step-by-step strategies to solve Erno Rubik's famous cube. A free cube-to-go will be given to all participants.

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

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• "First Friday" Reception/Art Exhibit features Cottonwood Emerging Artists
  Forrest & Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Reception: Friday, April 3, 6-8 p.m.
  Exhibit remains up through April 26, M-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public performances
  
  Celebrate the newest exhibit in the Gallery, which showcases the work of the 10 RISD high school art students chosen for the 2026 Cottonwood Art Festival Emerging Artist program. Emerging Artist is an annual innovative mentoring program that gives art students real-world experience in the professional art world, including being a part of this exhibit and getting the chance to sell their work at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival.
  
  List of artists/more information: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com or see above under News.
  
  

• Classic Rock Band "America" presents "The Happy Trails Tour" Thursday
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $68.75-$164.25 (tickets)
  Thursday, April 9
  7 p.m.
  
  Classic rock favorite, "America," is following last year's 50th Anniversary Tour with "The Happy Trails Tour 2026," featuring the band's uplifting hits that began in the '70s with the #1 single, "A Horse with No Name." Presented by Outback Presents.

At UT Dallas:

• National Premiere of New Disney+/National Geographic Series "1776" Monday
  Jonsson Performance Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Monday, April 6
  5:30 p.m. (light refreshments at 5:15 p.m.)
  
  UT Dallas hosts the national premiere of "1776: American Independence," a new Disney docuseries on the history of the American Revolution to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.
  
  The event will feature a screening of Episode 1, followed by a Q&A with the series' writer and producer (and UTD history professor), Kevin Waite.
  
  More information/parking: Event Link
  
  
• K-Pop 101 Lunchtime Workshop Wednesday features Food, Dance, More
  ATC Lobby, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free (limited spots, RSVP here)
  Wednesday, April 8
  11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  
  The public is invited to join UT Dallas students and staff/faculty to learn about the cultural impact of K-Pop and learn a dance routine to the chart-topping song, "APT," choreographed by the group, KPOP DANCE NORTH TEXAS (KDNT). All dance skill levels are welcome; wear a black top if possible. Kimbap will be provided for lunch (while supply lasts) and the first 30 people to check in will receive a free T-shirt! More information: Schedule/parking info
  
  
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo Next Friday Night
  ATC Lecture Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Tickets: $16 (tickets)
  Friday, April 10
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Ladysmith Black Mambazo, formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, is a Grammy-winning South African male choral group performing in traditional isicathamiya and mbube vocal styles. They gained international fame after collaborating with Paul Simon on his 1986 "Graceland" album and have since become cultural ambassadors of South African heritage through their prolific musical career.
  
  More information/parking: Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Comet Calendar

Volunteers Mark City's Stormwater Drains
Volunteers from Collin County came together last Sunday for a Stormwater Drains Marking event in collaboration with the City's Health Department and organized by global nonprofit DSNDP (Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan). Fifteen volunteers spent the morning marking 60 storm drains. Under the guidance of Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari, the nonprofit has been mobilizing volunteers across the United States since July 2022 to participate in environmental and community service initiatives.

The City of Richardson, as part of a regional effort of more than 30 metroplex communities, offers volunteer groups the opportunity to mark storm drain inlets with plastic markers to help educate the public that storm drains discharge directly to our creeks/waterways without treatment, and are not part of our sanitary sewer system. The markers state, "No Dumping. Drains To Waterways" in an effort to reduce water pollution.

More information: Storm Drain Marking Initiative Web Page

Little Naturalist Nature Walk Next Saturday
West side of Breckinridge Park, south parking lot near 3501 Moroney Dr.
Cost: Free, registration required (Registration)
Saturday, April 11
2-3 p.m.

An adventurous nature walk through Breckinridge Park designed specifically for children ages 5-8. Led by a Texas Master Naturalist, this walk is a great opportunity to learn about the natural environment we have right here in Richardson. Part of Richardson's Urban Naturalist program.

More information: Little Naturalist Nature Walk

https://www.cor.net/EPI

Graduate Engineer ($70,034-$98,539)
The Transportation and Mobility Department is looking for an individual who is eager to learn and excel in a local government environment. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise along with courteous and effective communication skills-both verbal and written-for working with employees, citizens, contractors, and officials. Under the direction of the Transportation and Mobility Engineer (PE) or designee, this position will plan, organize, coordinate and execute engineering analyses, design work, specification preparation and the implementation of traffic and transportation projects. Additional related duties may be assigned as 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 Drivers License will be required or obtained within six months.

Swim Instructor/Coach PT ($15.50/hr-$17.50/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can teach and/or coach individuals and/or groups of various sizes in summer aquatic programs at multiple locations. Perform other related work as required. Must have completed at least two years of high school or greater. CPR & First Aid for Lay Responders or CPR for Professional Rescuers preferred.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Lola, a 4-year-old pitbull mix with a heart of gold. This sweet and friendly canine is eager to share her love with a forever family. Lola enjoys spending her days playing gently and showing affection to everyone she meets. She has a knack for making people smile and is always ready for a gentle pat or a playful game. Lola would make a perfect companion for anyone looking for a loyal and loving friend.

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

City Council Links

Council Members
Meeting Agendas and Documents
Videos

To read previous Week in Reviews,

visit https://www.cor.net/WIR.