Week in Review, Jan. 23, 2026

Jan. 23, 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

City Cancellations/Closures Announced Due to Winter Weather
The City of Richardson will close all City facilities at 6 p.m. today and has announced the closure of all City facilities tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, in response to severe winter weather forecast to impact North Texas.

These closures apply only to standard operating hours for facilities normally open on weekends and do not include emergency warming centers, which are being opened to provide temporary shelter for individuals experiencing power outages or other storm-related needs.

Facility/Service Impacts

All City facilities will close to the public at 6 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 23. The following City facilities will be closed Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25:

• Animal Shelter
• Eisemann Center
• Gymnastics Center
• Heights Recreation Center
• Huffhines Recreation Center
• Huffhines Tennis Center
• Public Library
• Richardson IQ®HQ
• Richardson Senior Center
• Sherrill Park Golf Course

Decisions on service and operational impacts for Monday, Jan. 26, will be made Sunday, Jan. 25 as forecasted conditions become clearer.

Winter Storm: How to Stay Informed
Residents can find comprehensive winter weather updates, including facility closures, warming center information, and safety guidance, at www.cor.net/WinterWeather. Updates on trash, recycling, and Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) service impacts are also available at www.cor.net/ServiceDelays. The City also shares timely updates through its social media channels, including Facebook and Nextdoor.

Online: www.cor.net/WinterWeather
Trash/Recycling/BABIC Service Impacts: www.cor.net/ServiceDelays
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RichardsonToday/
Nextdoor: nextdoor.com/agency-detail/tx/richardson/city-of-richardson/

Where to Report and View Utility Outages and Updates
Electric utility provider Oncor provides an online storm outage map at stormcenter.oncor.com, and recommends any branches located near powerlines be trimmed on personal property to help avoid outages.

If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location, then contact Atmos Energy.

Reporting outages:
ONCOR (Electricity)
888-313-4747

Report Outage Online: https://www.oncor.com/outages/

After power is restored, reduce initial demand by adjusting thermostats and turning off unnecessary lights. Leaving a porch light on can help crews identify restored service.

ATMOS (Gas)
866-322-8667 - Atmos Storm Center
Residents should never use an oven or gas stovetop to heat a home. Keep snow and ice cleared from gas meters and vents using a broom or brush, and ensure dryer and appliance vents remain unobstructed to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Warming Centers to Open Today
Three 24-hour warming centers will open at 5 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 23, to provide a place for people who may lose power and/or need temporary sheltering from the storm.

The warming centers are in the lobbies at the following locations:

NOTE: Warming centers are intended to provide temporary shelter and are not equipped with beds or long-term amenities. Service animals are allowed; pets are not permitted.

"State of the City" Address is Wednesday
Rehearsals have been underway for the City's State of the City Address, which takes place Wednesday, Jan. 28 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Eisemann Center's Bank of America Theatre. The public is invited to join the Mayor and City Council for the annual event, this year themed "Innovation in Every Direction." The Address will focus on the past year's highlights for the City of Richardson and take a look at the City's goals and priorities for 2026. A reception will follow in the Leftwich Grand Foyer.

Admission and parking for the event are free; reserve a free ticket here.

The Address will be available to watch online live at the link below and on-demand later.

More information: www.cor.net/SOTC

Community Challenge Activities Canceled Tomorrow
Community Challenge activities scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 24, at Huffhines Recreation Center, have been canceled due to severe winter weather forecast to impact the area within the next 24 hours.

The canceled event included free Zumba and yoga classes planned as part of the Healthier Texas Community Challenge. The decision to cancel was made to prioritize the safety of participants and City staff as hazardous travel conditions are anticipated.

This cancellation applies only to Saturday's activities. The City will continue to evaluate weather conditions and will share updates regarding future Community Challenge classes and Parks and Recreation programming as conditions develop.

The Healthier Texas Community Challenge is scheduled to take place Feb. 2 through March 29, and additional free classes, including cooking classes, walk and run events, and a variety of fitness opportunities, are planned in the coming weeks, weather permitting.

Residents are encouraged to monitor City communication channels for updates on Parks and Recreation activities and facility operations.

Activity and event information: https://www.cor.net/CommunityChallenge

Inclusive Playground's "Annie's Place" Restaurant Fundraisers Scheduled
The Richardson East Rotary Foundation is coordinating a series of upcoming spirit nights at local restaurants to raise funds for the construction of a pavilion at the City's Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park. The pavilion, to be named "Annie's Place" in memory of Ann Eisemann, will serve as an extension of the inclusive playground and provide a welcoming, shaded gathering space for families and visitors of all abilities to enjoy year-round. The Rotary Club's Make It Happen Campaign aims to raise $175,000 to fully fund the project.

The first spirit night will be held Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 4-9 p.m. at Shady's Burgers and Sweet Firefly Ice Cream, located at 2701 Custer Rd., Suites 915 and 810 (Two Creeks Plaza). A percentage of proceeds from the evening will be donated to support Annie's Place. Three additional spirit nights are scheduled at other local restaurants in February

Project Information: https://www.cor.net/AnniesPlace

Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Survey Ends Monday
There are just a few more days remaining to share your thoughts about Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival in an online survey that's been available this month, to gather information that will help shape the future of the festival. Even if you've never attended, or attended only a few times, your input is welcome. The approximately four-minute questionnaire asks your opinion on the types of music you'd like to see featured, ticket prices, main performance venues, site experiences and other festival components. Deadline to complete the survey is Monday, Jan. 26.

Survey respondents may remain anonymous or choose to provide contact information to be entered into a drawing for a 2026 Wildflower! VIP Weekend Package for four, valued at $900.

Survey link: https://www.cor.net/WFSurvey

2026 WF! Vocal Competition, Battle of the Bands Seeking Applicants
Applications are now open for the 2026 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival's Budding Talent Vocal Competition and the Battle of the Bands. The Vocal Competition is open to performers in grades K-12 and the Battle of the Bands is open to musicians age 21 and under.

Standout performers/groups in each competition advance to perform at the festival on May 17 after an audition in April in front of judges and a live audience; The Battle of the Bands, presented by The Zoo, also features an online fan vote.

Applications for both competitions close March 22.

More information/application:

Budding Talent Vocal Competition

Battle of the Bands

Last Week for MLK, Jr. Student Essay Contest
There are just eight days left for children and teens to write an essay for the City's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest-submissions are due by Saturday, Jan. 31. Students in grades 4-12 who reside in Richardson or attend school in Richardson are invited to use the prompt, "The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Justice" and reflect on how acts of kindness, big or small, can create lasting change.

Winning works will be published by the City with authors receiving $200 plus certificates of achievement from the Mayor and City Council.

The City's annual Black History Month: "Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion" Art Contest for students is also underway and accepting entries through Feb. 28.

More information/submission forms: https://www.cor.net/ArtandEssayContest

Photo Contest Deadline Extended Due to Winter Weather
The deadline for the City's annual photo contest has been extended to Monday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. due to the winter weather forecast for this weekend. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, the contest is open to both residents and nonresidents, and is divided into three competition groups (Student, Amateur Adult and Proficient Adult). Cost is $5 per entry for students and $10 per entry for amateur adult and proficient adult.

This year's winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony Feb. 26 at the Eisemann Center, with the winning photos displayed at Huffhines Recreation Center Jan. 31-Feb. 24.

More information/entry form: https://www.cor.net/photocontest

Pavement Repair Along Renner to Close 1-2 Lanes East/West of Jupiter
The right lane of eastbound Renner Road between Wyndham Lane and North Spring Drive may be closed to traffic at all times as pavement repair work takes place. Note: A second lane may be closed as needed to pour concrete from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be complete by mid-February.

Fiber Optic Work to Close Lane on Belt Line West of Plano Road
The right lane of eastbound Belt Line Road between Glenville Drive and Plano Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as fiber optic work takes place. The work is expected to wrap up by mid-April.

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

"Coffee with a Cop" Next Wednesday Morning
Dunkin', 1225 E. Belt Line Rd.
Admission: Free
Wednesday, Jan. 28
9-10 a.m.

Join RPD officers for a casual chat-bring questions, concerns, compliments or simply get to know your local officers.

More information: Contact the RPD Community Relations Unit, 972-744-4955.

Altrusa Winter Luncheon is Next Saturday; Registration Deadline is Wednesday
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Cost: $40 (register here through Jan. 28)
Saturday, Jan. 31
Check-in opens: 11 a.m.
Luncheon/Presentation: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Altrusa Richardson hosts this informative luncheon featuring Melida Guravich, Senior Account Director for Sunwest Communications, who will speak on "Essential Communication Skills You Need as a Leader." Explore the skills and characteristics shared by effective leaders that foster a culture of success and excellence in any organization.

Website: https://www.altrusarichardson.com

Nite! Nite! Bedtime Stories Monday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Monday, Jan. 26
7-7:30 p.m.

Children ages 3-7 are invited to wear their favorite comfy pajamas, bring a stuffed animal, and wind down with songs, books, flannels, and other bedtime activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesdays @ 11: "Math Counts Too!" Jan. 28
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Wednesday, Jan. 28
11-11:45 a.m.

Discover the fun of math concepts like measurement, number sense, pattern recognition, sorting and more in play-based settings including a construction site, bake shoppe, and recycling center. For children ages 3-5; some activities may contain choking hazards for children under 3. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

The Eisemann Center will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday Jan. 25 in response to severe winter weather forecast to impact North Texas. All events scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday have been postponed; more information will be available soon.

At UT Dallas:

• Virtual Lecture Explores Holocaust Remembrance Day Next Tuesday
  Online (Event link: click here)
  Admission: Free
  Tuesday, Jan. 27
  3 p.m.
  
  Join UT Dallas to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special lecture by Professor James E. Young, one of the world's leading scholars of Holocaust memory and memorialization. The talk will explore how societies remember the Holocaust, how commemorative days take shape, and what these acts of remembrance mean for the present.

High School Theater:

• Berkner HS Fine Arts opens "Legally Blonde the Musical" Next Wednesday
  Berkner High School Auditorium, 1600 E. Spring Valley Rd.
  Tickets: $10-$15 (tickets)
  Jan. 28-31
  7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday plus a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday
  
  In this Broadway musical based on the novel and film of the same name, sorority girl Elle Woods comes to life on stage as she enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend and defies expectations while staying true to herself.
  
  
• PHS Musical: "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" Begins Next Thursday
  Edith V. Pearce Auditorium, 1600 N. Coit Rd.
  Tickets: $10 show (tickets); $25 Saturday-only party and reception (tickets)
  Jan. 29-Feb. 1
  Thursday-Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
  
  Pearce Fine Arts presents the Broadway musical adaptation of a segment of Tolstoy's novel, "War and Peace," focusing on Natasha's romance with Anatole, and Pierre's search for meaning in his life. On Saturday, a ticketed pre-show party will be available from 5-6:45 p.m. along with an after-show reception at 9:30 p.m.
  
  
• "Frozen" The Broadway Musical Opens Next Thursday at RHS
  Richardson High School Auditorium, 1250 W. Belt Line Rd.
  Tickets: $6 students, $16.90 adults (tickets)
  Jan. 29-Feb. 1
  Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m.
  Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.
  
  Step into the enchanting world of Arendelle with this spellbinding Broadway sensation based on the beloved Disney film. Rated PG.

Winter Storm Advice: Think "People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes"
With below freezing temperatures predicted for this weekend, the City recommends remembering the 4 Ps to prepare for winter weather:

• People: Be mindful of children and seniors; they are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.
• Pets: Bring pets inside. Animals that must remain outdoors should have insulated shelters with blankets.
• Plants: Bring container plants indoors if possible; cover outdoor plants with light sheets to protect them.
• Pipes: Wrap exposed faucets and pipes to prevent freezing and allow indoor faucets to drip with a mix of both hot and cold water, especially those connected to pipes most vulnerable to freezing (those located in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls).

If you experience frozen pipes:

1. Shut off the main water supply to your home. If you can't turn it off, call the City of Richardson's 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111; click link below for information on how to shut off your water supply.
2. Once water is shut off, open all faucets to reduce pressure and minimize flooding if pipes burst.
3. If accessible, attempt to thaw frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
4. As pipes thaw, inspect for leaks and contact a professional plumber for repairs if needed.

Also:

• Turn off your irrigation controller or timer to prevent not only damage to your system, but also to prevent icing of driveways/streets.
• If you plan to be out of town, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees.

https://www.cor.net/winterweather

2025-26 "Tree-cycling," Holiday Box Recycling Programs Wrap Up Next Friday
If you still have a natural Christmas tree or large holiday boxes hanging around, you can still utilize the City's Tree Cycling and Holiday Box Recycling programs for one more week. Both programs end Friday, Jan. 30.

Trees may be dropped off 24/7 at the Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., or set out at the curb and picked up as part of the City's weekly Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC). Trees must be natural (not artificial), unflocked and all decorations, nails etc. must be removed. The mulch and compost are created thanks to a regional partnership between Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco and Texas Pure; it is used in landscaping by the cities and offered to the public for purchase (residents of the five member cities receive a discount).

Boxes (flattened) may be dropped off 24/7 at the following locations:

Website: https://www.cor.net/boxandtreerecycling Contact: 972-744-4111 for BABIC pick-up; be sure to request that the tree be collected for composting.

Graduate Engineer ($70,034 to $98,539)
The Transportation and Mobility Department is looking for an individual s 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.

Facilities Maintenance Specialist ($49,502.96 to $73,499.92 Salary)
The Facilities Maintenance Division is looking for an individual who can perform skilled maintenance, repairs, and installations on building facilities. Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC, electrical, electronic, plumbing, pumping, and motor control systems. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Smokey is a 7-year-old senior mastiff with a heart full of love. Known for his sweet and friendly demeanor, Smokey thrives on affection and enjoys spending his days relaxing in a calm environment. As a senior dog, he prefers a quiet life and would do best as the sole pet in a loving home. Adopting Smokey means giving him a chance to spend his golden years surrounded by care and comfort, where he can be your devoted companion. Consider opening your heart and home to Smokey!

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.