Four community open houses will be held to provide Richardson residents an opportunity to learn about the upcoming City Hall bond referendum.

In the May 6 election, Richardson residents will be asked to vote on a proposition to decide on a general obligation bond referendum that would raise $46 million to help pay for the construction of a new City Hall at the building's current location. Early voting begins April 24.

The open houses will include stations providing information about various elements of the status of City Hall. City engineers, public safety personnel and other officials will be available to answer questions and provide more information.

The meetings are scheduled to take place at the following times and locations:
  • April 1 from 2-5 p.m. at the Richardson Innovation Quarter headquarters, located at 1302 E. Collins Blvd.;
  • April 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the Heights Recreation Center, located at 711 W. Arapaho Road;
  • April 15 from 2-5 p.m. at the Heights Recreation Center; and
  • April 16 from 1-4 p.m. at the Richardson IQ headquarters.
Updating City Hall with modern amenities has been a city goal since 2020, especially after an August 2022 fire on the first floor of the building caused structural and equipment damage. City Manager Don Magner recommended the expected $85 million project to build a new city hall on the same property, which would be located near the existing City Hall at the corner of West Arapaho Road and North Central Expressway.

The money raised from the referendum would cover a portion of the costs for a new facility, with the rest of the projected costs expected to be funded by an insurance settlement and 2021 bond program funding, according to city officials. If the bond proposition is approved, no tax rate increase would be associated with the sale of the bonds, Magner said.