Week in Review, May 22, 2026

May 22, 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

Trash, Recycling Schedule Changes for Memorial Day Holiday
For the Memorial Day holiday Monday, May 25, there will be NO trash, recycling or Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) services provided Monday, May 25. Make-up days for recycling will follow the schedule below. There will be no make-up days for trash or BABIC.

The table below shows the make-up days for recycling service.

Monday, May 25	Tuesday, May 26
Tuesday, May 26	Wednesday, May 27

Municipal Facility Closures for Memorial Day Holiday

Animal Shelter (Contact Richardson's Response Center at 972-744-4111 to report non-emergency animal-related issues.)	Closed May 25
City Hall/Annex, Eisemann Center, Library, Municipal Court, Recreation Centers, Richardson IQ® HQ, Senior Center, Service Center	Closed May 25
Gymnastics Center	Closed May 23 and May 25
Heights Family Aquatic Center	Open noon-8 p.m. May 23-25
Sherrill Park Golf Course	Open
Tennis Center	Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 25

Visit www.cor.net/HolidaySchedule for the holiday facility and solid waste schedule. For information on delays to the solid waste schedule, visit www.cor.net/ServiceDelays.

Heights Family Aquatic Center Open This Weekend
Heights Family Aquatic Center will be open tomorrow, Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25, from noon-8 p.m., weather permitting. The Aquatic Center will re-open for the summer swim season Saturday, May 30, along with all City of Richardson neighborhood pools.

Daily admission to Heights Family Aquatic Center (for both swimmers and non- swimmers) is $4 for residents and $8 for nonresidents; children ages 3 and under are admitted for free.

Season pool passes are now available for purchase at Heights or Huffhines Recreation Centers (in-person and by phone) and online (click here to purchase) and starting May 23 at the Aquatic Center. If purchased online, you must bring your printed receipt to pick up your Season Pass Card at one of the Recreation centers PRIOR to your first visit.

More information: www.cor.net/Aquatics

2026 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Cleanup Completed
Crews worked daily this week to clean streets and plazas at Galatyn Park Urban Center and take down tents, stages and all the rest of the apparatus that shaped the City's annual three-day Wildflower! Arts & Music festival last weekend. All streets in the area have been reopened to regular traffic.

Public Services Employees Recognized as Public Works Week Takes Place
City staff gave a presentation to the City Council at Monday's work session about Richardson's Public Services Department, which includes Utility Systems Operations, Solid Waste/Recycling, and Street Maintenance. The presentation is one of several activities the department is undertaking to celebrate National Public Works Week, being held this week with the theme, "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community." Staff noted the many ways the department serves the community "invisibly" to keep Richardson safe, connected and thriving.

Other celebration activities included the annual Equipment "Road-E-O," a fun competition among Public Services employees using heavy equipment to complete challenges, and an "I Love Public Works" campaign in which blank notes were left at municipal facilities for the public to provide feedback on what they love about public works.

Several Public Services employees were present for a City Council proclamation at Monday's meeting that followed the presentation, designating May 17-23, 2026 as National Public Works Week in Richardson.

Monday's presentation: Video
Road-E-O 5/21/26: Video
"I Love Public Works" Campaign: Video

City Council Looks at Community Development Block Grant Funding to Enhance Housing, Infrastructure Needs
The City Council was presented with an overview of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program during Monday's work session, including how DFW peer cities have used CDBG dollars and how the program could benefit Richardson. Established in 1974, the program provides federal funding to local governments for community development projects that improve quality of life, particularly for low- to moderate-income (LMI) residents. It was recently identified in Richardson's Housing Needs Assessment as one of four strategies to address priority housing-related needs.

The presentation noted that several of the City's unmet Capital Improvement Program projects-including street, sidewalk, drainage and water-wastewater repairs-as well as Parks and Active Transportation projects, could qualify for CDBG funding if they primarily benefit LMI areas or residents. Richardson's estimated CDBG allocation would be approximately $798,000 for FY 2027-28, with some federally required startup costs.

City staff will provide further information to the Council before a possible CDBG Notice of Intent is developed.

Monday's presentation: Video

New Unified Development Code Considered by City Council
At Monday's City Council work session, staff outlined the process for developing a Unified Development Code (UDC) for Richardson that would combine the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Development Regulations, and Sign Code into one document.

Used in many cities across the U.S., a UDC is intended to modernize and streamline development regulations by supporting redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and development priorities while also addressing residential adjacency concerns.

Developing a UDC would take about 24 months and involve several facets, including public engagement, hiring a consultant, assessing existing Plans and Codes, and testing regulations for impacts on existing development.

Following Council feedback, staff will issue a Request for Quote (RFQ) for consultants before further discussion.

Monday's presentation: Video

Arapaho Center Station Development on Hold
City leadership announced this week that Richardson's redevelopment efforts at the Arapaho Center Station property are being placed on hold due to current market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty. While the City remains committed to the long-term vision for transit-oriented redevelopment at the site, officials determined that current market conditions related to financing and development are not favorable for advancing a project of this scale at this time.

The City is also monitoring potential actions expected during the next Texas legislative session that could affect the future availability and structure of economic development funding tools used to support transformational redevelopment projects.

Despite the pause, the City emphasized that the long-term redevelopment potential of the Arapaho Center Station area remains strong. Richardson continues to see significant investment activity across the community, and the City and its partners will continue to monitor market conditions and evaluate future opportunities for the property as economic and legislative conditions evolve.

More information: Full Press Release

City Council Continues Discussion on "Key to the City," Naming Policies
At Monday's City Council work session, further discussion took place regarding a proposed ceremonial recognition policy, with particular focus on guidelines for awarding a "Key to the City." Council also reviewed an initial draft policy for naming or renaming city assets. Both policies build on guidelines adopted in 2014 and support the Council's 2025-27 Goals.

First introduced at the April 13, 2026 City Council meeting and revised following Council feedback, the 10 proposed "Key to the City" guidelines include eligibility requirements for recipients, nomination procedures, and the approval process. Staff presented several draft designs of the physical key.

The proposed policy for naming city assets also establishes eligibility criteria and a formal review/approval process, focusing on three types of assets: public buildings, infrastructure, and City programs/projects/services. Naming recognition would serve as a rare and elevated civic honor reserved for exceptional and lasting contributions to Richardson.

Both policies will be refined based on Council feedback and later presented for formal adoption.

Monday's presentation: Video

No City Council Meeting Monday
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, there will be no City Council work session or meeting Monday, May 25. The City Council will next meet Monday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m.

Council meeting dates and agendas: www.cor.net/CityCouncil

Sales Tax Holiday this Weekend for Water Conserving and Energy Star Items
Texans can save on the purchase of certain water-efficient and water-conserving products (including plants) as well as energy-efficient appliances during two annual sales tax holidays taking place Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.

There is no limit to the number of qualifying items purchased.

More information: Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday (texas.gov), ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday (texas.gov)

Large Valve Improvement Project to Affect Lanes on Renner Near Wyndham
Construction work is expected to begin May 26, weather permitting, for the Renner Road at Wyndham Lane Large Valve Improvement Project with the purpose of replacing a 24-inch water valve. Work will take place in the eastbound lanes of Renner Road just west of Wyndham Lane, with the right and center lanes closed at all times throughout the project. Work is estimated to be complete by late June, weather permitting.

The project is part of the City's ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade water system infrastructure. Richardson's water distribution system includes approximately 300 large water valves that are 14 inches or larger, which are classified as critical infrastructure because they allow crews to control water flow and isolate sections of waterline during maintenance, repairs or emergencies. Replacing this 24-inch valve is a preventative improvement that will help maintain the reliability of the water system and support efficient future maintenance activities with fewer impacts to surrounding areas.

More information: Contact Kyle Wyzard, Project Engineer, 972-744-4286
[email protected]

Lane Closures Expected on Belt Line Just West of US 75 as Utility Work Takes Place
The right and center lanes of westbound Belt Line Road between Lindale Lane and Floyd Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as an emergency repair on a water main break takes place. Every day at 3:30 p.m. there will be at least two lanes open to thru traffic, with one lane possibly kept closed overnight.

While the water main work is expected to wrap up by the end of May, the right lanes of both westbound and eastbound Belt Line Road between US 75 and Lindale Lane may be closed to traffic as needed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. through late September as gas utility replacement work takes place in this area at four different locations.

CityLine LIVE Continues for Two More Weekends
CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St.
Admission: Free (including free parking)
Friday and Saturday evenings through May 30
6-9 p.m.

Just two more weekends to enjoy the spring edition of the CityLine LIVE outdoor music series- the annual FREE series features many types of music, including rock, country, Tejano, R&B and more. Once the spring series ends, you can still catch outdoor music on the Plaza this summer at CityLine's monthly BoHo Market on the second Friday of each month.

Website: Complete CityLine LIVE lineup

Game On: "Board Games in the Library" Tomorrow
Spring Creek Room
Admission: Free; no registration needed
Saturday, May 23
1:30-4:30 p.m.

Adventure to the beyond with a librarian-led game time! Lots of options will be available for solo or group play such as Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Sagrada, Sushi Go, Dixit and more! For adults and teens.

Teen Program: "One Night Ultimate Werewolf" Game
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, May 23
3-4 p.m.

There are werewolves lurking in the village, and it's your job to figure out who they are and reveal them to win…unless you've become a werewolf yourself! Easy to learn, fast paced and full of laughs - this game is perfect for fans of games like Among Us!

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• "Sanjay Sabha Live" Sunday Afternoon
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $37.50-$101 (tickets)
  Sunday, May 24
  4:30 p.m.

  A Carnatic concert led by award-winning Indian Carnatic musician and vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyan, accompanied by top-tier artists such as S. Varadarajan (violin) and Neyveli B. Venkatesh (mridangam). The concert presents Carnatic music in its purest form-rich alapanas, challenging RTPs and a diverse repertoire across Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit and Kannada.

• "Zain Zohaib Qawwali Night" Sunday Evening
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: Standard $73-$126; VIP tickets $158-$414 (tickets)
  Sunday, May 24
  7 p.m.

  Acclaimed Qawwali duo Zain Zohaib blends powerful vocals, traditional Sufi poetry and live instrumentation with contemporary energy in a show sure to please world music fans and Qawwali enthusiasts.

At UT Dallas:

• Carolyn Brown Photography Exhibit On Display at Crow Museum
  Edith and Peter O'Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, 777 Loop Rd. SW
  Admission: Free
  Through March 28, 2027
  Tuesdays through Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
  (Closed major holidays and occasional additional dates for special events or inclement weather)

  "Intersections" features the work of Dallas-based artist Carolyn Brown, who has spent more than 50 years photographing architectural sites around the world. This exhibit's photos showcase art and architecture from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, with side-by-side arrangements creating a dialog between cultures. Viewers are invited to compare textures, shapes, and forms, and meditate on the shared and layered history of significant cultural heritage.

  More information/parking: The Crow Museum of Asian Art at UT Dallas

RCB Memorial Day Tribute Concert features RCC
First United Methodist Church, 503 N. Central Expwy.
Admission: Free
Sunday, May 24
7 p.m.

The Richardson Community Band teams up with the Richardson Community Chorale for a memorable tribute to all those who have served and those who continue to serve our country.

"Everynight Live!" Sketch Comedy Continues at The Core Theatre
518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
Tickets: $15-$20 (tickets)
Through May 31
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

A fast-paced sketch comedy show bolstered by a live band.

"The Beauty of Biodiversity" Tomorrow
Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 23
1-2:30 p.m.

Join North Texas Master Naturalists, Chrissy and Sean Cortez-Mathis, to discover how native plants can transform an ordinary yard into a vibrant habitat that supports wildlife while creating a beautiful, lower-maintenance landscape. Sponsored by the Richardson Public Library in conjunction with Richardson Reads One Book. For adults and teens.

NCTCOG Offers Grilling and Gathering Advice for Cleaner Air
Hosting a Memorial Day picnic? Outdoor gatherings can be both enjoyable and environmentally friendly with this advice from the North Central Texas Council of Governments' Air North Texas division:

More information: Air North Texas Clean Air Corner

www.cor.net/EPI