Week in Review, April 10, 2026

April 10, 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's Annual Trash Bash is Tomorrow
The City's annual Trash Bash returns tomorrow (Saturday, April 11) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot of First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expwy. (accessible ONLY from back entrance off Custer Road).

Electronics recycling and document shredding will take place at a later date (May 9); see below for more details.

Saturday's event will include a variety of collections and giveaways. In addition, nonprofit clubs, organizations, and neighborhood groups will be out in the community picking up trash and recyclables. Residents are encouraged to take part in the drive-through event and also spend a few extra minutes helping clean up litter in their own neighborhoods to support a cleaner Richardson.

Trash Bash Details:
Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
FUMCR parking lot, 503 N. Central Expwy. (enter off Custer Road)

Drive-thru Collections:

• Boxed and canned meals; new hygiene items, diapers and more (benefits clients of Network of Community Ministries)
• Used eyeglasses-including adult and children's, prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, plastic and metal frames (benefits Lions Club Recycle for Sight program)
• Used residential cooking oil/grease-in lidded, non-glass, disposable containers (recycled into biofuels)
• Drive-thru Giveaways:
• Free compost or mulch (one bag per car)
• Free emergency preparedness bags

Electronics/Document Shredding Details:
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Rd.

Website: www.rcpaaa.org
Website: www.cor.net/trashbash

Bond and Charter Open House Tomorrow
Two open houses have been scheduled this month for the May 2 Richardson Bond and Charter elections. One was held last Saturday and the second takes place tomorrow, April 11, from 2-4 p.m. The event is offered as an opportunity to learn more about each proposition and amendment that will be on the ballot. City staff are present to answer questions and provide information about proposed projects and impact of amendments.

Details:
Saturday, April 11
2-4 p.m.
Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.

In addition to bond and charter information, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the US 75 at Arapaho Road Crossing Enhancements Project.

This separate project is designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle access across US 75, enhancing connectivity between key destinations such as City Hall, the Richardson Public Library, and the DART Arapaho Center Station. Planned improvements include a new trail along Arapaho Road from Custer Road to the east side of US 75, as well as aesthetic enhancements to the US 75 underpass to complement ongoing investments at the municipal campus.

2026 Bond Election
Website: www.cor.net/2026BondElection
Voter Guide: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/45763

2026 Charter Election
Charter Website: www.cor.net/CharterElection
Charter Voter Guide: https://www.cor.net/home/showpublisheddocument/45629

1418 Coffee Announces New Location in Downtown Richardson/CORE District
Popular North Texas coffee brand 1418 Coffee has announced plans to open a new location on Main Street in the Downtown Neighborhood of The CORE District. The café, founded by Richardson native David Bryant, first opened in Downtown Plano in 2013 and has since built a strong regional following for its craft coffee and community-focused atmosphere.

The new Richardson location marks a return to the company's roots and reflects continued investment in The CORE District. City leaders have identified the area as a key priority for creating a more vibrant, walkable, and connected downtown.

The addition of 1418 Coffee is expected to further energize Main Street, contributing to ongoing efforts to attract locally driven businesses and enhance the district's appeal as a gathering place for residents and visitors.

Website: www.richardsoncoredistrict.com

Richardson Named in Top 20 "Best Places to Live"
For the seventh year in a row, Richardson has been named a Top 20 "Best City to Live in America" by Niche, a Pennsylvania-based company that analyzes public data and user reviews to create community rankings each year based on factors such as affordability, local housing market, neighborhood diversity, area public schools, walkability and more. For 2026, Richardson came in at #15 among 229 cities ranked.

Niche gave Richardson high marks for its family-friendliness, schools, health/fitness, commute, nightlife and diversity. Richardson also ranks #8 on Niche's 2026 list of "Best Cities to Retire in America" and #13 on "Best Cities to Raise a Family." It also earned the third top spot in the DFW area as a "Best Suburb for Young Professionals."

Website: Complete rankings

City Council Discusses Future Amendments for Zoning, Code Ordinances
At Monday's City Council work session, staff discussed potential updates to the City's zoning ordinance and code to address new state laws and clarify flag and flagpole regulations.

Two new state laws will require changes: one increases the threshold for zoning protests in certain residential cases and allows approval by a simple majority vote, and another updates the definition of "family," removing limits on relationships and number of occupants while maintaining existing safety and housing standards.

Staff also reviewed proposed updates to flag regulations, including definitions, limits on flagpoles, and when permits are required. Feedback from the discussion will be used to prepare formal amendments for future consideration.

Monday's discussion: Video

City's Wildflowers are in Bloom
Wildflowers have started to make their annual appearance in the City's medians and parks, along roadsides and trails, and near municipal buildings. The colorful mix of red corn poppy, corn flower and rocket larkspur are the result of more than 45 acres of fall seed plantings, conducted annually by the Parks and Recreation Department since 1990. Parks staff expect this year's beauties to be in full bloom later this month.

If you plan to get outside to take some wildflower photos, please do not pick or damage the wildflowers (it's a City Ordinance) and if you're taking photos in a City park, follow the City's photography guidelines found at www.cor.net/photography.

Website: www.cor.net/bloomtown

"North Texas Gives to the Arts" Begins Next Thursday
The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), which presents the annual "North Texas Giving Day" held in the fall, is sponsoring "North Texas Gives to the Arts" April 16-30, an earlier opportunity to give online to numerous Arts & Humanities organizations with just one transaction. Donations to select organizations during the two-week period will be matched dollar for dollar by The Giana Foundation Fund, the Robert B. and Virginia Payne Fund for Arts & Culture, and CFT (up to $100 per donor, per organization).

The City's Eisemann Center, as well as several nonprofits that have received cultural arts grants from the City, are participating in the fundraiser. These grant-funded nonprofits include:

• Chamber Music International,
• Lone Star Wind Orchestra,
• Repertory Company Theatre,
• Richardson Civic Arts Society,
• Richardson Community Band,
• Richardson Community Chorale,
• Richardson Reads One Book,
• Richardson Symphony,
• Richardson Theatre Centre,
• Rich-Tone Chorus,
• Texas Winds Musical Outreach, and
• Tuzer Ballet.

A second focused giving opportunity is planned for May, when CFT will sponsor "North Texas Gives to Animals" May 14-31.

More information: www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org

Richardson Reaches Realtors with Community Highlights
The City hosted local real estate professionals Thursday at the IQHQ for the 2026 Realtor Workshop. Now in its 18th year, the workshop helps Realtors better promote and sell Richardson as part of the City's ongoing engagement with the real estate community.

The event is designed to provide insights into the programs, services, and projects shaping Richardson, ensuring those selling property here are well-equipped to inform prospective residents. This year's presentations featured updates from education partners including RISD, PISD, and UT Dallas, highlighting new programs, bond-funded improvements, and other developments that impact Richardson's housing market and overall quality of life.

Fiber Optic Work to Close Right Lane Along Eastbound Arapaho in Two Locations
The right lane of eastbound Arapaho Road between Exchange Drive and Glenville Drive, as well as between Brush Creek Drive and Jupiter Road, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as boring and fiber cable placement work takes place. The work is expected to wrap up by early August.

Richardson Projects: www.cor.net/projects.

CityLine Night Market plus Live Music Tonight
CityLine Plaza, 1160 State St.
Admission: Free, including free parking
Friday, April 10
6-10 p.m.

Enjoy more than 30 booths at the Boho Night Market featuring handmade and vintage goods from local makers and vendors, plus live music from John Herbert. Pet-friendly and picnic-friendly.

More information: Event Link

Sample Local Restaurant Offerings at Network's "Fork-Off" Next Saturday
UT Dallas Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Tickets: $150 individual; group option and sponsorships also available (Tickets)
Saturday, April 18
6-10 p.m.

Celebrate 40 years of Network of Community Ministries' service to Richardson and surrounding communities at this annual fundraiser. The event includes samplings from 17 local restaurants, dancing, live and silent auctions, interactive activities, and more.

More Information: Event Link

"Find Local Jobs" Class for Teens and Adults Tomorrow Morning
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free; call 972-744-4355 to register
Saturday, April 11
10:30 a.m.-Noon

Discover how government and private job-seeking websites can assist you in your job search. For adults.

Sow and Tell: Seed Swap and Packing Party Tomorrow Afternoon
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525 (adjacent to Library)
Admission: Free
Saturday, April 11
1-2:30 p.m.

Bring seeds to pack, share and swap with other gardening enthusiasts, plus add them to RPL's Seed Library. Seed packing materials and labels provided, plus snacks! This Library-sponsored event is for adults and teens.

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

The Master's Touch: The Music of Jim Clancy
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $24-$77 (Tickets)
April 11-12
2 p.m.

The Vocal Majority pays tribute to the late Jim Clancy, the group's legendary founder and longtime director, with epic favorites hand-picked from Clancy's vast Vocal Majority catalog.

"Unlimited Miles: Miles Davis at 100" Sunday Evening
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $49-$70 (Tickets)
Sunday, April 12
7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the centennial of a music legend with this Eisemann Center Cabaret event, a bold, electrifying tribute that honors the genius of Miles Davis. Led by Grammy-winning composer and pianist John Beasley, a dynamic sextet of world-class musicians reimagines the iconic trumpeter's work with fresh energy and fearless creativity, spanning every decade of Davis' ever-evolving sound. Part of the Eisemann Center Presents 2025-26 season.

At UT Dallas:

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Tonight
ATC Lecture Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Tickets: $16 (tickets)
Friday, April 10
7:30 p.m.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, is a Grammy-winning South African male choral group performing in traditional isicathamiya and mbube vocal styles. They gained international fame after collaborating with Paul Simon on his 1986 "Graceland" album and have since become cultural ambassadors of South African heritage through their prolific musical career.

More information/parking: Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Comet Calendar

In-Person Event, Virtual Talk Mark Holocaust Remembrance Day Tuesday

In person event:
ATEC Bldg. First Floor Lobby, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Admission: Free
Tuesday, April 14
11 a.m.

The public is invited to gather with UT Dallas' faculty, staff and students to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day with traditional readings of prose, poetry and personal testimony in a variety of languages-consider participating by reading something you feel would be meaningful. The event also features a performance by the UT Dallas University Choir.

More information: Event Link

"The Music of Memory: Reconstructing a Lost Repertoire"
Online
Cost: Free (Registration Link)
Tuesday, April 14
3-4 p.m.

A virtual talk presented by Francesco Lotoro, internationally renowned pianist, composer, and musicologist dedicated to recovering music composed in ghettos, concentration camps, and other sites of captivity during World War II. Since 1988, Mr. Lotoro has led a global effort to locate, reconstruct, and perform these lost works, preserving a powerful yet often overlooked dimension of Holocaust history.

More information: Event Link

UTDance Ensemble Begins Three Nights of Performances Thursday
University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Admission: Free
April 16-18
7:30 p.m.

The UTDance Ensemble presents "Tribute," an evening of faculty-choreographed and collective works. The Ensemble unites gifted, committed dancers from across the Bass School of Arts, Humanities and Technology, bringing together a spectrum of academic disciplines and artistic backgrounds.

More information/parking: event link

Community Theater

"Over the River and Through the Woods" Opens Tonight at RTC
Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd. Ste. 113
Tickets: $22-$24 (ticket link: click here)
April 10-May 3
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

In this 1994 romantic comedy by Joe DiPietro, Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey who sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. When he tells them that he's been offered a dream job in Seattle, the news doesn't sit so well, and a series of schemes ensues to keep Nick around!

Rotarians Refresh Sensory Garden at Inclusive Playground
Volunteers with the Richardson East Rotary Club (RERC) held a service event recently to maintain and further develop the sensory garden located adjacent to the City's Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park. RERC provided significant financial assistance to establish the playground and garden in 2019 and has since helped to maintain the garden in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department. It provides an interactive, tactile nature experience for children of all abilities and features perennial, drought-tolerant and non-poisonous plants, with a layout that emphasizes diverse textures and colors.

Unlike traditional "hands off" garden displays, this garden encourages active engagement; children are permitted to touch the plants and pick specific flowers. The garden also serves as a habitat for local wildlife, frequently hosting nesting ducks within the ornamental grasses.

More information: Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground | Richardson, TX

Free Workshop: "Creatures in the Garden" Next Saturday
Huffhines Recreation Center (Meadows East room), 200 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free; registration required (Registration Link)
Saturday, April 18
2-3:30 p.m.

Join North Texas Master Naturalists Sean and Chrissy Cortez-Mathis for a fun talk about the different critters that call their suburban garden home. Creating a biodiverse and sustainable landscape promotes habitat for many species-come learn how you can transition your yard into an oasis in the city. For adults and teens age 15 and up.

www.cor.net/EPI

Engineering Program Manager ($125,803-$171,994 Salary)
The Engineering-Capital Projects Department is looking for an individual who can plan, manage, coordinate, direct, and supervise programs of the Engineering - Capital Projects Department, including projects for: streets and drainage, water and sewer, floodplain management, public buildings, neighborhood and park enhancements, and construction management. Assist in the development of long- and short-term strategic plans to meet the organizational and development needs of the department. Manage various department operations processes and procedures to include analytical and development work related to data processing, records management, planning and research, right-of-way management, utility management, and land rights acquisition. Manage and evaluate subordinates. Act as project engineer on public works design and construction contracts. Perform other related work as required.

Maintenance Helper II - Construction ($43,680-$52,952 Salary)
The Public Services Department is looking for an individual who can perform routine maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment used in installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution, wastewater collection, street, drainage, and alley systems, including cleaning vehicles and equipment. Drive trucks and vehicles to various job sites to assist in repairs and maintenance. Serve on standby crew for after-hours emergency work, as needed. Read, understand, and follow written and oral job instructions. Write reports by hand. Use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly. Keep storage areas clean, orderly, and in safe operating condition. Hear clearly when working around equipment, or in street and/or alley traffic, using proper safety precautions. Lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds; pull, push, and/or drag up to 150 pounds of installation and repair equipment or materials.

Day Camp Counselor ($13.00/hr-$14.25/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First-Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation.

www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Drakko, a 6-year-old Pitbull mix with a heart full of joy. Known for his sweet demeanor and friendly wag, he's the life of any play session. Drakko's energy is infectious, making him a perfect companion for active families or individuals who love to explore and play. Despite his zest for life, he also has a gentle side, enjoying quiet times and cuddles. Adopting Drakko means gaining a loyal friend who will bring endless smiles and boundless energy to your home.

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 www.cor.net/WIR.