Week in Review, March 13, 2026

March 13, 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

Amazon Discusses Drone Delivery Adjustments with City Council
Amazon staff updated the City Council at Monday's meeting regarding steps the company has taken to address community concerns about its Prime Air Drone Delivery service. The service began in Richardson in December and is located at Amazon's fulfillment center at 3051 Research Dr. Concerns have included flight paths and frequent noise.

After receiving feedback in January from residents, City Council members and City staff, Amazon has implemented the following enhancements:

Amazon plans to work with neighborhoods in the area to discuss these changes and take additional feedback to develop future enhancements.

Monday's presentation: Video

Website: Link

City Receives Clean Audit for 2024-25 Financial Report
The City of Richardson received a "clean" unmodified audit opinion for its 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), according to independent auditors who presented their findings at Monday's City Council meeting.

The auditors issued unmodified opinions in all three areas reviewed, including: financial statements, internal controls over financial reporting, and federal compliance. The annual audit helps ensure the City's financial statements can be relied upon by the City Council, residents and third-party investors.

The ACFR is available online at https://www.cor.net/ACFR. Printed copies are available for viewing at the Richardson Public Library and the City Secretary's Office.

Monday's presentation: Video

City Council Reviews Procedures for Filling Council Vacancies
At Monday's regular meeting, City staff briefed Council members on the City Charter's requirements for filling vacancies on the Council and presented recommendations to help clarify the appointment process.

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. While the Charter outlines the position is filled by appointment, it does not specify the process for selecting qualified candidates. If two or more Council seats become vacant, the Charter requires the positions to be filled through a special election.

Staff presented a proposed nine-step procedure to guide the appointment process for a single vacancy. The recommended framework, modeled after the City's existing Boards and Commissions appointment process, would span approximately 12 weeks and include steps from developing and reviewing an application to interviewing candidates and administering the oath of office.

Council members provided feedback on the proposed steps and indicated they will continue refining the process during future Council discussions.

Monday's presentation: Video

Scouts Earn Public Safety Merit Badges at Richardson Training Event
The Richardson Fire Department, Police Department and Office of Emergency Management hosted a "Scouting Public Safety Day" merit badge event last Saturday at the City's Fire Training Center, providing Scouts with hands-on learning opportunities related to public safety.

A total of 60 Scouts participated in the event, with the opportunity to earn seven different merit badges, including Crime Prevention, Search and Rescue and Fire Safety. In all, approximately 100 merit badges were awarded during the daylong program. Additionally, 18 Scouts completed certification in the Stop the Bleed program, which teaches life-saving techniques for controlling severe bleeding during emergencies.

The event was supported by 22 volunteer instructors from the three City departments, along with partners from Texas Search and Rescue (TXSAR) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, who helped lead training sessions and demonstrations.

Recreation Center Deep Cleaning Program Begins at Heights
The Heights Recreation Center recently completed a two-day deep cleaning and sauna replacement, leaving the facility "like new" inside, according to Parks and Recreation staff. The work is part of a scheduled effort to conduct comprehensive cleanings at the City's recreation centers.

Heights was the first facility to undergo the process. Huffhines Recreation Center is scheduled for deep cleaning March 25-26, followed by the Richardson Senior Center March 30-31. The work goes beyond routine maintenance and focuses on areas that experience heavy use or dust buildup.

The deep cleaning includes high dusting of ceilings and elevated surfaces, sanitizing shower walls and floors, detailed cleaning of fitness equipment, and improving air quality through cleaning of air vents and ceiling fans. Hard floors are scrubbed and sanitized, and carpets receive deep extraction cleaning.

Facilities are closed to the public during the cleaning process. Richardson Recreation Center memberships remain valid at both Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers, and Heights will remain available for members to use while Huffhines is closed.

More information: https://www.cor.net/RecCenters and https://www.cor.net/SeniorCenter

Blue Recycling Bag Letters Hit Mailboxes Soon
Richardson's annual Blue Bag recycling letters were mailed to residents today and are expected to arrive in mailboxes early next week. Each letter can be redeemed for two rolls of blue recycling bags, with 26 bags per roll. The letters are distributed each spring to encourage residents to take advantage of the City's recycling services.

Letters may be redeemed at the following locations (note that past years' letters do not expire and may also be redeemed):

Website: www.cor.net/recycling
Website: www.cor.net/bluebags

Free Leak Detection Kits Available Beginning Monday
The City of Richardson is participating in the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Fix a Leak Week March 16-22, an annual initiative that raises awareness about household water waste and encourages residents to check their homes for leaks.

As part of the effort, the City will distribute free toilet leak detection tablet packs at several City facilities throughout the week while supplies last. A leaking toilet is one of the most common sources of water waste in a home and can lose more than 200 gallons of water per day. While some leaks are easy to hear, others can occur silently.

Residents can pick up the leak detection tablets during normal business hours through March 22, at the following locations.

The tablets require no special tools and include instructions that help homeowners determine whether a toilet flapper is leaking.

More information: Website

DART to Host Community Meeting in Richardson on Potential Service Changes
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is holding a series of community meetings across the Metroplex to provide information and gather feedback on potential service changes planned for 2026.

A meeting for Richardson residents will take place next Tuesday at Huffhines Recreation Center. For those unable to attend in person, DART will also host a virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams on Monday. The meetings are intended to give riders and community members an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes and share input.

Details:

More information: https://www.dart.org/PublicHearing

Submit any comments and questions via e-mail to [email protected].

DART Alters Service for Dallas St. Patrick's Parade and Festival
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has announced service changes for Saturday, March 14 to help with the expected increase in riders traveling to and from the 2026 Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival:

More information: https://www.DART.org/SPD; https://www.dart.org/rideralerts

DART Customer Relations: (214) 979-1111

Fundraiser Supports Pavilion at Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground
The Richardson East Rotary Foundation is concluding its first series of "Annie's Place" spirit nights with a fundraising event Tuesday evening at Shady's Burgers and Sweet Firefly Ice Cream in Two Creeks Plaza. The effort supports 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, is planned as an extension of the inclusive playground and will provide a shaded gathering space for families and visitors of all abilities to enjoy throughout the year.

Details:

A percentage of in-person proceeds from the evening will be donated to the project. To date, the Foundation's "Make It Happen" campaign has raised $71,000 toward its $175,000 fundraising goal.

Project Information: https://www.cor.net/AnniesPlace

Wildflower! Marketplace Vendor Deadline is Next Week; Other Deadlines Approaching
Richardson's 2026 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival scheduled for May 15-17 is accepting applications for Prosperity Bank Marketplace vendor booths through Sunday, March 15. The Marketplace is a one-stop shop for local and regional goods in the heart of the festival grounds, offering accessories, unique art, home decor, jewelry, specialty clothing and more!

Cost is $500 for the whole festival for a single booth, plus a $30 application fee. Price includes a 10 x 10 white tent, light source and electrical outlet.

Apply at ZAPP: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13568

Additional upcoming Wildflower! deadlines include:

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

No City Council Meeting Monday
Due to RISD and PISD Spring Break, there will be no City Council work session or meeting Monday, March 16. The City Council will next meet Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m.

https://www.cor.net/CityCouncil

Traffic Update - Custer Parkway Reconstruction
Concrete replacement work continues on Custer Parkway between Fall Creek Drive and White Cliff Lane. During this phase, southbound Custer Parkway may be closed at times, and traffic in both directions will share the newly constructed northbound lanes, with one lane open in each direction.

Additional impacts are expected at the Cap Rock Drive and Custer Parkway intersection. The east side of the intersection may be closed, meaning traffic traveling north on Cap Rock Drive from Campbell Road will not be able to cross Custer Parkway.

Both phases of work are expected to be completed by early June.

Lane Closure Expected on Belt Line East of Plano Road
The right lane of eastbound Belt Line Road between Plano Road and University Village Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., as a curb is demolished and a new turn lane built on the south side of Belt Line Road. The work is expected to wrap up by mid-April.

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

Several Spring Break Camps Offered by Parks and Recreation Next Week
There are still spots available in several Spring Break Camps being offered by the City's Parks and Recreation Department! From science to sports to cooking, check out these boredom busters taking place next week:

Week of March 15

Cost and hours per camp varies.

More information/registration: https://www.cor.net/parksonline

St. Patrick's Events in the CORE District This Weekend feature Green Plants, Irish Music and More
Celebrate St. Patrick right here in Richardson with several fun events taking place in Richardson's CORE District this weekend:

Mother & Son Nerf Challenge - Registration Open
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: $15 (early bird registration - ends March 18), $20 (must register by April 10)
Saturday, April 18
6-9 p.m.

Registration is open for an unforgettable night of Nerf battles for moms and their sons. This Nerf challenge includes a Nerf Battlezone and target shooting fun. Open to kids ages 6-14, who are accompanied by a mom, stepmom, grandma, aunt or other mother figure. Each participant (both son and mom) must be registered.

Additional details: Activity detail | City of Richardson Parks and Recreation - Online Services
Activity #50586

"Pi Day" Recipe Exchange Tomorrow Afternoon
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 14
1-2 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Pi Day (3/14) by sharing pie recipes and partaking of pie! Whether sweet or savory, galette or hand pie, all pies are welcome. Bring your favorite pie recipe (and a sample pie if you would like, though it is not required) and share the joy of pie with fellow bakers. For adults and teens.

K-POP! Fandom Mode for Teens and Tweens Tomorrow Afternoon
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 14
3-4 p.m.

Teens and tweens are invited to get into their fandom mode and join library staff for a K-Pop afternoon! Make your own custom beaded key chains, learn how to make norigae knots, create buttons featuring your favorite artist, and sample popular Korean snacks and drinks. While supplies last! For ages 9-18 only.

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

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

"Curtains" Opens Tonight at RCT
770 N. Coit Rd.
Tickets: $37 adults, $20 youth (tickets)
March 13-22
7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Sundays at 2 p.m.

Get ready for a night of suspense, laughter and toe-tapping tunes as Repertory Company Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning murder mystery musical, "Curtains." Set in the 1950s, "Curtains" takes audiences backstage to the drama and intrigue of the theater world. When a murder occurs during the opening night of a Broadway-bound musical, Detective Frank Cioffi is called in to investigate. As cast and crew become suspects, Cioffi unravels a web of egos, rivalries and secrets to uncover the truth.

City Hosts Free "Fix-a-Leak" Workshop Next Friday
Richardson IQ^®HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd.
Admission: Free (registration required; click here to register)
Friday, March 20
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Attend this educational session designed to help you identify, prevent and repair common household water leaks. Learn how to spot hidden leaks, understand the impact on water bills and local water resources and gain practical tips for simple fixes. The workshop also highlights everyday conservation practices to help reduce water waste, save money and protect the community's water supply.

Time to Plant Cool Season Flowers (and other March Gardening Tasks)
With weather expected to be sunny and mild this weekend, it's a good time to plant cool season flowers (such as daisies and geraniums), prune back overgrown ground cover, and remove winter damage from shrubs and other ornamentals. The Dallas County Master Gardeners Association (DCMGA) includes those recommendations in its list of March Garden Tasks available at the group's website-here are a few more:

Remember that if you don't mulch your leaves to be left on your lawn, you can place them in compostable bags and call the City's BABIC service for collection. BABIC also picks up large piles of brush and tree limbs.

DCMGA Website
BABIC Information: www.cor.net/babic BABIC request line: 972-744-4111

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.

Maintenance Helper II - Streets ($43,680-$52,952 Salary)
The Public Services Department is looking for an individual who can clean/wash, maintain, and service tools and equipment used in street, drainage, and alley maintenance, repair and construction. Participate in all phases of Street Division work. Load and unload materials and equipment, using appropriate safety precautions. Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees, supervisors, officials, and the public. Lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds of materials and tools; pull, push, and/or drag up to 150 pounds of materials and tools. Climb, crawl, kneel, squat, stoop and/or bend freely when working; work sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time. High School Diploma or GED required. Texas Drivers License, Class C, required. Must obtain applicable Commercial Learner's Permit within 1 month of hire. Must obtain Texas Class A Commercial Drivers License within 6 months of hire.

Swim Instructor/Coach PT ($15.50/hr to $17.50/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can teach and/or coach individuals and/or groups of various sizes in summer aquatic programs at multiple locations. Perform other related work as required. Must have completed at least two (2) years of high school or greater. CPR & First Aid for Lay Responders or CPR for Professional Rescuers preferred.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Graham is a sweet and friendly 3-year-old Carolina dog mix who's looking for a forever home. His gentle demeanor and loving nature make him an ideal pet for any family or individual. Adopting Graham means giving him the chance at a life filled with love and companionship that he so richly deserves.

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.