Week in Review, Jan. 30, 2026

Jan. 30, 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

Recycling Makeup Collection Underway After Severe Winter Weather
Recycling collection continues through tomorrow after missing several days of collection this week due to severe winter weather impacts.

Recycling make-up days are being collected according to the following schedule:

Commercial solid waste service has resumed making collections.

For the most up-to-date information, visit https://www.cor.net/ServiceDelays.

Winter Storm Cleanup Expected to Take Several Weeks
Street sweeping following recent winter weather sanding operations will take place over the coming weeks. Crews will work through priority areas first, including intersections, bridges and major roadways, as conditions and staffing allow. Residents are asked to be patient as this cleanup process progresses and to use caution when traveling near street sweeping operations.

Heights Rec Center to Close Monday and Tuesday for Scheduled Deep Cleaning
Heights Recreation Center will be closed to the public Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 3 for a scheduled deep clean. Temporarily closing the recreational center to conduct a comprehensive deep cleaning is a proactive step to ensure a safe, healthy and high-quality environment for all users. This deep cleaning goes beyond routine maintenance and focuses on areas that require specialized attention due to frequent use and dust accumulation.

The process includes high dusting of elevated surfaces, thorough cleaning and sanitizing of shower walls and floors, and detailed cleaning of all fitness equipment to remove sweat, germs and residue from high-touch surfaces. In addition, air quality will be improved through cleaning of AC vents and ceiling fans, helping reduce the circulation of dust and allergens. Hard floors will be scrubbed and sanitized, while carpets will undergo deep extraction cleaning to remove embedded dirt and contaminants.

In addition, during this time the sauna will be replaced. Plans are for the recreation center to reopen Wednesday, but the sauna will not be ready for use at that time.

Heights Recreation Center patrons are reminded that Richardson recreation center memberships are valid at both Heights and Huffhines Recreation Center and that Huffhines will be available for use during this time.

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

"State of the City" Held; Available for Viewing On Demand
The annual State of the City Address was delivered Wednesday evening at the Eisemann Center, focusing on Richardson's major achievements in 2025 and providing a look at the year ahead. With the theme, "Innovation in Every Direction," the City Council reinforced Richardson's reputation as a local and national leader in business development, education, culture/diversity and fiscal responsibility (while providing numerous infrastructure improvements), and how innovation is seen throughout.

Videos highlighting various 2025 Richardson milestones, partnerships and events accompanied the in-person presentation, and several local leaders from education, business and nonprofit organizations were recognized during the event. The Address was free and open to the public; it was also available for live viewing online.

View on-demand: https://www.cor.net/StateOfTheCity

MLK, Jr. Student Essay Contest Deadline is Tomorrow
There are less than 48 hours left for children and teens to submit an original essay for the City's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest-submissions are due by Saturday, Jan. 31. Students in grades 4-12 who reside in Richardson or attend school in Richardson are invited to use the prompt, "The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Justice" and reflect on how acts of kindness, big or small, can create lasting change.

Winning works will be published by the City with authors receiving $200 plus certificates of achievement from the Mayor and City Council.

The City's annual Black History Month: "Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion" Art Contest for students is also underway and accepting entries through Feb. 28.

More information/submission forms: https://www.cor.net/ArtandEssayContest

Property Taxes Due Feb. 2
Because Jan. 31 falls on a Saturday, state law says that taxpayers have until Monday, Feb. 2 to pay their 2025 property taxes without penalty and interest. Property taxes owed to the City of Richardson should be paid to either the Collin County or Dallas County Tax Office, depending on where the property is located. The City of Richardson contracts with Collin and Dallas counties for the collection of property taxes.

Dallas County
Dallas County residents may pay city and county taxes online, by phone, by mail or in person at:

• North Dallas Government Center
  6820 LBJ Freeway
  Dallas, TX 75240
  https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/tax/pay-property-tax.php
  877-253-0150

• Mail:
  John R. Ames, CTA Dallas County Tax Assessor/Collector
  PO Box 139066
  Dallas, TX 75313-9066
  
  To ensure that your payment is postmarked by Feb. 2, go into the post office to request either a manual postmark or mail using registered or certified mail.
  
  E-Mail: [email protected]

Richardson ISD
The Richardson Independent School District Tax Office taxes are billed by and paid to the RISD tax office at 420 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, TX 75081, 469-593-0500, or online at www.risd.org/taxoffice

Collin County
Collin County residents can make city, school and Collin County tax payments online or in person at the following addresses (or by mail using the envelope provided with your statement; make checks payable to Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector):

City Photo Contest Winners Announced
The City's Parks and Recreation Department has announced the winners in the 2026 City of Richardson photography contest.

Amateur Adult Division and Best of Show Tim Griffy "Into the Mystic (Coquille River, Oregon)"

Additional winners were announced for Honorable Mention through First Place. A complete list of winners is available on the website listed below.

See below in Arts/Culture for information about the upcoming Photo Contest Winners Exhibit.

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

Healthier Texas Community Challenge Begins Monday; Registration Open
Get ready, Richardson-the Healthier Texas Community Challenge begins Monday, Feb. 2, a great time to get motivated and re-commit to stay on track in reaching your 2026 health and fitness goals. Texans across the state will compete and earn points by being active and recording these activities on the Wellnify app.

Registration is free; people who sign up on behalf of their city also earn points for their community with every action they submit.

The City will be offering free fitness and healthy eating classes throughout the competition; see below under Events for information about classes taking place this weekend and click on the link below for a full February/March schedule.

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

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week
The February 2026 print edition of Richardson Today has been sent to the printer and is expected to hit mailboxes next week, filled with information about the State of the City Address and the City's upcoming Lunar New Year celebration taking place Feb. 15. The issue also includes photos of the completed renovations at Fire Station 5, including new public art.

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 https://www.cor.net/SignUp and choose "Richardson Today" to sign up.

Lane Closure Expected on Waterview Parkway North of Synergy Park Boulevard
The right lane of northbound Waterview Parkway between Synergy Park Boulevard and Frankford Road may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for signal and pedestrian ramp installation work related to the DART Silver Line crossing. The work is expected to be completed by early February.

Utility Work to Close Lane on Jupiter South of Arapaho
The right lane of southbound Jupiter Road between Arapaho Road and Tulane Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as work on an existing utility pole takes place. The work is expected to be completed by early May.

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

Free Healthy Cooking Class Tomorrow at Huffhines Rec Center
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free; no registration needed
Saturday, Jan. 31
Noon

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension presents, "Cooking Well Texas Meets Mediterranean." Explore the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and how to incorporate these principles into your kitchen, while learning an easy recipe.

Free Functional Fitness Class Sunday at Huffhines Rec Center
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free; no registration needed
Sunday, Feb. 1
Noon

Get your body prepared for real-world activities by improving strength, mobility and coordination.

Game On: Board Games in the Library Tomorrow
Spring Creek Room
Cost: Free; no registration required
Saturday, Jan. 31
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 Clue, Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Sagrada, Sushi Go, Dixit and more! For adults and teens.

Pokémon Gym Badge Challenge Begins Sunday
Youth Services Area
Cost: Free
Starts Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.
Takes place each day in February during regular Library hours

In this month-long challenge, children ages 3-18 are invited to "catch 'em all" with Pokémon-inspired tasks-receive a special Pokémon button upon completion! Due to limited supplies, buttons will be awarded once per child-repeat participation is not allowed.

For a full list of library events, visit https://www.cor.net/calendar.

https://www.cor.net/Library

Proficient Best of Division JD Luttmer "Vikten Reflections"	Student Best of Division Addison Howell "Gummy Bear" Richardson High School

Photo Contest Winners Exhibit Begins Tomorrow
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Jan. 31-Feb. 24
6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays

All winning entries from the City's 2026 Photography Contest are on display.

At the Eisemann Center:

• "Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock & Roll" Tonight
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $44-$65 (tickets)
  Friday, Jan. 30
  8 p.m.
  
  From the progenitors of rock and roll in the 1940s, through the glory years of the '50s, '60s and '70s, up until MTV in the early '80s, "Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock & Roll" features groundbreaking music and the often-unknown stories from the fifty-year history of music that changed the world forever. A cast that includes stars from Broadway's greatest rock musicals present more than two dozen tributes to important and iconic rock stars/groups/genres. Part of the Eisemann Center Presents series.
  
  
• Benise: "Spanish Nights by Candlelight" Sunday Afternoon
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $58.50 (tickets)
  Sunday, Feb. 1
  3 p.m.
  
  Emmy award-winning and world-renowned guitar virtuoso Roni Benise, a.k.a. "The Prince of Spanish Guitar," takes audiences on an intimate and romantic journey through fiery Spanish guitar and dance. Expect favorite classics including "Moonlight Sonata," "Aranjuez," "Thunderstruck," "Malaguena," "Hotel California" and "Kashmir," performed in a romantic candlelight setting. The show also features dancers from across the globe, couture fashion and innovative staging and choreography.

At UT Dallas:

• ArcoStrum: Violin and Guitar Duo Tonight
  ATC Lecture Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Friday, Jan. 30
  7:30 p.m.
  
  ArcoStrum, winner of the 2023 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition and Audience Prize, fuses Chinese folk, rock, and classical music with humor and pop flair, uniting violinist Strauss Shi (violin, erhu, dizi) and Guitar Foundation of America grand-prize guitarist TY Zhang.
  
  Website: Click Here
  
  
• Reflections on Hannah Arendt's Life Tuesday
  LED Wall inside the ATC building, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
  Admission: Free
  Tuesday, Feb. 3
  4 p.m.
  
  Speakers including Dean Nils Roemer, Dr. Humberto Jose Gonzalez Nunez, Dr. Erin Greer, Dr. Hanno Berger, Dr. Katherine Davies and Dr. Charles Bambach reflect on the enduring relevance of Hannah Arendt's life and thought on the 50th anniversary of Arendt's death. Arendt was a German-born American philosopher and political theorist known for her writings on totalitarianism, authority and the nature of evil.
  
  Website: Click Here

Plant Health After a Freeze-"Wait and See"
When landscapes start to thaw out after the recent winter weather, plants may look dead or severely battered from all the sleet and snow. Texas gardening expert and author Neil Sperry advises on his website to not "rush to judgment" and that in many cases, you won't know the extent of winter freeze injury until plants try to leaf out in the spring. Even if leaves are browned, "don't assume immediately that the plant will not produce new leaves from the old stem tissues."

For more information and plant-specific advice after a freeze; click here. Several books by Sperry are available at the Richardson Public Library.

Annual Wildlife Habits Cause Increase in Coyote, Bobcat Activity
It's mating season for both coyotes and bobcats in North Texas, so area residents may see an increase in sightings of the animals over the next few months, as they are part of the natural habitat of North Texas. Bobcats and coyotes rarely pose a threat to people, but domesticated pets such as small dogs and cats could be at risk if left alone or taken off their leash near natural areas. If pets must be kept outdoors, keep them in a securely fenced area-keep in mind that bobcats can climb trees and fences and can also jump up to 12 feet, and coyotes can jump over a five-foot fence. In addition, wildlife are attracted to the rodents that come to eat dropped/spilled food and garbage, so feed pets indoors, keep bird feeders above an animal's reach (and prevent the buildup of feeder food underneath) and secure garbage containers.

Visit the Animal Services website for more steps to keep predators at a distance.

Contact: 972-744-4480
Website: www.cor.net/bobcats
Website: www.cor.net/coyotes

Crime Scene Technician ($48,611 to $75,925)
The Police Department is looking for an individual who can collect evidence at crime scenes, both physical and photographic, maintain fingerprint records, compare latents, and identify persons through finger and palm prints, process items from crime scenes for prints, provide witness testimony in court and perform other related work as required.

Crew Chief ($57,541 - $80,347 Salary)
The Public Services Department is 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.

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.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Smokey is a 7-year-old senior mastiff with a heart full of love. Known for his sweet and friendly demeanor, Smokey thrives on affection and enjoys spending his days relaxing in a calm environment. As a senior dog, he prefers a quiet life and would do best as the sole pet in a loving home. Adopting Smokey means giving him a chance to spend his golden years surrounded by care and comfort, where he can be your devoted companion. Consider opening your heart and home to Smokey!

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.