Week in Review, April 24, 2026

April 24, 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

Early Voting Continues for May 2 Election
Early voting for the May 2 Joint and Special Election, including the City of Richardson Bond and Charter Election, got underway this week and continues through Tuesday, April 28.

Collin County
Remaining Dates & Hours

Early Voting Locations

(note that Collin County residents who live in Richardson will only be able to vote at the following two locations in order to participate in the Bond & Charter election):

Dallas County
Remaining Dates & Hours

Early Voting Locations

Richardson residents who live in Dallas County may vote early at any Dallas County early voting location, including:

Election Day voting will take place Saturday, May 2.

Link to election information

City Budget "Deep Dives" Begin for 2026-27 City Budget Preparation
City staff gave strategy overviews regarding street and alley pavement maintenance and rehabilitation at Monday's City Council work session, kicking off an annual procession of reports that prepare the Council for its summer budget workshop, this year scheduled for Aug. 3-4. These "deep dives" provide the Council with detailed information about current programs, infrastructure and maintenance tasks along with proposed work plans and budget requests.

Monday's presentation focused on Richardson's 639-mile network of streets and alleys (a total of 1,486 miles of lanes); future reports will include Transportation & Mobility, Information Technology, and Capital Improvements.

Monday's presentation: Video

City Council Considers Temporary Stop on New Short-Term Rentals This Summer While Study Takes Place
The City Council received a presentation from the City's legal counsel at Monday's work session regarding further study of short-term rentals (STRs). Though the Council recently updated its Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Council members have expressed a desire to seek more data on existing Richardson STRs, particularly concerning clustering and other issues that could affect neighborhood health and safety.

The proposed study framework includes a 90-day interim prohibition on new STRs in residential districts, allowing time to collect data using new software. Existing nonregistered operators would have a 30-day grace period to register, with penalties of $500 per day for noncompliance.

Based on Council feedback, staff will place adoption of the temporary measure on the April 27 Council meeting agenda, with software implementation planned for June/July and the return of data expected in September.

Monday's full presentation: Video

Earth Day, Arbor Day Celebrated This Week
Today is Arbor Day, a good day to remember that Richardson is known as a "Tree City USA." The designation, awarded last year by the Arbor Day Foundation and re-certified this year, echoes the City's commitment to urban forestry, sustainability and community-driven tree preservation efforts. Richardson has a comprehensive tree preservation and mitigation ordinance (adopted in 2024) aimed at protecting and managing the city's urban forest; the City also offers Matching Fund Beautification for beautifying public land in neighborhoods, a Tree Donation Program that provides opportunities to honor someone with a dedication tree, and has hosted numerous community tree giveaways and plantings over the past several years.

This week, the City hosted a tree planting on Earth Day in Crowley Park that was sponsored by nonprofit One Earth One Chance, where volunteers gathered to plant 50 trees. With support from Parks and Recreation staff, the group rolled up their sleeves and spent the morning digging, planting and mulching to help make a lasting impact in our community.

More information: www.cor.net/EPI

Deadline Extended for Traffic Signal Box Art Competition
Artists wishing to enter the City's fifth annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest have one more week to submit their entries online-the deadline has been extended to Friday, May 1. "Community" is the theme for this year's contest, co-sponsored by the Richardson Rotary Club, and winning entries will be wrapped on traffic signal boxes at select intersections throughout Richardson. In addition, artists with winning entries will receive $200, a certificate, and have their work published in Richardson Today and other municipal communication channels.

The contest is open to individual artists of all ages. A selection committee will review submissions and select finalists. Five winners will be determined according to three main criteria-creativity, adherence to the theme and artistic merit.

All completed applications and artwork submissions for the 2026 contest are due by 5 p.m. Friday, May 1.

Website: www.cor.net/boxart

Set-up Begins Next Week for Cottonwood Art Festival
This Sunday marks the start of setup for the City's semiannual Cottonwood Art Festival taking place May 2-3, as City crews and Community Events staff begin a week of preparations at Cottonwood Park. Close to 200 artists from across the nation have been selected to exhibit, joined by a variety of food and beverage vendors set up throughout the grounds and musical performers on two stages.

Hours for the festival are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Admission is free, with additional charges for food/beverages, art purchases and some children's activities. Cottonwood Park is located at 1321 W. Belt Line Rd.

More information: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com

2026 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday
Texans will be allowed to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax-free April 25-27 during the annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. This year's holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25, and ends at midnight Monday, April 27. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.

Examples of supplies that qualify include batteries (single or multipacks), first-aid kits, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, portable self-powered light sources (candles, flashlights, lanterns), phone chargers, portable self-powered radios, and fire extinguishers.

Complete list of eligible items: Sales Tax Holiday

"Richardson Real Heroes" Nominations Close Next Week
To celebrate volunteers who go above and beyond, local nonprofit Richardson Real Heroes is accepting nominations through Thursday, 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: www.richardsonrealheroes.com

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The May 2026 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. The issue features information about the Bond and Charter Election as well as information and schedules for several upcoming activities/events, including the Cottonwood Art Festival, Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival and the summer swim season at Richardson's city pools. Also included is the pull-out Summer Recreation Guide, packed with more events and activities.

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.

Temporary Closure Near US 75/Plano Parkway as Silver Line Project Cleans Up
The southbound US 75 frontage road will be closed from Plano Parkway to Renner Road from 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 28-4 a.m. Wednesday, April 29 as DART-related work takes place. Crews contracted through DART will be removing traffic control devices that were installed for the Silver Line project, as part of final cleanup efforts.

During the closure, traffic will be detoured along westbound Plano Parkway to southbound Alma Drive and on to West Renner Road in order to return to the US 75 frontage road.

Utility Work to Affect Lanes on Arapaho, Nearby Streets thru Mid-June
In three phases, the right lane of westbound Arapaho Road between Exchange Drive and Richardson Drive may be closed to traffic, one phase at a time and separately, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as Atmos conducts utility depth verification/excavation work. The work will also necessitate phased right lane closure on eastbound Arapaho Road between Hampshire Lane and US 75 (including at Custer Road intersection) and between Bowser Road and Grove Road, as well as lane closures on International Parkway, Dorothy Drive, Grove Road. Bowser Road, Executive Drive and Interurban Street. The entire project is expected to wrap up by mid-June.

Richardson Projects: www.cor.net/projects.

Drug Takeback is Tomorrow
Police Headquarters, 200 N. Greenville Ave.
Cost: Free
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Prevent medications from contaminating our water system/waterways by taking part in the Richardson Police Department's (RPD) Drug Take Back Saturday, April 25, part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event keeps medications from being flushed down a sink drain or toilet and potentially entering our waterways, and also helps keep drugs out of the trash, where pets, children and others might acquire them.

Bring unused and expired pharmaceuticals, both prescription and over-the-counter, for proper disposal. All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids should be sealed tightly in consumer containers. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to the potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

Contact: 972-744-4955 (Richardson Police Department Crime Prevention Unit)

Website: https://takebackday.dea.gov

Public Symposium Tuesday Looks at FIFA World Cup
UT Dallas Campus, ATC Lecture Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Admission: Free
Tuesday, April 28
6 p.m.

"A Shared Goal: The 2026 World Cup and North America Unity" will examine the cultural, economic and diplomatic dimensions of soccer and its impact on local communities across North America. The program, with a panel discussion moderated by Erik Mora of Telemundo, will analyze how the World Cup can generate economic opportunities, civic and cultural pride, and foster international collaboration. Panelists include Dan Hunt, president of FC Dallas; Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee; Sergio Bernal, former pro soccer goalkeeper; and Jennifer Hilton Ortiz, UT Dallas Sr. Director for International Initiatives.

More information/parking information: Event link

"Tales for Tails: Kitty Version!" Tomorrow
Richardson Animal Shelter, 1330 Columbia Dr.
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, April 25
10-11 a.m.

All ages are invited to celebrate National Library Week like they do on the TV Show, "Reading Rainbow," by reading books about cats to cats at the Animal Shelter. Meet in the lobby of the Shelter at 10 a.m., and Library staff will lead groups to visit the cats to read books, including "No Cats in the Library."

"Find Your Joy: Hobby Starter Come-and-Go" Tomorrow
City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Cost: Free
Saturday, April 25
2-3 p.m.

National Library Week's theme is "Find Your Joy," and what better place than to find it than at the Library-on Saturday you can find your joy in a new hobby by taking home a hobby-starter kit. The library will have several kits to take home, including cross-stitch, junk journaling, simple crafts and more, along with books to inspire you! While supplies last; for ages 9 and up.

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• "PettyBreakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" Tonight
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $53-$74 (Tickets)
  Friday, April 24
  8 p.m.

  The PettyBreakers bring the timeless music of Tom Petty to life with their authentic sound and electrifying stage presence. From the classic rock anthems to the heartfelt ballads, this tribute band captures the essence of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers like no other. Presented by Tribute Masters.

• RSO Season Finale Tomorrow Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $28-$91.50 (Tickets)
  Saturday, April 25
  7:30 p.m.

  The Richardson Symphony Orchestra presents the works of Ravel, Rachmaninoff and living composer Anna Clyne in a season finale featuring renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker.

• "Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute Band" Sunday Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $32-$74 (Tickets)
  Sunday, April 26
  7 p.m.

  For nearly four decades, Hotel California has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles. Thanks to incredible lead vocal similarity, intensely accurate instrumental work, soaring harmonies, and top-flight live performances, the band has remained the industry's leading substitute for The Eagles ever since setting the bar in 1986. Presented by Diamond Horseshoe Productions.

• Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Wednesday Night
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $40.50-$61.50 (Tickets)
  Wednesday, April 29
  7:30 p.m.

  Formed in 1985, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is still thrilling audiences four decades later with their off-beat humor and four-stringed virtuosity. Come and celebrate the 40th anniversary of this much-loved institution, on a white-knuckle shopping-trolley dash through every kind of musical genre, from ABBA to ZZ Top, Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, and Bluegrass to Broadway-all played on the "bonsai guitar." Part of the Eisemann Center Presents 2025-26 Season.

At UT Dallas:

"Charley's Aunt" Opens Next Friday Night at RHS
Richardson High School Black Box Theatre, 1250 W. Belt Line Rd.
Tickets: Pay What You Can with cash or QR code provided at the door
May 1-2
7 p.m.

In this classic British farce, two Oxford students want to propose to the loves of their lives before they are whisked away to Scotland. To arrange this meeting, they invite their sweethearts to meet Charley's wealthy aunt from Brazil. But when the aunt's arrival is delayed, the boys persuade an eccentric friend to don a dress and impersonate her-setting off a whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic confusions, and hilariously tangled situations. Rated PG.

Parking note: Park in teacher lot off of Dogwood and Belt Line; enter through the "Fine Arts" door on west wide of school.

Annual City Nature Identification Challenge is This Weekend; Parks Dept. Hosting Special Group "BioBlitz" Saturday
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is encouraging all Texans to participate in the Texas City Nature Challenge, part of the City Nature Challenge 2026 Global Project, which began today (April 24) and continues through midnight April 27. See which city can document the most species of plant and animal life in this friendly competition. You can observe in your own backyard, and/or take part in Nature Challenge group events, such as the following hosted by Richardson's Urban Naturalist program:

"BioBlitz" Event
Breckinridge Park Pavilion
Admission: Free
Saturday, April 25
2-5 p.m.

Help find and identify as many plants, animals and fungi species as possible across the park on this fun Saturday afternoon! Open to all ages.

To participate in the City Nature Challenge, sign up at www.iNaturalist.org and download the free iNaturalist app. Take a picture of any type of plant or animal, and the iNaturalist community will help with identification. Every observation contributes to biodiversity science, from a rare butterfly to a common backyard weed.

Note: Richardson and surrounding cities compete as part of the DFW Metroplex; last year DFW finished #5 globally in number of observations, out of 669 cities!

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/naturechallenge

Trash Bash "By The Numbers"
The numbers are in-Richardson's Trash Bash 2026 was an incredible display of what a community can accomplish together:

The cleanup continues Saturday, May 9, when the Richardson Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (RCPAAA) hosts its Spring Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event at the Heights Church, 201 W Renner Rd. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Event website: www.rcpaaa.org

www.cor.net/EPI

Accounts Payable Representative ($43,680 - $60,861 Salary)
The Accounting Department is looking for an individual that can process accounts payable transactions, miscellaneous filing, and perform general accounting functions. Effectively coordinate with other departments for approval of payables and to resolve accounts payable issues. Perform clerical and data entry using personal computer and the City's document management system. Perform other related work as required.

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.

Recreation Customer Services Representative ($21.00/hr to $24.62/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can assist in supervising Recreation Center instructors, programs, and activities. Work evenings and/or weekends as needed. Completion of ninth grade required.

www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Eugene, a 2-year-old Labrador/Pyrenees mix with a heart as big as his stature. Known for his sweet and friendly nature, Eugene is a gentle giant who thrives on affection and companionship. He loves to be around people and is excellent with children, making him the perfect family pet. His calm demeanor and gentle approach make him an ideal companion for anyone looking for a loyal and loving friend. Eugene deserves a forever home where he can share his limitless love and brighten your days with his joyful spirit.

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.