Week in Review, Feb. 20, 2026

Feb. 20, 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 Reviews Richardson's FIFA Plans
Richardson City Council received an update on the City's plans to leverage and prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with staff outlining coordinated marketing, business engagement, and public safety efforts.

The City's Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a dedicated landing page highlighting places to stay, dine and explore, along with transportation and emergency information. Additional efforts include a digital "passport" program to drive visitors to local businesses, targeted online advertising, and community initiatives such as a regional cleanup challenge and environmental events tied to the tournament's presence in North Texas.

Public safety officials reported ongoing coordination with regional, state and federal partners to ensure readiness, and the Richardson Police Department is participating in regional planning, intelligence sharing and mutual aid discussions to support safe operations throughout the month-long event.

Full presentation: Video

"Safer Streets Richardson" Safety Action Plan Update Presented
The Richardson City Council received an update on the City's "Safer Streets Richardson" Safety Action Plan, a comprehensive effort to reduce serious accidents on local roadways. The plan, funded through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program, builds on previous master planning efforts and focuses on data-driven strategies to improve safety for all users of area roads.

City staff shared findings from the first phase of work, including analysis of crash data from 2020-2024 and the development of information identifying where the most severe crashes occur. Public input gathered through surveys, community meetings and stakeholder engagement also helped shape a draft vision statement and guiding principles for the plan.

Next steps include deeper evaluation of priority corridors, identification of potential countermeasures, and development of a full draft plan for Council consideration later this year.

Full presentation: Video

Council Maintains Homestead Exemption
The Richardson City Council reviewed the City's Over 65 and Disabled Persons Homestead Exemption as part of its annual financial policy review. The exemption, currently set at $160,000, reduces the taxable value of qualifying residents' homes and results in an average annual City tax savings of approximately $867 per household.

The current exemption represents just under 33 percent of the average market value of a senior home, exceeding the City's financial policy target of approximately 30 percent.

About one-third of Richardson residential accounts receive the exemption, with participation growing by an average of nearly 1 percent per year over the past five years.

Eisemann Center Update Includes Plans to Enhance Growth
This week, the City Council received a comprehensive update on operations at the Eisemann Center, highlighting continued revenue growth, organizational improvements, and a strategy focused on long-term sustainability.

Enhancements made over the past three years, include restructuring staff to improve customer experience, strengthening security protocols and expanding community engagement efforts. Council reviewed data showing consistent year-over-year growth in rentals, attendance and ancillary revenues such as parking and concessions since FY23.

Looking ahead, the facility plans to focus on increasing revenue from existing events through enhanced marketing, sponsorship development and expanded use of customer relationship management tools, while maintaining a balanced mix of programming.

Watch Full presentation: Video

Early Voting Underway for March 3 Primary Election
Early voting began this week for the March 3 Democratic and Republican Primary Elections and continues through Friday, Feb. 27. Registered Dallas County voters who are Richardson residents may vote early at any designated Dallas County early voting location. Collin County voters who are Richardson residents may vote early at any designated Collin County early voting location.

Note there are two early voting locations in Richardson for Dallas County voters (the Islamic Association of North Texas, 840 Abrams Rd.; and Ministerios Charisma, 740 Melrose Dr.) and no early voting locations in Richardson for Collin County voters. Richardson City Hall will not be a polling location during Early Voting or on Election Day.

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

One More Week for Black History Month Art Contest Entries
There's just one week left for children and teens to enter the City's annual Black History Month: "Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion" Art Contest-submissions are due by Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. Students in grades 1-12 who reside in Richardson or attend school in Richardson are invited to use the prompt, "Unsung Heroes" to design a piece, either 2D or 3D, that creates a tribute to a lesser-known figure in their life, a community leader or a family member who has made a meaningful impact.

Entering is easy- artists attach a photo of their work (as a .jpg) online within the online submission form. Submissions are placed into one of four groups for judging based on grade level. Winning works will be published by the City in an upcoming issue of Richardson Today, with artists receiving $200 plus certificates of achievement from the Mayor and Council.

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

WF! Student Art Contest Now Open
Entries are now being accepted for the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival's 2026 Student Art Contest. Open to all students in grades K-6 who live in Richardson or attend an RISD school, the annual contest features a display of the winning artwork in the Eisemann Center throughout the festival weekend, May 15-17. This year's theme is "Flower Power Pop Art!" Winners in all age categories will receive a ribbon and two tickets to the festival.

To enter, print off an official form (see link below) or pick up one from an RISD art teacher. Use markers, pencils, crayons or paint to create an artwork based on the theme on a piece of 12" square posterboard available at the locations listed on the form, and be sure to secure the form to the back of the entry. Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 9.

Website: WF! Student Art Contest

Utility Work at Arapaho/West Shore intersection Closes Lanes, Causes Detours
The right and center lanes of westbound Arapaho Road between Floyd Road and West Shore Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for new utility construction associated with the West Shore Project. In addition, southbound West Shore Drive north of the intersection may be closed at all times, with traffic detoured to southbound Floyd Road and southbound Woodland Way. Each day by 3:30 p.m., at least two westbound lanes on Arapaho Road will reopen to through traffic. Only one lane may remain closed overnight, as needed.

This phase of work is expected to be completed by late February.

Lane Closures Expected on EB, WB Spring Valley for DART Bus Pad Installation
In three phases, the right lanes of both westbound and eastbound Spring Valley Road between Esperanza Road and Coit Road may be closed to traffic, one phase at a time, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while DART installs six amenity bus pads. Three pads will be constructed along the eastbound side of the roadway and three along the westbound side.

The work is expected to be completed by mid-March.

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

"PM Pints" Next Thursday Focuses on Inclusion, Accessibility
The IQ®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (reserve a spot here)
Thursday, Feb. 26
5-7 p.m.

Mark your calendar for an exciting evening of networking, learning and complimentary beverages at this quarterly event. Special guest Thursday will be Dylan Rafaty, President and CEO of the North Texas Disability Chamber, who will speak with Richardson Economic Development Director Chris Shacklett on how accessibility, innovation and inclusion drive economic growth across North Texas, and how businesses, cities and community partners can collaborate to build inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Rotary Spirit Night Fundraiser for "Annie's Place" Thursday
Hawaiian Brothers, 2060 N. Coit Rd. (Restaurant Website)
A percentage of your purchase will be donated to the fundraiser by the business; be sure to mention Richardson East Rotary Club if ordering in person.
Thursday, Feb. 26
5-9 p.m.

The Richardson East Rotary Foundation has been coordinating 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 next spirit night is scheduled for March 17 at Shady's Burgers and Sweet Firefly.

RALC Murder Mystery Fundraiser
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.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre Saturday
City Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, Feb. 21
3-4 p.m.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) uses forces of movement and expression to create captivating dance performances. Join DBDT for demonstrations of some of their techniques, an overview of what a dance rehearsal looks like and a dance performance that highlights elements from the lecture. For all ages.

"Tales for Tails" Sunday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free ticket required; ticket distribution starts at 2:45 p.m. day of event
Sunday, Feb. 22
3-4 p.m.

Kids entering grades K-4 work on reading skills and meet lots of canine companions as they read to live therapy dogs! Kids attend independently for 10-minute sessions with a dog. All ages are welcome to come in and meet the dogs around 3:50 p.m.

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:

Shade Gardening Seminar Tomorrow
The IQ^_®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free; registration required (sign-up link)
Saturday, Feb. 21
10-11:30 a.m.

Dr. Kevin Dillard, certified arborist and Director of Landscape Management at Southern Methodist University, teaches you how to have a beautiful landscape in the shade, including how to analyze your site and choose the best plants for different types of light conditions, such as flowering plants, ground covers and grass. Sponsored by the City of Richardson.

Plan Ahead to Prevent Weeds
If you're planning to apply pre-emergent products on your lawn to prevent annual summer weeds, late February-early March is normally the best time to do so. City Parks and Recreation staff say that soil temperatures will be quickly rising soon and weed seeds will start to germinate, so it's important to have the pre-emergent in the top portion of the soil profile so that any new weed will emerge through the product, then wilt and die. Depending on what type of pre-emergent is used, watering in the product will help the chemical reach and saturate the soil.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends that herbicide treatments should always be applied per manufacturer's labeled instructions and only for the types of weeds specific to your lawn. Use caution when applying chemicals around trees, and avoid "over applying," as this can cause increased pollution flowing into storm drains and waterways.

Website: A Homeowner's Guide to Herbicide Selection for Warm-Season Turfgrass Lawns - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (tamu.edu)

Crisis Intervention Program Manager ($75,488 - $102,378 Salary)
The Police Department is looking for an individual to coordinate mental health programs by providing outreach, education, and services to people who are in crisis and/or have known mental health diagnosis. Must possess one of the following licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate), or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Work requires professional level of knowledge of a discipline equivalent to that which is acquired in a Master's degree-level of study in a human services field (sociology, psychology, etc), or public health. Valid Texas Class C Driver's license

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

Athletics & Aquatics Assistant - Part Time ($21.00/hr to $26.39/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can provide quality customer service and assist in an administrative role to enhance the operation and functionality of all city-sponsored athletic and aquatic programs. Including, but not limited to, the city's organized sports leagues, summer aquatics program, Richardson Corporate Challenge, and work with various organizations and corporations as needed, and perform other related work as required. High School Diploma or GED is required. Texas Driver's License, Class C is required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree with a specialization in recreation, or a field related to Athletics or Aquatics is preferred.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Pumpkin Spice, a 3-year-old spayed female Pharaoh Hound mix with a heart as sweet as her name. Gentle, affectionate and wonderfully attentive, she's the kind of dog who makes every moment feel calm and cozy. If you're looking for a loyal companion with an easygoing spirit, Pumpkin Spice would love to meet you.

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.