Week in Review, May 1, 2026

May 1, 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

Cottonwood Art Festival This Weekend
The City's Cottonwood Art Festival will be held May 2-3 at Cottonwood Park, 1301 W. Belt Line Rd. A part of Richardson since 1969, the prestigious, biannual festival includes a juried art show featuring close to 200 artists, live entertainment on two stages, a hands-on art area for children and a variety of food and beverage vendors.

Event Hours:
Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission and parking are free, with additional charges for art and concession purchases and select children's art activities. New this year: the festival is teaming up with Richardson Bicycle Coalition and BikeDFW to offer free valet parking for bicycles all weekend.

Website: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com

Cottonwood Artists Visit RISD Classrooms
Seven artists exhibiting at this weekend's Cottonwood Art Festival visited art classrooms at Richardson ISD campuses today, spanning elementary, junior high and high schools. The visits are part of the festival's Visiting Artist Program (VAP) designed to broaden interest in, and participation with, the visual arts.

During the visits, artists present to classes, demonstrate techniques, lead hands-on activities, and share their personal stories and creative journeys.

More information: Visiting Artist - Cottonwood Art Festival

Election Day is Tomorrow
A Joint and Special Election will take place Saturday, May 2 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. that will include the Richardson Bond and Charter election and RISD Board of Trustees election.

On Election Day, registered Dallas County voters may vote at any Dallas County Vote Center; Collin County voters who live in Richardson and who wish to participate in the Richardson Bond and Charter election have four voting locations from which to choose-click here for a list of locations.

More information: www.cor.net/Elections
Bond Election Guide: 2026 Bond Election | Richardson, TX
Charter Amendment Propositions: Charter Election 2026 | Richardson, TX

Pause on New Short-Term Rentals Begins May 27
The City Council this week adopted a temporary 90-day prohibition on approving new short-term rental (STR) registrations in residential zones, effective May 27-Aug. 25. This pause allows time for the City to conduct additional public outreach, data collection and analysis related to STR impacts on neighborhoods, including resident concerns about noise, parking, safety and potential STR clustering.

The ordinance does not shut down currently operating STRs that qualify under the adopted provisions. STR operators who have not yet registered may continue to operate during the interim period if they submit a complete STR registration application by May 27.

Richardson requires annual registration for STRs, defined as all, or a portion of, a dwelling unit offered or used for transient lodging in exchange for compensation for less than 30 consecutive days. The registration fee is $100.

More information: www.cor.net/STR

Council Gets Update on 2025-27 Goal Tactics
City staff gave a "mid-term update" at Monday's City Council meeting on the status of the Council's 2025-27 Goal Tactics. About 80 percent of the Tactics were approved by the Council last September, with new Tactics added organically in response to specific needs.

The City of Richardson's 2025-2027 Council tactics represent a broad service agenda focused on workforce strength, economic development, infrastructure, public safety technology, financial stewardship, housing, neighborhood reinvestment, public engagement, and regional partnerships.

The tactics help balance Council priorities with the municipal budget and staffing capacity while guiding both near-term projects and longer-term policy work.

Monday's presentation: Video
More information: 2025-27 City Council Goals, Strategies and Tactics

City Council Recognizes May as National Bike Month
The Richardson Bicycle Coalition and members of the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee were on hand at Monday night's City Council meeting as the Council proclaimed May 2026 as "National Bike Month in Richardson." The proclamation highlighted bicycling's health, environmental and economic benefits and encouraged residents to ride throughout May for both transportation and recreation, exploring local parks, trail systems, businesses and cultural attractions.

Richardson has long supported cycling initiatives, becoming the first city in North Texas recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2015. The city has 87 miles of paved bicycle trails/walkways and more than 26 miles of on-street bike lanes, with more to come thanks to an Active Transportation Plan approved in 2023.

Upcoming bike-friendly events include the City's Bike Rodeo (May 9), Bike to Work Day (May 15), and this weekend's Cottonwood Art Festival, which will provide free valet bicycle parking.

(Photo of National Bike Month Proclamation Presentation)

Monday's presentation: Video
More information: www.cor.net/Bike

Mosquito Testing Has Begun
The Health Department began its annual mosquito collection and testing this week, with traps set out in 12 areas of Richardson each Sunday and collected Monday, a schedule that will be repeated through the last Sunday of October. Nighttime spraying to control the adult population of mosquitoes is typically conducted by the City on Wednesdays and Thursdays in designated areas only when area samples test positive for the West Nile virus, or if a resident contracts West Nile virus.

Residents are reminded to think of "The Four Ds" when taking personal steps to help protect against mosquito-borne illness:

More information: www.cor.net/Mosquito

RWC, City of Richardson Present Annual Garden Tour Tomorrow
The City of Richardson and Richardson Woman's Club (RWC) are again teaming up to present the RWC Garden Tour, taking place this Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual event features a wide variety of activities at the RWC estate (a City facility) along with tours of several local gardens and benefits several local philanthropies. (See below under Environmental for information about the event's gardening seminars.)

Event information:
RWC Estate, 2005 N Cliffe Dr.
Tickets: $26.90 (tickets)
Saturday, May 2
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (garden tours 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Temporary Closure Saturday Night, Sunday Morning Near US 75/Plano Parkway
The southbound US 75 frontage road will be closed from Plano Parkway to Renner Road from 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2 through 4 a.m. Sunday, May 3 as DART-related work takes place. The work was originally scheduled for April 28-29 but was delayed due to weather.

Crews contracted through DART will be removing traffic control devices that were installed for the Silver Line project, as part of final cleanup efforts. During the closure, traffic will be detoured along westbound Plano Parkway to southbound Alma Drive and on to West Renner Road in order to return to the US 75 frontage road.

Final Phase of Concrete Panel Replacement Set to Begin on Belt Line Next Week

The final phase of the FY25 Annual Street Maintenance work involving concrete panel replacement is set to begin Monday, May 4, weather permitting. Part 1 takes place along a segment of Belt Line Road between Bowser Road and Plano Road, westbound lanes and then eastbound. During the work, one lane will be closed at all times with another lane closure possible during non-peak hours from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be complete by the middle of June.

Once completed, crews will move west on Belt Line between Walton Street and Bowser Road to complete the second and final part of the work.

WF! Cornhole Tournament Early Registration Deadline is Next Friday
Wildflower Festival Grounds, 2380 Performance Dr.
Cost: $80 per team (Registration Link/More Information)
Saturday, May 16
12:30 p.m.

Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival has teamed up with Legion of Legends Cornhole to present this two-division tournament, with Recreational/Social and Advanced/Competitive divisions. Register by May 8 to receive free festival tickets for your team. Trophies and 75 percent payout awarded to the Top 4 teams in each division.

UT Dallas Hosts Summer Chess Camps for Kids, Teens; Registration Open
UT Dallas Founders Hall, 1st and 2nd floor, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
Cost: $355/session through June 28; price increases after that
Three sessions: July 13-17, 20-24, and 27-31
Choose morning or afternoon, 9:30 a.m.-Noon or 1:30-4 p.m.

Children and teens ages 8-17 learn chess or perfect existing skills. Classes are small with a low student-to-teacher ratio and students grouped by ability, age, experience and instructor assessment. More information/registration: Event Link

Richardson Community Chorale "Celtic Voices" Concert Tonight
First United Methodist Richardson
Admission: Free
Friday, May 1
7 p.m.

Join the RCC for an exciting evening of Celtic music featuring the "Eclectic Celtic" band, Skyland. A reception follows the performance. RCC is funded in part by a grant from the Richardson Cultural Arts Commission.

www.rcchorale.org

"Saturday Morning Kids" Family Storytime Tomorrow
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 2
10:30-11 a.m.

Join Library staff for a family storytime program geared toward children ages 3-6 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. No residency or registration requirement to attend.

"Richardson: How We Got Here" Local History Lecture Tomorrow Afternoon
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, May 2
2-3 p.m.

Local History Librarian Stacey Davis will provide an engaging lecture about Richardson's history from farm community to technology center, including Dallas, the surrounding area and Richardson Public Library. A TexasAmerica250 Event, for adults and teens.

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

It's the Richardson Civic Art Society's (RCAS) 60th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition! Tonight, see works in a variety of mediums, meet the artists and enjoy light bites. The exhibit will be available for viewing through May 25.

The Richardson Community Band performs the iconic sounds of the video game universe, from the beloved worlds of Super Mario Bros. to the cool, jazz-drenched universe of Cowboy Bebop. Marvel and DC. The band also dives into anime themes, rounding out the show with "Golden" from "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

At UT Dallas:

• Friday, May 1, Dance Showcase at University Theatre, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 2, Wind Ensemble at University Theatre, 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 2, String & University Orchestra at University Theatre, 4 p.m.
• Sunday, May 3, Piano Recitals at Jonsson Performance Hall, 2 p.m.
• Monday, May 4, Brass Ensemble at Jonsson Performance Hall, 6 p.m.
• Monday, May 4, Improv Theatre at University Theatre, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday May 5, Chamber Music at Physics Bldg., Rm 1.304, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 7, Guitar Recital at Jonsson Performance Hall, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, May 7 Percussion Ensemble at University Theatre, 7 p.m.

More information: Events - Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology | The University of Texas at Dallas

Three Gardening Seminars Offered at RWC Garden Tour Saturday
Richardson Woman's Club (RWC) Founders Hall, 2005 N. Cliffe Dr.
Admission: included with Garden Tour ticket; tickets cost $26.90 (Tickets)
Saturday, May 2
9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Gain valuable insights from local gardening experts while learning about the following topics, then get inspired by touring local gardens:

The annual RWCTX Garden Tour is co-sponsored by the City of Richardson, see above under News for more information.

Peak Season for Bird Migration Has Begun; Late Night "Lights Out" Encouraged
Audubon Texas, the state branch of the National Audubon Society, is inviting businesses, developers and homeowners to help protect billions of migratory birds traveling through Texas this month and next by closing blinds and turning off all outdoor, non-essential (non-security) lighting from 11 p.m.-6 a.m.

The "Lights Out, Texas!" campaign aims to educate the public/build awareness about bird migration, including the fact that the majority of North American migrating birds travel at night, and that light emanating from our cities can disorient the birds, leaving them confused and vulnerable to urban threats like collisions with buildings, the top human-related cause of death for birds. Lights Out practices are known to produce measurable benefits for birds throughout the Americas.

Peak spring migration is in full swing right now, ending May 12; complete spring migration wraps up June 15. Fall migration begins Aug. 15. Website: Click here

www.cor.net/EPI

911 Dispatcher ($54,223 - $75,309 Salary)
The Police Department is looking for an individual that can operate various telecommunications equipment, dispatch and deploy public safety units, notify other support services and, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required.

Fleet Technician II ($48,218 - $67,689 Salary)
The Fleet Department is currently looking for an individual who can perform general repairs on City vehicles/equipment, including (but not limited to): electrical repairs; brake repairs; general engine repairs; install accessories or other components as requested, general welding repairs and modifications on City vehicles/equipment. Make emergency repairs on City vehicles/equipment in the field. Assist other Fleet Technicians as requested. High School Diploma or G.E.D required. Texas Class A Commercial Operator's License (CDL) required. Texas Class C Drivers License acceptable if applicant has also passed the written portion of Class A CDL test.Must obtain Texas Class A CDL within six months of assignment to position. Must have three currentA.S.E. certifications. Any Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification can be substituted for any one ASE certification. May substitute AWS Welding Certification for one ASE or EVT certification. Certifications must be kept current, and renewed in a timely manner.

Lifeguard PT ($14.00/hr to $15.00/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who is a minimum of 16 years of age. Must have ability to make quick and effective decisions. Must have: good verbal and written language skills; ability to cope effectively with large crowds and

www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Mena, a gentle 3-year-old pitbull mix with a heart of gold. Having bravely completed her heartworm treatment, she's in great health and ready for a new beginning. Mena's mellow nature makes her a perfect companion for cozy evenings at home, yet she's always up for a friendly stroll around the block. Although a bit shy, once she warms up, her affectionate side shines through. If you're looking for a loyal friend who embodies resilience and love, Mena is your ideal match. She deserves a forever home where she can thrive and share her gentle spirit.

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.