Week in Review, June 5, 2026

June 5, 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

Budget Deep Dives Continue with Water/Wastewater, Drainage Utility Strategies
As Richardson City Council prepares to begin budget discussions for the coming fiscal year, councilmembers received another round of in-depth briefings during Monday's work session.

The annual "Deep Dive" presentations give City leaders a closer look at the programs, services, infrastructure needs, and long-term planning efforts that help shape the City's budget priorities. Department directors also highlight emerging trends, future projects, operational challenges, and funding requests for the year ahead.

Monday's session focused on two critical infrastructure areas: water and wastewater maintenance strategies and the City's drainage utility program.

The presentations are part of the Council's preparation for the FY 2026-27 Budget Workshop, scheduled for Aug. 3-4. Residents are encouraged to participate by attending the workshop and sharing their input. The meetings will also be streamed live on the City's website and available for later viewing through on-demand video.

Water/Wastewater presentation: Video
Drainage Utility presentation: Video

Council Continues Discussion Re: Days of Recognition, Ceremonial Recognition Policies
A discussion at Monday's Richardson City Council work session focused on how the City recognizes secular holidays, observances, and other commemorative events.

The presentation centered on proposed policies governing City Days of Recognition and ceremonial recognitions, including proclamations issued by the City Council. During the presentation, staff noted that Christmas, despite its religious origins, has been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court as a secular federal holiday.

Days of Recognition are intended to promote cultural awareness and community engagement through educational outreach, events, and social media activities. A final proposed policy will return on a future agenda for approval.

Monday's presentation: Video

Council Reviews Refined Designs, Policy for "Key to the City"
A proposed policy governing the City of Richardson's "Key to the City" award took another step forward Monday as City Council reviewed updated guidelines and new design concepts during its work session.

The proposed award would feature a ceremonial key engraved with the City of Richardson logo, the year the city was established, and design elements reflecting Richardson's long-standing reputation for innovation, technology, and the arts. The key is proposed to be displayed in a lined wooden presentation box alongside a City of Richardson flag.

Under the proposed policy, a Key to the City could be awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional service, achievement, or contributions to the community. Any recipient would require approval by a supermajority vote of the City Council.

Council members provided feedback on both the policy and design concepts. Staff will incorporate those comments and return with a revised proposal before the policy is considered for adoption as part of the City Council Rules of Order and Procedure.

Monday's presentation: Video

How to Report Railroad Vegetation Concerns
The City of Richardson has received neighborhood concerns regarding vegetation growth along railroad rights-of-way in the community, particularly along rail corridors now operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City, also known as CPKC.

Before the 2023 merger of Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific, residents may have observed more frequent mowing and right-of-way maintenance along certain rail corridors. Since the merger, residents have raised concerns about the appearance of vegetation along the rail line and its impact on nearby neighborhoods.

While the City understands the impact these conditions can have on nearby neighborhoods, railroad operations and railroad right-of-way maintenance are subject to federal and state oversight. As a result, the City is limited in its ability to require railroad companies to mow or maintain railroad property for general aesthetic purposes.

Residents with general concerns about vegetation on CPKC property should report those concerns directly to CPKC's Community Connect team, which handles public inquiries and non-emergency neighborhood issues. Residents should include the nearest crossing, address or track location when submitting a report.

If vegetation creates a railroad safety concern, residents may report the issue to the Federal Railroad Administration. Residents may also contact the Texas Department of Transportation for concerns involving railroad crossings, driver sight distance or rail-highway safety.

Website: www.cor.net/RailroadMaintenance

Library Card Design Contests Open
Richardson residents of all ages will have an opportunity to showcase their creativity and help design a future library card as the Richardson Public Library launches two art contests-one for adults ages 19 and older and another for children and teens ages 3-18-with winning artwork scheduled to appear on new library cards in fall 2026.

Entering the contest is simple. Participants can download an entry form online or pick one up at any Library service desk. Artists are encouraged to create a bright and colorful design using colored pencils, crayons, markers, or paint.

Completed entries must be submitted by 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Winners will be notified following the week of July 4, and their artwork will be featured on Richardson Public Library cards issued beginning in fall 2026.

www.cor.net/Library

DART Light Rail, TRE to Temporarily Increase Service Beginning Monday
DART riders will see more frequent train service and expanded rail capacity this summer as Dallas Area Rapid Transit implements temporary service enhancements to support increased travel demand associated with FIFA World Cup 26™ activities in North Texas.

From June 8 through July 19, DART will increase service on several rail lines, including extending Orange Line service to Parker Road Station every day. In addition, the Red, Orange, and Blue Lines will operate on a 20-minute frequency throughout the day, seven days a week, providing more convenient connections across the system.

The temporary service changes are intended to accommodate the large number of visitors expected in the region during World Cup-related events while also improving mobility for regular riders.

The enhanced rail service will remain in effect through July 19, with regular schedules resuming on July 20. Additional information, including details on Trinity Railway Express (TRE) service changes and bus route adjustments, is available at DART.org.

DART.org/servicechange

Lane, Street Closures Near Campbell Road/Lakeside Affects Access to Eastside Development
The right lane of eastbound Campbell Rd extended 300 ft west of Lakeside Boulevard, as well as the entire Lakeside Boulevard driveway leading into the Eastside development, may be closed to traffic at all times while the Lakeside driveway is replaced. Both eastbound and westbound motorists accustomed to turning south on Lakeside to access Eastside retail/restaurant establishments should find other entrances while the work takes place. The work is expected to be completed by mid-June.

Expect Lane Closures at Arapaho/Hampshire Intersection for Traffic Signal Work
Various right lanes at the intersection of Arapaho Road and Hampshire Lane may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for a traffic signal rebuild, including fixtures and ramps. The work is expected to be completed by late July.

The IQ^® Brew is Back Next Thursday
Richardson IQHQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free, RSVP requested here
Thursday, June 11
8:30-10 a.m. (networking 8:30 a.m., presentation at 9 a.m.)

Enjoy a cup of coffee while learning from guest speaker Jane Wigginton, MD, Chief Medical Officer at UT Dallas' Texas Biomedical Device Center, and discover how brain stimulation is helping people recover after stroke, PTSD, and injury by boosting the brain's natural ability to heal. You'll also get an inside look at how breakthrough technologies move from concept to clinical use, including the scientific, regulatory, and human challenges along the way, and how this work, happening right here in Richardson, is helping restore function and independence for patients in North Texas.

More information: Event Link

Blackland Prairie Raptors LIVE Tomorrow
COR Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free, no registration or ticket required
Saturday, June 6
3-4 p.m.

At this Library-sponsored event, watch real raptors of different species and sizes in live demonstrations of their capabilities! Learn about their unique adaptations to hunt in woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. For ages 5 and up.

Grammy-winning Duo "123 Andrés" Performs Tuesday Night
COR Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free ticket required (available at Teen Help Desk beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday)
Tuesday, June 9
7-8 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Grammy-winning music duo "123 Andrés" (a.k.a. Andrés and Christina) present a fun family concert and sing-along in English and Spanish!

www.cor.net/Library

Have fun exploring ways to "get around" as The Core Theatre's Family Improv Troupe presents "Planes, Trains and Skateboards." What if you could go to work in your favorite full-sized Hot Wheels car? Or fly in a spaceship powered by spaghetti? The sky's the limit with audience suggestions!

www.cor.net/EPI