Week in Review, March 27, 2026

March 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

Lawn Watering Schedule Changes Soon; Summer Water Conservation Begins April 1
Starting Wednesday, April 1, Richardson begins its annual summer water conservation plan to help reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation during higher temperatures. The plan reduces the times for sprinkler system irrigation to evening, night and early morning hours on designated days each week, depending on address-even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Sprinkler system watering is not permitted between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from April 1-Oct. 31, unless the North Texas Municipal Water District asks for more severe restrictions due to drought conditions. Watering via drip irrigation, soaker hose or hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle may be done any day at any time.

More information: https://www.cor.net/waterconservation, Water Conservation | North Texas Municipal Water District, TX

Ann Eisemann Playground Closed Through Monday
The Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park is closed through Monday, March 30 as work takes place on the playground's surface. The 11,000-square-foot recreation amenity opened in April 2019 and features a poured-in-place rubber safety surface throughout its adaptive play areas and equipment. Crews are applying a binder material to the surface to serve as a wear coat.

While the playground is closed, families are encouraged to consider some of the City's other playgrounds that feature adaptive equipment, including Breckinridge Park Playground, which includes many adaptive play elements, and Canyon Creek Park Playground, which includes an adaptive merry-go-round "Ten Spin."

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

Bond and Charter Open House Events Begin Next Saturday
Two open houses are scheduled to take place next month regarding the upcoming May 2 Richardson Bond and Charter elections, to provide an opportunity to meet with City staff and ask questions related to each election. The events will have a come-and-go format will take place at City recreation centers.

Details:

2026 Bond Election
Website: www.cor.net/2026BondElection
Voter Guide: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/45763

2026 Charter Election
Charter Website: www.cor.net/CharterElection
Charter Voter Guide: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/45629

Council Updated on Wildflower! Festival Enhancements, Data
At Monday's City Council meeting, City staff presented the second of three planned briefings for the Council regarding the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival. Monday's briefing included an overview of the festival's recent attendance numbers and budget/revenue history, enhancements planned for the 2026 festival, results from the January 2026 WF! survey and a discussion about festival challenges.

The online survey, conducted over three weeks in January, received 1,855 completed responses representing a broad, multigenerational audience, with 60 percent of respondents being nonresidents. Survey topics included ticket price preferences, activity preferences, preferred music genres and factors that would increase likelihood for attendance.

Staff plan to gather data from the 2026 festival in May and present a third briefing to the Council in June.

Complete presentation: Video

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Changes Adopted
The City Council amended the City's short-term rental (STR) ordinance Monday, including updates that establish clearer criteria for when and why a registration certificate may be revoked. The amendments also add a requirement for STR owners to collect and remit all applicable hotel occupancy taxes in compliance with state law and City codes. A short-term rental is a residential property rented out for brief stays, typically less than 30 days, such as through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

Richardson's original ordinance was established in 2022, and requires STR owners to register with the City, pay an annual registration fee, designate a local responsible party, and provide certain information to guests. It also establishes procedures for fines and possible revocation of STR registrations for violations.

More information: COR STR website

Council Continues Vacancies Discussion
At Monday's City Council meeting, the Council continued its discussion from its March 9 meeting regarding clarifying the process for filling single vacancies on the Council. Under the City Charter, a single vacancy occurring during an unexpired term for a Council member, other than the Mayor, is filled by appointment through a majority vote of the remaining Council members; the charter does not specify the process for selecting qualified candidates. Two or more vacancies are filled through special election.

Monday's discussion covered several topics, including application guidelines, timetable, outreach/communications channels to advertise a vacancy, how applicants are chosen to move on to the interview phase, and transparency regarding Council selection/interviewing of applicants.

Final refinements will be voted on at a future Council meeting and become part of the Council's Rules of Order and Procedure.

Watch Monday's discussion: Video

City to Host Summer Camps for 52nd Year
The City Council approved an ordinance Monday that clears the way for another summer of day camps hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. The ordinance adopts the City's Standards of Care for Youth Programs and is required annually by the state in order for the summer camp program to be exempt from state day care regulations. In addition, the Council also adopted Standards of Care for the City's Early Childhood Development programs held at Huffhines Recreation Center year-round.

The City is partnering with RISD again this year in the camp program, offering three camps at Terrace Elementary (Kinder, Elementary and Teen). Playground Camp, for ages 7-11, will be held at Heights Recreation Center/Heights Park.

Standards of Care website: Standards of Care

2026 Recreation Guide/Swimming and Camps Guide: https://www.cor.net/recguide

Senior Center Closed Two Days Next Week for Deep Cleaning
The Senior Center will be closed March 30-31 so a deep cleaning can take place. The work is part of a scheduled effort to conduct comprehensive cleanings at the City's recreation centers, going beyond routine maintenance and "after-hours" cleaning to focus on areas that experience heavy use or dust buildup.

Huffhines Recreation Center was closed for cleaning earlier this week, and Heights Recreation Center went through a deep clean last month.

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

Statewide Emergency Alert Drills Scheduled for April 2
Texas will conduct a statewide test of its emergency alert systems on April 2 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. You may receive a test alert on your phone, radio or television depending on your device settings and may hear outdoor warning sirens depending on your location at the time of the test. Since multiple entities will participate, you could receive more than one test alert during the testing window. Please do not disable emergency alerts on your phone. These alerts provide important information that can help keep you and your family safe.

This is only a test. No emergency action is required.

Testing helps ensure emergency alerts work when they are needed most. The City of Richardson will test its siren system on Wednesday, April 1st, at noon, weather permitting, in accordance with the regular test schedule.

Website: https://tdem.texas.gov/press-release/3-18-26-drill

Voter Registration Deadline for May 2 Election is April 2
Time is running out to register to vote in the May 2 Joint and Special election, which includes the Richardson Bond and Charter elections. Voter registration applications must be postmarked by Thursday, April 2 or brought in person to the county registrar's office by end of business on that day in order to participate. The postage-paid application is available online (for printing out) at www.votetexas.gov as well as at the Richardson Library.

New registered voters will receive their voter cards by mail. Early voting for the May 2 election is April 20-28.

Eligibility requirements: https://www.votetexas.gov

List of county registrar locations: Click here

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

RISD 2024-25 "Teacher of the Year" Recipients Honored by City Council
"Dylan Kirk, RISD Elementary Teacher of the Year 2024-25, and Diana Larsen, RISD Secondary Teacher of the Year 2024-25, were honored at Monday's City Council meeting with proclamations. Kirk, music teacher at Richland Elementary, and Larsen, 12th grade AVID teacher at Berkner High School, were chosen through a rigorous process conducted by a committee of parents, board members and staff who visit classrooms, conduct interviews and review essays submitted by nominators to identify the most outstanding educators in the District.

Presentations:

Dylan Kirk Video

Diana Larsen Video

No City Council Meeting Monday
Due to Richardson City Council's longstanding practice of not scheduling meetings on the fifth Monday of the month, there will be no City Council work session or meeting Monday, March 30. The City Council will next meet Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m.

https://www.cor.net/CityCouncil

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The April 2026 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. Since April is National Volunteer Month, the issue features a special focus on volunteer opportunities in Richardson, along with Economic Development news, construction updates, and information about the City's upcoming festivals and events, including the annual Trash Bash set for April 11.

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.

Long-term Closure Expected on Custer Parkway North of Renner
During Phase 7 of the 36-inch water line installation being conducted by the North Texas Municipal Water District, the right lane of northbound Custer Parkway from Renner Road to 15th Street in Plano may be closed to traffic. The work is expected to wrap up in February 2027. Note: If a two-lane closure is needed, it will be only allowed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Lanes Closed at Spring Valley/Lingco Intersection for Pavement Repair
The right, center and left lanes of westbound Spring Valley Road between Greenville Avenue and Lingco Drive may be closed to traffic alternately starting March 30, as pavement repair takes place following a water line connection. At least two lanes will be closed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. every day there will be at least two through lanes open to traffic, and one lane may be kept closed overnight until all three lanes are poured, one at a time. The work is expected to be completed in early April.

Healthier Texas Community Challenge Walk and Run Event Tomorrow
Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Rd. (meet at the park pavilion)
Admission: Free, no registration needed
Saturday, March 28
9 a.m.

Celebrate the last weekend of the Healthier Texas Community Challenge by walking or running 1.8 miles around Huffhines Park Saturday morning with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Plus, there will be prize giveaways! Participation in the Healthier Texas Community Challenge is not required to attend.

The Healthier Texas Community Challenge is a free statewide fitness and health challenge that began Feb. 2 and ends Sunday, March 29. Participants have been logging their workouts on a free app, earning points for themselves (and possible prizes) as well as points for their community, employer and/or school. Richardson is currently in first place among the 35 Texas cities competing in the Large Community category.

Website: Healthier Texas Community Challenge

"Bunny Tail Trail" Event Tomorrow
Breckinridge Park Pavilions, Complex C
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, March 28
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Children ages 3-12 are invited to bring a basket and "hop on down" a specially decorated trail at Breckinridge Park, stopping at booths along the way (including the Library's R.O.V.E.R. van!) to collect eggs and enjoy other spring activities.

Questions? E-mail [email protected]

Free Lecture: "When Dallas Took the Train" Tomorrow Afternoon
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 28
1-2 p.m.

Bob LaPrelle, president of the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, will share insight on how Dallas' infrastructure was shaped by the Union Terminal Company. He'll also discuss the creation of the Museum of the American Railroad and its connection and history to Fair Park. This lecture aligns with the Library's Texas America250 display highlighting Texas historical treasures. For adults and teens.

"Three Little Pigs Building Challenge" at STEAM Starters Next Friday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free; registration required (call 972-744-4358 or visit the Youth Services Help Desk to register)
Friday, April 3
4-5 p.m.

Children ages 6-8 are invited to take the Three Little Pigs Challenge and use engineering concepts to build a house strong enough that the Big Bad Wolf can't blow it down!

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:

RISD Country & Western "Dance Off 2026" Tomorrow Night
Pearce High School Auditorium, 1600 N. Coit Rd.
Admission: $10 (tickets)
Saturday, March 28
1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Join the Country & Western dance/stunt teams from all four RISD high schools-Mustang Stampede, Richardson Desperados, Berkner Ramblers and Lake Highlands Wranglers-as they show off their moves and celebrate the unique RISD C/W dance program.

Making the Best of Falling "Tree Tassels"
Spring winds normally blow oak tree "tassels," or "catkins," around North Texas every March, causing them to pile up in yards, streets and on cars, like snow, and with recent high winds, you're probably seeing a lot of them. The yellowish-brown wormlike "strings" are technically known as aments, the male flower parts of the oak trees, and they fall to the ground once their pollen is released. Depending on the location of the tree, the aments can create a yard nuisance, but experts with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service say they can serve a useful purpose as a nutrient-rich, short-term mulch in flower beds and vegetable gardens or they can be mowed into the lawn, where they quickly break down. They can also be added to a compost bin/pile (see below for information about a free upcoming composting workshop).

More information about mulch mowing: Make Mulch, Not Trash | Richardson, TX

Intro to Composting Workshop Next Friday
The IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free; registration required (registration link)
Friday, April 3
10-11:30 a.m.

The Intro to Composting workshop, presented by Anne LeSenne with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, will provide homeowners with a practical overview of how to turn everyday kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost. Participants will learn what materials can be composted, explore simple bin options and gain an understanding of basic maintenance practices. The workshop also highlights how composting improves soil health, reduces waste and supports healthy landscapes, with a focus on easy, manageable steps that can be implemented at home.

https://www.cor.net/EPI

Engineering Management Analyst ($60,122 - $85,667 Salary)
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can perform a multitude of quality control and reporting tasks associated with various projects and programs. This position includes the performance of complex and difficult tasks and responsibilities using PowerBI, such as analyzing and reporting department activities relating to projects and programs, develop asset statistics, forecasts, and lifecycle analysis. Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Process Improvement or related preferred. Master's degree in similar is preferred. Must be proficient in Power BI and SQL computer language. Possess Power BI certification or be able to acquire it within 6 months of the date of hire. Texas driver's license required.

Heavy Equipment Operator ($49,877 - $68,502 Salary)
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Drivers License will be required or obtained within 6 months.

Day Camp Counselor ($13.00/hr - $14.25/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First-Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Puffin, a 2-year-old pitbull mix with a heart of gold. Known for his friendly and sweet nature, Puffin is a favorite among shelter volunteers. He has a special knack for brightening anyone's day and is fantastic with children, making him an ideal family companion. Puffin loves to play and enjoys the company of people, always eager to show his affection. Adopting Puffin means bringing home a loyal friend who will offer endless love and joy to your family.

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.