Richardson, TX 75080 Patricia Allbee 411 W
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RICHARDSON TODAY’S 2019 STATE OF THE CITY Published by the City of Richardson www.cor.net — 972-744-4104 February 2019, Vol. 31, No. 5 What’s Inside Richardson’s “value proposition” is highlighted by Mayor in the annual State of the City Address During the annual State of the City Address last month, Mayor Paul Voelker talked about Richardson’s “value proposition” and how the City strives to be the location for those looking to create a home or build a business, with the goal of creating points of differentiation that en- able Richardson to remain a top choice in the DFW Metroplex. SPRING “Our value proposition is our promise of what we as a city government will deliver to Spring Rec Guide you,” Mayor Voelker said. “How we do it more Inside economically, with a greater consideration for leveraging resources and with a focus on ser- vice. It is the difference you hear in the way we answer the phone and the speed at which we respond to your needs. Our success is the result of a history of good planning and City Councils have gone through a process to chart a course for the future. Over the decades this long-term planning process has resulted in the development of the Telecom Corridor® area and headquarters and the development of CityLine, with DART on the design and construction of helped shape our strong commercial office de- home to State Farm and Raytheon facilities are an enhanced bridge feature over US 75. velopment while also envisioning the neighbor- just a few. And this past year, commercial leas- “Our partnership with DART has brought hood amenities that make Richardson a place ing activity in Richardson was so active it led to lasting benefits to our community and provided we love to call home.” our Telecom Corridor® area ranking as one of economic mobility for the people who depend During his Address, Mayor Voelker stressed the hottest office markets in North Texas.” on transit services every day,” he said. “We are Chair Art Contest that the City’s value proposition is only en- Mayor Voelker highlighted recent news con- excited to see this vision become a reality and hanced by the many strong local and regional cerning Richardson’s longtime partner DART, look forward to riding the train to DFW Airport at Cottonwood partnerships that have been established. He and the announcement in December that the when the project is completed in late 2022.” Art Festival recognized educational partners UT Dallas, Cotton Belt Commuter Rail Line has been fully Mayor Voelker closed the address by high- RISD, PISD, Richland and Collin colleges; funded. The project includes a 26-mile com- lighting some future and long-term projects Page 5 health care partner Methodist Richardson muter rail corridor from Plano through Rich- that are underway including the Collins/Arap- To celebrate the 50th Medical Center; the Richardson Chamber of ardson to the DFW International Airport. It aho TOD and Innovation District vision and anniversary, Cottonwood Art Commerce; Dallas and Collin county commis- will connect with Fort Worth’s TEX Rail line, improving and revitalizing the City’s downtown Festival is bringing back the sioners courts; state and national legislative rep- providing a direct route from a new second district. resentatives; and board members and officials station at CityLine to downtown Fort Worth. “Chair Art Contest.” More information about the City’s from the North Texas Municipal Water District The new rail line will run through the northern highlights/accomplishments presented and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). part of Richardson with a stop on the UT Dallas during the State of the City Address “Our partnerships have led to signature campus. It will also include an adjacent hike- (www.cor.net/stateofthecity) may be found projects in our city,” he said. “Fossil’s new and-bike trail and noise wall structures near on pages 3 and 4 of this publication. headquarters, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas residential areas. The City is working closely Groundbreaking is held RichardsonToday.com for Inclusive Playground website to launch Feb. 1 Communications Survey Results Reported Page 5 The results from last year’s communication survey are reported to the City Council. This month marks a new city-wide communications survey chapter in City of Richardson conducted in 2018. communications—the launch of Results from the survey showed RichardsonToday.com, a new web- the Richardson Today newsletter The ceremonial groundbreak- “This speaks volumes about site dedicated to ongoing coverage was the most valued news resource ing for the City’s first inclusive our City and the types of things of news and events connected to provided by the City. The City’s playground, named the Ann Eise- we can do when we all come to- Richardson city government. Communications Department mann Inclusive Playground, took gether,” Mayor Paul Voelker said at “We’re adding a new dimension is hoping to leverage its identity place last month at Cottonwood the event. “We’ve inspired not just to our coverage,” said Director of to expand outreach on the new Park, commemorating the begin- our own citizens but others in the Communications Greg Sowell. digital platform. Coverage on the ning of a much-anticipated project Metroplex.” He reminded those in “Our new online presence will new website will also be shared allow us to provide more timely on other channels such as social and longtime dream of many area attendance that the playground is stories, which we will also en- media to inform as many people as civic leaders, caregivers, teachers, designed for all, not just those with hance with video reports that will possible about projects, programs parents and children. The play- special needs. “I think this is going be much like what you may see and services. The new website is ground will replace the existing to build empathy, understanding on television when you watch the responsive and mobile-friendly, playground at the park and will be and awareness at all ages, whether news.” with tabs for News, Videos, En- accessible to children and caregiv- you’re a child playing with another The blog-style website, which vironmental and Arts & Culture, ers of a wide variety of abilities, child or a grandparent here visiting went live Feb. 1, was crafted as highlighting five stories on the through creative design, materials your children.” the result of feedback and data home page. You can find it at and equipment. continued on page 5 gleaned from a comprehensive www.richardsontoday.com. Page 2 Richardson Today, February 2019 Last month myself and the State of the City Address is available for viewing City Council presented the an- nual State of the City Address. A Available on CITV and on-demand packed house filled the Eisemann Broadcast Schedule (Feb. 2-28) Center’s Bank of America Theatre When: 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Online Viewing to look back on 2018 and look ahead into 2019. 6 p.m. Saturdays www.cor.net/StateoftheCity The Address focused on Rich- Where: Spectrum, channel 16 www.youtube.com/RichardsonCITV ardson’s “value proposition,” which AT&T U-Verse, channel 99 is what makes us different. We are in competition with other cities in North Texas, the United States and even other countries. Because of this, we strive to be the location of choice for those looking to plant new seeds for creating a home or building a business. We promise Mayor City Council election packets available to deliver services more economi- Paul Voelker [email protected] The City of Richardson City Council election Important dates for voters cally and with a greater consider- is held every two years. The next election will be ation for leveraging resources, with public safety community. There May 4, 2019. Election packets for prospective Last day to register to vote Thursday, April 4 a focus on good customer service. candidates for Mayor and Places 1 through 6 are An important part of delivering were also many other partners and available in the City Secretary’s office. The last First day of early voting Monday, April 22 these services is the creation of supporters recognized who help make Richardson such a wonder- day to file an application for a place on the ballot Last day of early voting Tuesday, April 30 partnerships. During the Address is Friday, Feb. 15 by 5 p.m. For further informa- we had the chance to highlight ful home. tion, contact the City Secretary at 972-744-4290 City Council election Saturday, May 4 many of the groups we work with If you couldn’t attend the or www.cor.net/elections. including the Network of Com- Address, replays are available munity Ministries, Richardson on-demand at www.cor.net/ Interfaith Alliance, Helping Agen- stateofthecity. You’ll see that peo- cies Serving Richardson, Altrusa ple choose Richardson because we Winter water conservation plan in effect and the Richardson East Rotary are among the best places in the Twice a week watering is allowed anytime on designated days. Club. We also had the opportu- region to locate, contribute and nity to recognize several leaders participate. We effectively and Beginning Nov. 1, residents may water their yards at anytime on their designated watering days efficiently manage City resources to avoid watering during times when temperatures may drop below freezing. and supporters in our community such as RISD and its “STEM for while maintaining and enhancing Visit www.watermyyard.org for ground moisture information, customized weekly watering rec- services, and I hope you agree that ommendations and information on the best times to water your yard.