Week in Review, Feb. 27, 2026

Feb. 27, 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 Council Supports New DART Governance and Funding Structure
The Richardson City Council on Monday approved two measures related to proposed changes at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), supporting a new governance structure and authorizing participation in an updated funding program.

Council approved a resolution backing DART's proposed board representation framework, which ensures each member city will have at least one seat while preventing any single city from holding a majority of votes. Under the proposal, the largest member city would control between 40 and 50 percent of the votes and hold at least seven seats, with overall voting strength tied to each city's population relative to the total population of all DART member cities. The structure was unanimously recommended by a City Managers Working Group representing six DART member cities, including Richardson. State law requires DART to review board representation every five years, and the updated plan must be approved by all member cities and the Texas Legislature during its 90th Legislative session next year.

In addition, Council authorized the City Manager to sign an interlocal agreement allowing Richardson to participate in a proposed funding program that would return up to 25 percent of DART sales tax receipts to member cities for DART-approved mobility enhancement projects. The funding would be phased in over six years through a guaranteed base allocation, proposed transfer of the regional rail system to an independent management authority, and additional revenue opportunities through proposed state legislation.

Public meetings on related service changes will be held next month, including a March 17 meeting in Richardson at Huffhines Recreation Center and a public hearing March 24 at DART headquarters.

Monday's presentation: Video

Annual Chlorine Maintenance on City's Water System Begins Monday
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), Richardson's water supplier, will conduct its annual chlorine maintenance on its water transmission system and member cities' distribution systems March 2-30. The 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 meets guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Though water customers may notice a stronger taste or smell of chlorine in tap water during the maintenance period, the water is still safe for use and consumption. The NTMWD and its 13 member cities continuously test and monitor water quality throughout the year to ensure the water is safe to drink.

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

Bond, Charter Election Websites Upgraded with More Information
Expanded information about the May 2 Bond and Charter Elections is now available online, including an interactive map of proposed bond projects and a complete list of all 50 proposed City Charter amendments. The elections were called during the Council's Feb. 9 regular meeting and reflect separate but parallel processes focused on City governance and long-term infrastructure investment.

About the Bond Election
Voters will consider five propositions totaling $223.4 million to fund infrastructure, public safety and parks and recreation projects across the city, with no anticipated increase to the property tax rate. Development of the bond program followed months of public briefings, community feedback and two public hearings.

About the Charter Election
The 2026 Charter Amendment Election's proposed amendments for voters to consider (each separately), include technical adjustments as well as new provisions related to governance and transparency. The City's Charter is amended every 10 years; the amendments were compiled by a citizen Charter Review Commission with input from the community, City staff and City Council.

2026 Bond Election website: (link)
2026 Charter Amendment Election website: (link)

City Receives "Silver Bicycle Friendly Business" Award
The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) this week recognized Richardson with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning the Municipal Campus a place alongside more than 1,100 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more bicycle friendly America. While the City has maintained a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation since 2015, this is the first time Richardson has received a Bicycle Friendly Business award-the highest LAB designation a government agency in North Texas has received. Contributing factors included onsite bike parking stands and employee wellness events focused on bicycling including a "Ride Your Bike to Work Day."

As both a Bicycle Friendly Community and a Bicycle Friendly Business, Richardson has received expanded access to tools, resources, and technical assistance from the League of American Bicyclists to further strengthen its bike-friendly policies, programs, and facilities. These resources not only help the City continue improving, but also position the City to support other local businesses interested in becoming more bike friendly for their employees and visitors.

More information (bicycling in Richardson): www.cor.net/BikeFriendly
More information (BFB awards program): www.bikeleague.org/business

Richardson Economic Development Department Receives TEDC Award
The Richardson Economic Development Department has received the 2025 Economic Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). The Council's Economic Excellence Recognition program highlights economic development organizations across the state that meet a desired threshold of professionalism, based on the professional development of their governing board or council, as well as the economic development director and professional staff.

Since 2022, Richardson's Economic Development team has brought new initiatives, projects and growth to Richardson. Recent efforts include the ongoing revitalization of The CORE District and Main Street, the growth of The Innovation Quarter and momentum as a leader in capturing large office leases in the DFW area.

More information/website: https://www.RichardsonEconomicDevelopment.com

Early Voting for Primary Election Ends Tonight; Election Day is Tuesday, March 3
Early voting for the March 3 Joint Primary Election ends tonight at 7 p.m. Registered Dallas County voters may vote early at any Dallas County early voting locations (click here for a list of locations). Collin County voters may vote early at any Collin County early voting location. (Click here for a list of locations.)

Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, March 3 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Voters in Dallas County must vote at their preferred party's voting location for their assigned precinct, based on voter address; Collin County voters may vote at any Election Day vote center.

More information:
Dallas County: March 3, 2026 - Primary Election - Dallas County Elections Department
Collin County: Elections: Polling Locations

Eisemann Center Certified as Sensory Inclusive
City staff announced this week that the Eisemann Center has achieved the designation, "KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified Venue." This means that the venue has implemented thoughtful accommodations designed to enhance the live performance experience for sensory-sensitive individuals. These include sensory-inclusive training for staff, clearly identified quiet areas, and the availability of sensory bags equipped with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools and visual cue cards.

Guests can now also use the KultureCity mobile app to preview sensory features of the Eisemann Center and plan their visit with confidence.

The partnership with KultureCity reflects the Eisemann Center's ongoing dedication to ensuring every patron feels comfortable, respected and empowered to fully enjoy the magic of live performance.

More information: https://venue.kulturecity.org/.../charles-w-eisemann-center
KultureCity app: https://www.kulturecity.org/app/

Animal Shelter in Need of Adopters
Due to a recent influx of dogs, the Richardson Animal Shelter is in great need of adopters, fosters, Doggy Day Out volunteers and people willing to share posted information about the dogs with friends and community groups.

Click here for information about volunteering, here for information about fostering and here for information about adopting. View pets online and in person; pets are available for adoption on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be "reserved." The shelter is open every day and walk-ins are available for adoptions.

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

Deck Refresh, Other Improvement Work Progressing at Heights Family Aquatic Center
A much-needed renovation is currently underway at Heights Family Aquatic Center, as the Parks and Recreation Department works to have the Aquatic Center ready for this year's summer season.

The scope of the work includes:

• Deck replacement-the new deck will be a topical texture/colored deck that will have a cooling effect on feet
• Replacement of leaking damaged skimmers
• Exterior painting of existing slides, internal joint replacement and gelcoat repairs
• Canvas replacement on existing shade structures
• Tot Area
  • Replacing Tot Pool Shade Structure
  • Replacing Tot Pool Slide with new slide
• Pool Beach Entry play feature replacement
• Pump House renovation

The improvements are funded by the 2025-26 City budget and were action items included in the Aquatics Master Plan approved last year.

Main Street Reconstruction Resumes
The next stage of the Main Street Reconstruction Project began this week as Oncor started working on relocating its overhead power lines underground, beginning with the installation of underground conduits. Oncor's work was delayed due to the winter storm that hit the area in late January and the acquisition of a wider easement from the property owner to accommodate the transformer equipment.

Once Oncor's work is complete, the City will begin its final phase of the project, which includes completing the pavement, sidewalks and landscaping work. The overall project should be complete by the end of April, weather permitting.

The Main Street Reconstruction Project is a part of the City's continuing effort to improve infrastructure and enhance downtown connectivity. It includes a new dedicated turn lane onto Abrams Road to improve safety and access, upgraded water, sewer and storm drainage systems, barrier-free ramps at intersections, new trees and landscaping, and upgraded street lighting consistent with enhancements west of Greenville Avenue.

More information: https://www.cor.net/Projects

Traffic Signal Box Art Contest Underway
The City's fifth annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest opened this week, co-sponsored by the Richardson Rotary Club, and is now available to all individual artists and students regardless of where they live. Five works will be chosen and displayed as vinyl wraps on traffic signal boxes at selected intersections. In addition, the winning artists will receive $200, a certificate, and have their work published in Richardson Today and other municipal communication channels.

This year's contest theme is "Community"-artists are asked to celebrate their connection to Richardson by sharing the people, places and moments that make our city special to them.

Launched in 2022, the contest has enhanced 20 different intersections in Richardson with color and creativity and aligns with goals outlined in the City's Public Art Master Plan.

All completed applications and artwork submissions for the 2026 contest are due by 5 p.m. Friday, April 24.

More information: www.cor.net/boxart
Contact: Kayla Johnson, Placemaking Manager, 972-744-4213, [email protected]

DART Announces Regional Fare Adjustments Beginning Sunday
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will implement updated fare pricing effective March 1. The adjustments are designed to simplify the fare structure, improve equity across rider categories, and support the long-term sustainability of transit service across DART's 13 member cities.

Fare Changes Effective March 1:

Regional Day Pass
Regular Fare: $9
Reduced Fare: $4.50

Regional 31-Day Pass
(allows access to all services from DART, Trinity Metro and Denton County Transit Authority under one fare)
Reduced Fare: $96

Under the new fare structure, the DART Senior Retail Annual Pass has been discontinued. Previous users of this product are encouraged to use a Reduced Fare 31-Day Pass. All other fares remain at previous levels.

More information: Full press release

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The March 2026 print edition of Richardson Today has been sent to the printer and is expected to hit mailboxes next week. The issue includes details on the City's May 2 Bond and Charter elections, information about the 2026 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival, and a list of several ways to receive weather alerts. In addition, the issue features the pull-out 2026 Swimming & Camps Recreation Guide, with information about the City's Swim School and numerous summer camps.

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Ask your local mail carrier if you do not receive your copy and you live within the boundaries of Richardson.

Keep up with Richardson Today as soon as it's available by signing up online to receive a digital copy by e-mail at the start of each month. You'll still receive the printed version at home, but now you can enjoy quick and easy access on your phone, tablet or computer. Visit www.cor.net/SignUp and choose "Richardson Today" to sign up.

Westbound Lane Closures Expected Along Renner Beginning at North Star
In three phases, the left, center and right lanes of westbound Renner Road between North Star Road and Sharp Lane may be closed to traffic alternately at all times as concrete replacement/rehabilitation takes place. Note: Only one lane will remain closed overnight and a second lane may be closed as needed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by early March.

Atmos Gas Leak Repair Causes Lane Closure at, near Coit/Campbell Intersection
The right lane of northbound Coit Road between Huntington Drive and Lennox Square Place (crossing Campbell Road) may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for an emergency gas leak repair. The work is expected to wrap up by mid-April.

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

Free CPR Basics Classes Tomorrow
Methodist Richardson Medical Center, 2831 E. President George Bush Hwy.
Admission: Free (RSVP required; click here to register for the morning class or here for the afternoon class)
Saturday, Feb. 28
9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

A community CPR and AED class taught by the Richardson Fire Department and UT Dallas' Emergency Medical Response that covers potentially life-saving CPR basics. Learn about the latest technology to keep your heart healthy and get the chance to win a free Apple Watch. Note: Not a certification course.

Free "Cooking Well Texas Meets Mediterranean" Cooking Class Tomorrow
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free, no registration needed
Saturday, Feb. 28
Noon

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will present another easy recipe in the series, "Cooking Well Texas Meets Mediterranean." Explore the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and how to incorporate these principles into your kitchen.

The class is 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 class.)

Website: Healthier Texas Community Challenge

RALC Murder Mystery Fundraiser Tomorrow
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: $85 per ticket (tickets)
Saturday, Feb. 28
6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show)

The Richardson Adult Literacy Center's annual Murder Mystery fundraiser transports attendees to an exclusive, high-end resort where the palm trees sway and the secrets simmer. While the setting is serene, the guest list is deadly. Throughout the evening, attendees will witness a scandalous plot unfold, gather clues from suspicious characters, and work with their table to unmask the killer before the final curtain falls.

Super Smart Art Special Tomorrow: Contemporary Black Art
Youth Services Storytime Room
Cost: Free
Saturday, Feb. 28
3-4:30 p.m.

Children and teens ages 7-18 are invited to admire the art of contemporary Black artists and try something new at this special edition of Smart Art! Dive into the work of artists like Faith Ringgold, Aaron Douglas and Amy Sherald, and create your own masterpieces based on their work. Enjoy interactive art displays and photo ops for everyone. Crafts available while supplies last.

STEAM Starters Friday: Terrarium in a Bottle
Youth Services Storytime Room
Cost: Free; registration required (call 972-744-4358 to register or visit the Youth Services Help Desk)
Friday, March 6
4-5 p.m.

Children ages 6-8 are invited to learn the art of terrarium making. Each participant will leave with a new "pet plant" to grow inside their creation.

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

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

At UT Dallas:

Family Improv Saturday Night: "Princesses and Superheroes"
The Core Theatre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
Tickets: Adults $10, Students and kids $5 (tickets)
Saturday, Feb. 28
7:30-9 p.m.

Tired of the standard list of princesses and superheroes? The Core Theatre's Family Improv Troupe can make new ones that have palaces that are not made of marbled stone but… actual marbles, as they invite the audience to be part of the entertainment by providing creative suggestions throughout the evening. Expect a high energy, original, fun and family-friendly show.

Website: https://www.thecoretheatre.com

Volunteers Needed for Richardson's Trash Bash
If you are interested in organizing a community cleanup as part of the City's annual Trash Bash (to be held Saturday, April 11), forms are now available online for sign-up. All trash collection items such as trash bags, gloves and litter tongs are provided by the City, and groups can schedule their local cleanup events either on Trash Bash day or in the days surrounding the event. Any size group is welcome!

Three ways to sign up: Online (online form), via e-mail (write to [email protected]) or by phone (972-744-4080).

Spring Pruning Tips from the Experts
Now (i.e. late winter/early spring) is a good time to prune many species of plants because new tissue forms rapidly, and, through pruning, the energy stored in the roots and stems can be directed toward forming new growth.

To reduce the height of a shrub or shape it, there are two methods that the Dallas County Master Gardeners Association recommends:

Note that pruning of oak trees should be avoided until June 30 to prevent the spread of oak wilt. Also delay pruning of plants that bloom in the spring until after flowering or you risk removing this year's buds.

More information:

Prune Like A Pro - Dallas County Master Gardeners Association

Rose pruning tips for stronger, more vibrant flowers - AgriLife Today

Admin Secretary I (Health) ($43,680-$68,653 Salary)
The Health Department is looking for an individual who can provide administrative and clerical support to the Environmental Health Department, including supervisors, inspectors, and program staff. Serves as a point of contact for the public for inquiries, complaints, and service requests related to environmental health programs in person, by telephone, and electronically. Receives, processes, and routes incoming correspondence, including mail, email, and electronic submissions. Operates office technology and systems, including computers, printers, copiers and scanners. Utilizes department software systems for permitting inspections, invoicing, and record management.

Construction Inspector II ($53,329-$83,058)
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can assist in inspecting construction of street/alley paving, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, parking lot, and sidewalk projects. Assist in administration of Urban Storm Water Program and Sidewalk Replacement Program. Perform technical and informational inventories and surveys, line and grade surveys, design work, and general administrative work. Perform other related work as required.

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

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Peseat, a 7-year-old German shepherd with a heart of gold. Known for her intelligence, Peseat loves solving puzzles and learning new tricks, making her a delightful companion. Her friendly nature makes her great with people, and her sweet demeanor ensures she's a joy to be around. Smart and affectionate, Peseat is looking for a forever home where she can share her love and brighten your days.

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.