Week in Review, Aug. 28, 2026

Aug. 28, 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

Interviews Held for City Council Place 3 Vacancy
The City Council conducted interviews with eight applicants for the vacant Place 3 position at Monday night's meeting. The interviews were conducted in an open meeting and are available for viewing online. Current Place 3 Council Member Dan Barrios announced July 13 that he was resigning to run for another office. He will remain on the City Council until his replacement is named.

Finalists will be announced Sept. 14, followed by a second round of interviews Sept. 21, when a lone finalist will be named. The new council member is expected to be appointed Sept. 28.

View the Council interviews
Learn more about the City Council Place 3 appointment process

STR Temporary Moratorium Expired this Week
The temporary moratorium on short-term rental registration expired Monday, Aug. 25. The moratorium went into effect in May to allow City staff time to use new software to inventory STR properties, identify potential health and safety concerns, determine whether STRs are clustered and explore strategies to prevent future clustering.

In July, the Council received an update on short-term rentals, including complaint activity, enforcement efforts, property locations, and possible additional regulations. At that meeting, the Council approved ordinance amendments intended to help prevent future clustering of short-term rentals in neighborhoods. The changes increase the annual registration fee from $100 to $300 to help cover costs and prohibit new STRs from operating within 500 feet of existing short-term rental properties.

Learn more at www.cor.net/STR
View the July 27 City Council presentation

Testing Underway on Silver Line Bridge Lighting
This week, crews began testing the accent lighting on the recently installed arches on the Silver Line bridge over US 75. The testing and calibration will continue to take place over the next month. During this time, drivers may see the lights display a variety of colors. Once the testing is complete, the arches will feature white and blue lighting.

The arches, which were installed in June and July, are about 400 feet long and 80 feet above the roadway at their highest point. Once the lighting is complete, the bridge will serve as a gateway and visual branding for the city for both rail passengers and drivers on US 75.

Last Weekend for Clear the Shelters; Adoption Fees Waived
This is the final weekend for the annual Clear the Shelters event at the Richardson Animal Shelter. Adoption fees are being waived during the month of August, offering people a chance to save money as they welcome a new member to their family.

Those who are not ready to adopt are encouraged to consider fostering an animal by providing a safe, calm place until it finds a permanent home.

The Richardson Animal Shelter is located at 1330 Columbia Dr. Operating hours are noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Visit the Animal Shelter website
Visit the Clear the Shelters website

Demolition of Building Adjacent to Animal Shelter to Begin Next Week, Some Shelter Parking May be Affected
Demolition of the former Family Medical Building at 551 N. Plano Rd. next to the Richardson Animal Shelter is scheduled to begin Aug. 31. A construction fence will be installed around the site, and some parking spaces near the fence may be unavailable during the work. Visitors should use caution and allow extra time when visiting the shelter. The demolition work is expected to take two to three weeks.

Once the site is cleared, part of the property will become a new three-section dog park with multiple areas for public use. The remaining space will be converted into other uses for the neighboring Service Center.

City Manager Recognized for 30 Years of Service to the City of Richardson
At Monday's meeting, the Richardson City Council presented a proclamation to City Manager Don Magner recognizing his 30 years of service to the City of Richardson and his commitment to the North Texas region. Don began work in Richardson in 1996 and served in leadership roles across several departments and the City Manager's Office before being named City Manager in 2022. Along the way, his work has helped strengthen Richardson neighborhoods, advance major economic development efforts and built regional partnerships on issues involving transportation, water and other shared priorities.

Annual Peanut Butter Drive Begins Tuesday
The annual North Texas Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive kicks off Tuesday, with several locations in Richardson where peanut butter jars can be dropped off.

Locations include:

The event is held every September in conjunction with Hunger Action Month and benefits local food banks in several North Texas cities. Peanut butter is perpetually on food bank lists of most-needed foods, since it's nutritious, kid-friendly, shelf stable and high in protein. Last year, 3,602 pounds of peanut butter were collected at City locations, more than any amount collected since Richardson began participating in 2019.

Learn more at www.cor.net/PBDrive

Registration Open for Cottonwood Art Festival Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
The sidewalk is your canvas at the annual Chalk the Walk Art Contest at Cottonwood Art Festival. Artists have the opportunity to bring to life a masterpiece of their choice on the sidewalks of Cottonwood Park on Oct. 3-4 and a chance to win up to $500 in cash prizes.

The contest is open to artists ages 12 years and older. Participants can do so solo as a team/family group. The registration deadline is Sept. 25.

Registration fees are:

Register at www.cottonwoodartfestival.com/chalkthewalk/

Vendor Applications Now Open for Culture in The CORE
Applications opened Thursday for vendors at the upcoming Culture in The CORE Food and Music Festival, scheduled for noon-4 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Downtown Richardson.

Culture in The CORE brings together Richardson's diverse communities to have fun, to learn and to experience the music, dance, foods and arts of different cultures. The event features vendors selling treasures from around the globe, a world-spanning assortment of food and drink, and a variety of culturally diverse art, music and dance presented by local groups.

This year, the festival will be held at Interurban Common, which opened in April 2025. The approximately 2.5-acre park includes two pavilions, a trail, solar lighting, a seat wall and landscaping. The space was designed to provide a pedestrian-friendly connection through Downtown Richardson and includes areas that can accommodate community activities and events.

All vendor applications go through a committee review process, and acceptance is not guaranteed. The deadline to fill out an application to be a vendor is 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Learn more about Culture in The CORE and register to be a vendor at www.richardsoncoredistrict.com/events/cultureinthecore/

Spots Still Available for Kids Markets at Huffhines Harvest Festival
In partnership with Huffhines Harvest Fest, Kids Markets is returning 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. From crafts and artwork to sweet treats and unique creations, every booth showcases imagination, determination, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Participation requirements are:

The market will take place from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Huffhines Park. The registration fee is $25 and online registration is now open.

For more information visit www.huffhinesharvestfest.com/kidsmarkets/

E-mail [email protected] for more information

Maintenance to Take Place Next Week on Outdoor Warning Sirens
The City's outdoor siren vendor will be in Richardson next week conducting routine maintenance on each of the City's 22 outdoor warning sirens. The work is required to make sure each siren stays in good working order. Technicians will verify that the sirens' radio systems are calibrated correctly and install new batteries at all sites. Residents may hear brief siren sounds to ensure that all sites are functional.

The City conducts a full three-minute siren test on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting, and a brief short-blast "growl test" on all other Wednesdays, also at noon and also weather permitting. The City's Office of Emergency Management wants to remind residents that hearing the outdoor warning sirens outside of scheduled tests or maintenance means that people should seek shelter indoors and consult local media for further information.

For more information visit www.cor.net/Sirens

City to Observe National Preparedness Month in September
September is National Preparedness Month, and the City's Office of Emergency Management is working hard to ensure Richardson residents are prepared. OEM staff conduct planning, training, and educational outreach year-round.

One popular program is the Disaster Preparedness Passport Program, a family-friendly activity encouraging children and families to complete preparedness tasks to earn a challenge coin. Since its launch last year, more than 5,500 passports have been distributed from the Library. Additionally, in March, OEM hosted a Public Safety Merit Badge Day where 78 Scouts and Scout Leaders took merit badge classes taught by Richardson first responders from OEM, Fire and Police.

To learn more about National Preparedness Month, see page 6 of the September Richardson Today. The paper will be in mailboxes next week, but is available at https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/46913/639234199927478481.

No Council Meetings the Next Two Mondays
The City Council will not meet the next two weeks. There will be no meeting Monday, Aug. 31 due to it being the fifth Monday of the month, or Monday, Sept. 7 because of the Labor Day holiday. The Council will next meet Monday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. with the agenda posted Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Learn more at www.cor.net/CityCouncil

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The September 2026 print edition of Richardson Today is off the printer and will be in mailboxes early next week. It includes articles on the new LEGO display at the Richardson Police Department, the featured artist at Cottonwood Art Festival, an interview with Kate Messner, author of "The Trouble with Heroes, the 2026 Richardson Reads One Book selection, and more.

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Residents who do not receive a copy and live within Richardson city limits should check with their local mail carrier.

Receive Richardson Today as soon as it is available by signing up online for a digital copy at the beginning of each month. Subscribers will still receive the printed edition at home while also gaining quick access on a phone, tablet or computer.

Visit www.cor.net/SignUp and select "Richardson Today" to sign up.

Lane Closures on Greenville Avenue North of Main Street
The right and center lanes of northbound Greenville Avenue between Main Street and Terrace Drive, and the right and center lanes of southbound Greenville between Apollo Road and Main Street, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for gas line work. Additionally, Terrace Drive between Greenville and La Salle Drive may be down to one lane with flaggers to direct traffic. The work is expected to wrap up in late December.

Polk Street Now One Way Between Interurban Street and Greenville Avenue
Traffic on Polk Street between Interurban Street and Greenville Avenue is limited to eastbound only at all times so the street can be reconstructed. The eastbound traffic will travel in the westbound lanes, while westbound traffic will be detoured to westbound Main Street. The work is expected to be complete in mid-December.

To see what is coming up in Richardson, subscribe to our free weekly Things to Do newsletters. The newsletter comes out each Wednesday and will help you plan your weekend and find things to do locally.

Sign Up: Link

Household Chemical Collection Center Available for Richardson Residents
Richardson residents needing to dispose of household hazardous waste can take items to the Home Chemical Collection Center, 11234 Plano Rd. in Dallas.

Accepted materials include aerosol cans, vehicle fluids, batteries, cellphones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, household cleaners, computers and monitors, gasoline, herbicides, paint and cooking oil. Materials not accepted include business or commercial waste, containers larger than 5 gallons, explosives or ammunition, common trash or recyclables, televisions, microwaves and medical waste.

Residents must bring proof of residence in order to drop items off. Hours of operation are Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn more at https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/consolidated-services/hhw/

Consider Keystone Species When Planning Your Landscaping
Keystone plants are native species that support the caterpillars and native bees that are necessary for a healthy ecosystem. The Dallas County Master Gardener Association (DCMGA) has an article on its website asking people to consider keystone species when planning their landscaping.

The DCMGA article states that research from Dr. Doug Tammany shows that only 14 percent of native plants support 90 percent of butterfly and moth species, forming the backbone of local food webs. This is important because 96 percent of terrestrial songbirds rely on caterpillars to raise their young and many native bees are pollen specialists that depend on specific native plant genera.

To make your landscape more beneficial for local species, consider the following advice from the DCMGA.

How to Use Keystone Plants in a North Texas Garden

Learn more at https://dallascountymastergardeners.org/keystone-plants-for-north-texas/

www.cor.net/EPI

Customer Service Rep - Billing ($43,680-$59,075 Salary)
Water Customer Service is looking for an individual that can maintain customer billing records, respond to utility billing inquiries and assist in billing preparation. Assist in answering accounts receivable billing questions. Provide switchboard backup, and work in the cashier position as assigned. Work in close contact with the public. Perform other related work as required. High school diploma or GED required.

Maintenance Helper II - Construction ($43,680-$52,952 Salary)
The Public Services Department is looking for an individual who can perform routine maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment used in installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution, wastewater collection, street, drainage, and alley systems, including cleaning vehicles and equipment. Drive trucks and vehicles to various job sites to assist in repairs and maintenance. Serve on standby crew for after-hours emergency work, as needed. Read, understand, and follow written and oral job instructions. Write reports by hand. Use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly. Keep storage areas clean, orderly, and in safe operating condition. Hear clearly when working around equipment, or in street and/or alley traffic, using proper safety precautions. Lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds; pull, push, and/or drag up to 150 pounds of installation and repair equipment or materials.

Gymnastics Instructor PT ($17.82/hr to $27.30/hr) |
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals who enjoy working with people in groups of various sizes and have a passion for teaching.

www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Mabel is a 3-year-old Pitbull/Boxer mix with a heart full of joy. This friendly and curious girl loves exploring her surroundings and is always eager to make new friends. Mabel thrives on interaction and would be a fantastic companion for someone who enjoys active days and cozy evenings. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious, and she can brighten any room with her cheerful demeanor. Mabel is ready to find a forever home where she can share her boundless love and zest for adventure.

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 www.cor.net/WIR.