Week in Review, Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

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

Arts Grants Awarded to Local Nonprofits
The Richardson City Council approved $375,000 in grants for 22 area cultural and arts-related nonprofit organizations at Monday's meeting, based on recommendations from the City's Cultural Arts Commission. Funded through the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, the grants will support operating expenses and regular programming for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The recipients represent a wide range of artistic disciplines, including choral and orchestral music, theater, ballet, literature and visual arts.

Selection criteria for the grants include an organization's focus on Richardson, overall community impact, and efforts to advance the City's Cultural Arts Master Plan.

City Arts and Culture website/list of funded organizations: https://www.cor.net/arts Local shows/events: https://www.artsinrichardson.com View Presentation: City Council Meeting Video

Richardson-Based IntelliEPI IR Expands Semiconductor Operations in The IQ^®
IntelliEPI IR, Inc., a Richardson-based semiconductor innovator, is expanding its research and development operations within the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ^®). The company, located in a 23,000-square-foot facility on Collins Boulevard, develops advanced epitaxy-based compound semiconductors used in sensing and imaging applications, and this week became the third business to benefit from Richardson's Research Award Match Program (RAMP).

RAMP is designed to encourage small businesses engaged in research and development with strong commercialization potential. The program supports local companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards and helps strengthen Richardson's innovation ecosystem, which is anchored by industry leaders, startups, and research partnerships with institutions such as The University of Texas at Dallas.

The IQ^® continues to be recognized as a hub of choice for companies like IntelliEPI IR because of its collaborative environment and access to talent, research, and partnerships that fuel innovation and business growth.

More information: https://www.richardsoneconomicdevelopment.com

City Council Seeks Second Friendship City Agreement
The City Council approved a resolution at Monday's City Council meeting supporting the pursuit of establishing a Friendship City Agreement with New Taipei City, Taiwan in advance of a joint visit set to take place in Taiwan next week. The effort seeks to promote friendship and mutual benefit. It is the second city in Taiwan of which Richardson is seeking a friendship agreement; last week the Council approved a similar resolution regarding Keelung City, Taiwan.

A Friendship City agreement would involve collaboration between the two cities in exploring educational, cultural, arts and economic opportunities, which could include networking and conferences to promote business partnership and economic opportunities, and youth exchange events.

New Partnership Expands Support for Richardson Shelter Pets
The Richardson Animal Shelter has become the fifth municipal shelter to partner with Friends of Rescue Animals (FRA), a Rowlett-based nonprofit with more than 300 volunteers. Founded in 2004, FRA provides financial support for select treatments and procedures at partner shelters and operates a foster-based dog and cat rescue program. It also helps the Richardson Animal Shelter with volunteer management. So far, volunteers from FRA have been providing about 400 volunteers hours each month at the shelter.

Through the new partnership, FRA will help cover the cost of heartworm treatments for dogs and specialized medical care for both dogs and cats at Richardson's shelter. The organization will also take in some of the shelter's cats through its cat rescue program, which is especially helpful during and following the summer months when shelters traditionally see an increase in cat intakes after the spring birthing season.

FRA sponsors adoption events at three PetSmart locations and has adopted out more than 600 cats so far in FY 2025. All cats are vaccinated, combo tested, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before adoption.

In addition to Richardson, FRA partners with municipal shelters in Rockwall, Garland, Sachse and Corsicana.

To volunteer at the Richardson Animal Shelter please visit the FRA website: https://www.frastx.org

Richardson, Other Cities Reach Rate Agreement with Atmos
The Richardson City Council adopted an ordinance Monday approving a rate increase for Atmos Gas, effective for bills rendered after Oct. 1, 2025. The adjustment will raise the average monthly residential bill by about $8 (9.3 percent) and the average commercial bill by about $26 (6.6 percent). The change is expected to generate $205.6 million in additional revenues for Atmos to recover the cost of capital investments made in 2024 to serve the Mid-Tex Region, which includes Richardson.

The increase follows a review by the Atmos Cities Steering Committee (ACSC), a coalition of 187 member cities, including Richardson, that works collectively each year to evaluate gas rate requests. The approved increase is 16.15 percent less than Atmos originally proposed at the beginning of the review process. The adjustment was determined under the annual "Rate Review Mechanism" agreed upon by ACSC and Atmos Mid-Tex.

View Presentation: City Council Meeting Video

City Encourages Board Participation with "Get on Board" Next Tuesday
The City of Richardson will host its annual Boards and Commissions Reception on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Richardson City Hall. The free, come-and-go event provides an opportunity to meet City Council members, learn about the application process, and explore ways to serve the community through one of the City's boards or commissions.

Event Details

Richardson's boards and commissions are comprised of resident volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge and expertise in an advisory capacity. Members review important community issues, such as park development and planning and zoning, and provide recommendations to the City Council.

Information/Application: https://www.cor.net/GetOnBoard

City Seeks Public Input on Safety and Accessibility Plans
The City of Richardson is inviting residents to provide feedback on two important initiatives that will help guide future projects: a citywide Safety Action Plan and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.

The Safety Action Plan will outline strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on local roadways, focusing on the safety of all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, micromobility users, and public transit riders.

The ADA Transition Plan will identify and address barriers that limit access to public facilities, programs, and transportation infrastructure.

In addition to a public meeting held last August, feedback is being gathered online via two surveys available through Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Link: Safety and Accessibility Survey

Nominations Closing Soon for 2025 Community Revitalization Awards
Nominations are open through Tuesday, Sept. 30, for the City of Richardson's 2025 Community Revitalization Awards, an annual program that recognizes owners who have made significant improvements to their property that enhance the community. Eligible entries include homes, multi-family dwellings, retail and commercial buildings, churches, and schools.

Projects considered for nomination may include:

Since its creation by the City Council in 1994, the program has recognized nearly 350 properties for revitalization efforts across Richardson.

Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Award Program Website: Community Revitalization Awards

Property Tax Statements to Be Mailed in October
Next month, the Dallas County and Collin County tax offices will mail property tax statements to Richardson residents, based on values set by the county appraisal districts as of Jan. 1, 2025. The City of Richardson contracts with both counties for the collection of property taxes, and property owners will receive a statement from the county in which their property is located.

Payment Information

All property tax payments must be postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2026.

No City Council Meeting Monday
Due to Sept. 29 being the fifth Monday of the month, there will be no City Council work session or meeting that day. The Council will next meet Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. with the agenda posted Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Meeting Schedule: https://www.cor.net/CityCouncil

October Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The October 2025 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. In it, you'll learn all about the new 2025-26 City Budget, details on more than 30 upcoming classes, workshops, concerts and events (including three Richardson festivals and the DART Silver Line Grand Opening), and economic development news.

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.

Richardson Today online: https://www.RichardsonToday.com

Pavement Repair Work Begins Next Week on Melrose Drive East of Custer
The eastbound side of Melrose Drive between Custer Road and Lorrie Drive will be closed to traffic starting next week (week of Sept. 29) as pavement replacement work takes place, part of the City's Arterial and Collector Street Rehab Project. While the work is underway, only westbound traffic will be allowed on this stretch of Melrose Drive (residences on the south side of Melrose will still be accessible). Once the eastbound side is complete, contractors will begin work on the westbound side. The work will take place from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Lane Closures Expected Near Jupiter/Renner Intersection for Fiber Optic Work
The following lane closures are expected daily between 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. over the next few weeks as fiber optic work takes place near the intersection of Jupiter Road and Renner Road:

The work is expected to wrap up by the end of November, weather permitting.

Pavement Repair Program Begins Next Week
The City's annual pavement crack sealing program will begin next week at Campbell Road near the UT Dallas campus. While contactors are sealing cracks in the pavement, temporary lane closures will be necessary. Roads will be repaired in the following order:

https://www.cor.net/projects

"Chalk the Walk" at Cottonwood Art Festival-Deadline to Sign Up is Monday
The fourth annual "Chalk the Walk" Art Contest will take place at the upcoming Cottonwood Art Festival Oct 4-5. Artists age 12+ have the opportunity to create a masterpiece of their choice on the sidewalks of Cottonwood Park with a chance to win up to $500 in cash prizes.

Artists may participate solo or in a team/family group of up to four members. Registration fees range from $10-$20. Rules, schedule, registration and more are available here.

Deadline to register to participate is Monday, Sept. 29. No registrations will be taken the day of the event and spots are limited.

Website: https://www.cottonwoodartfestival.com

Peanut Butter Drive Ends Tuesday
There's still time to donate peanut butter for the annual North Texas Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive, which began Sept. 2 and ends Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Several locations in Richardson are drop-off sites-locations include:

The event is held every September in conjunction with Hunger Action Month and benefits local food banks in several North Texas cities. Peanut butter is perpetually on food bank lists of most-needed foods, since it's nutritious, kid-friendly, shelf stable and high in protein. Last year, the drive collected more than 300,000 pounds of peanut butter.

"Come Fly with Me Part Deaux" Tomorrow
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, Sept. 27
1-2 p.m.

Join us for a travel adventure with a former luxury flight attendant - sharing food, stories and souvenirs of remembered trips. If you'd like to share a memento from one of your travels, call us ahead at 972-744-4355 so we can have books from that locale on hand. For adults and teens ages 16+.

R.O.V.E.R. Roams! Next Thursday
Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Thursday, Oct. 2
5-6 p.m.

Join Richardson Public Library's outreach van, R.O.V.E.R., for stories, crafts, games and discovery in the park! It will pop up at the Huffhines Park pavilion for free fun for kids and families. Explore new books and take part in hands-on activities, all outside! No registration required, just drop by and join the fun!

At the Eisemann Center:

• "Tusk: The World's #1 Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band" Tomorrow
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $45-$70 (tickets)
  Saturday, Sept. 27
  7:30 p.m.

  Performing together since 2008, five talented musicians recreate the iconic sound and style of Fleetwood Mac, with authenticity unmatched as they perform the group's songs in their original keys matching every note and gesture.

• Marilyn Henrion Fiber Arts Exhibit in Green Gallery Opens Next Thursday
  Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Oct. 2-25
  Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public performances
  (Meet the Artist "First Friday" Free Reception Oct. 3, 6-8 p.m.)

  "93 at 93: Selected Works Pt. 1" features the creativity of renowned textile artist Marilyn Henrion, now based in Plano, whose work is part of notable museum and gallery collections worldwide including The Museum of Arts and Design in New York City and is represented in the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Art. In celebration of her 93rd year, the exhibit showcases 93 of her original works that mix traditional hand quilting with contemporary technology-Henrion digitally manipulates her own original photographs and transforms them into quilted art, both abstract and representational.

• Last Weekend to Experience "Betty's Notebook"
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: Immersive Experience $22 (tickets); Concert $20-$62 (tickets)
  Through Sept. 28
  Immersive Experience: 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. tonight (Friday), 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday/Sunday
  Concert: 7:30 p.m. each day

  In the summer of 1937, a teenage girl named Betty Klenck heard something strange on her radio. She wrote down what turned out to possibly be the final transmission of Amelia Earhart. Decades later, her notebook still guides researchers and became the starting point for this immersive experience and unique multimedia "concert." Presented by Eisemann Edge Initiative, Verdigris Ensemble and Eisemann Center Presents.

  More information: click here and here

At UT Dallas:

• One O'Clock Lab Band Tonight
  Arts and Technology Lecture Hall (ATC 1.102)
  Tickets: $15; complimentary for students, faculty, staff and retirees from any university with valid university ID (Ticket link: Click here)
  Friday, Sept. 26
  7:30 p.m.
  
  Seven-time Grammy Award nominee The One O' Clock Lab Band is the internationally acclaimed performing ensemble of the jazz studies program at the University of North Texas. The band's outstanding individual musicianship and ensemble performance are complemented by an exceptional repertoire of Big Band music. Event link/parking info.: click here
  
  
• Continuous "Collage Concert" Tomorrow Night
  Edith and Peter O'Donnell Jr. Athenaeum
  Admission: Free and open to the public
  Saturday, Sept. 27
  7:30-8:30 p.m.
  
  Experience an hour of non-stop music as performers from across UT Dallas' Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology come together for a fast-paced, immersive evening. Ensembles and soloists share the spotlight in a continuous stream of sound and movement-one performance after another-all staged throughout the expansive lobby of the Crow Museum of Asian Art on the UT Dallas campus.
  
  Come early to explore the galleries prior to the performances. Galleries open at 6:30 p.m. Event link: click here

"You've Got a Friend in Me" RCB Children's Concert Sunday
First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Admission: Free
Sunday, Sept. 28
4 p.m.

The Richardson Community Band presents their now annual family adventure, an immersive Disney event with music from old and new classic films. The RCB famous children's books will make an appearance, as will mini light sabers for "conducting." Costumes are encouraged for both big and little kids, as there will be a parade around the church to show them off. There's also a new sing/move-along in the works and even some music education.

Website: click here

Fall is a Great Time to Try Composting
If you haven't tried composting yet, fall is a great time to learn more about it, as fallen leaves (a great component of compost) are getting more plentiful. A large amount of space is not required; a composting bin can be as small as three feet wide. Materials to place inside include "browns" (brown leaves/grass, cardboard, newspaper) and "greens" (plant-based food scraps, green leaves/grass) in a 2:1 ratio.

If you live in an apartment and don't have yard materials for a compost bin or a way to use compost once it's created, you can still collect food scraps to help create compost elsewhere for local farmers and gardeners-click here to learn more about "concierge composting" and a DFW-area community drop-off near Love Field.

The City of Richardson supports composting and mulching (both can decrease the amount of trash the City sends to the landfill by 20-30 percent), and encourages both through its "Make Mulch Not Trash" lawn care initiative and its partnerships with Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Pure and the Dallas County Master Gardeners Association.

More information:
Composting information from AgriLife Extension click here
Richardson BABIC/Make Mulch not Trash information click here
EPA information on composting click here

"Four D's" Still Important as Weather Cools
With fall officially here, cooler temperatures typically bring more outdoor activities and with that comes a risk of more incidents of West Nile virus (WNV) infections-in fact, fall is considered the most active season for WNV infections. The City of Richardson tests mosquitoes each year from April through the end of October, and sprays areas if/where WNV is detected in mosquito samples.

You can reduce your risk of WNV by following the Four Ds of Protection:

Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

Website: Mosquito Control at Home and in the Yard (tamu.edu) Website: https://www.cor.net/mosquito

Administrative Secretary I ($42,097 - 66,978)
The Eisemann Center is looking for an individual that can perform difficult and specialized clerical work requiring knowledge of departmental operations, answer telephone calls and take accurate messages, prepare correspondence, and sort, file and maintain proper organization of departmental files, contracts and correspondence.

Crew Chief ($54,504 - $76,104 Salary)
The Public Services Department is currently looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class A is required.

Water System Technician PT ($20.00/hr - $22.78/hr)
Water Production is looking for an individual who can observe activities of contractors involved with installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment at City water utility sites, inspect construction, repair, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system., operate fire hydrants and water valves; record their location with a GPS unit; and maintain records of these functions electronically.

Pet of the Week
Meet Crow, a 3-year-old Pitbull terrier mix with a heart of gold. This friendly, goofy fellow loves to play and has an infectious enthusiasm that lights up the room. Crow enjoys a good game of fetch and is always eager to learn new tricks, making him a delightful companion. He's great with people and dreams of finding a loving home where he can share his boundless joy and affection.

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.