May 19, 2024

New District 2 Council Member Kris Beard Welcomed at Special Meeting

The Garland City Council canvassed the vote from the City's general election and welcomed new District 2 Council Member Kris Beard to the dais in a special meeting Tuesday, May 14. 

The ceremonial evening also marked the beginning of another term for Jeff Bass in District 1 and Margaret Lucht in District 5. They ran unopposed in the May 4 general election as did B.J. Williams, who was unable to attend the special meeting and will take the oath when Council reconvenes in regular session Tuesday, May 21. Learn more.

Build Garland Day Features Police, Parks and Recreation Projects

Council members and City staff celebrated upgrades at the Garland Police Department's Simunitions Training Facility, Hollabaugh Recreation Center and Watson Park on Saturday, May 11.

The events were packaged in the City's fourth Build Garland Day event to celebrate projects from its 2019 bond election. Learn more.

Applying for Boards & Commissions Just Got Easier!

Making a difference in your City and becoming directly involved in your local government is now easier than ever thanks to our new online application.

Residents who serve on Garland’s 13-plus Boards & Commissions serve in an advisory or quasi-judicial capacity, providing information directly to the Garland City Council. From planning and development to multicultural events, Boards & Commissions members advise on a range of City services. 

The City is accepting applications now for terms starting as early as June 1. Learn more.

Spa Night at the Museum Saturday, May 25

Join us for a fun night out in Downtown Garland on Saturday, May 25!

Check in at the Garland Landmark Museum, 393 N. Sixth St., between 4 and 7 p.m. and enjoy a free beauty-related program.

Then head over to Baruti Spa to enjoy a $5 chair or hand massage and a swag bag! Also visit Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, 509 W. State St., for a buy one, get one free drink.

Family Storytime on the Square Saturday, May 25

Join the Garland library on the fourth Saturday of every month for a family storytime full of stories, songs and rhymes!

Meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, on the Downtown Garland Square, 520 W. State St.

This program is free and no registration is required. If you have questions, call 972-205-2975.

Art Vibe Garland Through Saturday, May 25

One exhibition, eight locations!

Art Vibe Garland, a juried art show featuring North Texas artists, runs across the city through Saturday, May 25.

View a map of the works on display throughout the city. 

Firewheel Golf Park to Host PGA TOUR Americas Qualifying Tournament May 27-31

Firewheel Golf Park will host the PGA TOUR Americas USA Central qualifying tournament at the Bridges Course May 27-31.

The tournament is one of six qualifying tournaments. Players advancing from these qualifying tournaments will earn PGA TOUR Americas eligibility for the North America Swing that follows the event at Firewheel. More information about the tournaments can be found at pgatour.com.

City Holiday Hours and Services: Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, all City of Garland offices, utility customer service, tax office, libraries, recreation centers and Carver Senior Center will be closed Monday, May 27. 

The Hinton Landfill and Transfer Station will also be closed. Trash, recycling, and brush and bulky items will be collected on their regular Tuesday-Friday schedules.

All pool information can be found on the Aquatics homepage at GarlandTX.gov. 

Firewheel Golf Park will remain open and operate its usual hours.

Participate in the North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge

Garland is making its final push in the North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge, a friendly competition among North Texas cities.

The challenge runs through Friday, May 31, asking communities to pick up the most litter per resident. Together we can bring the trophy to Garland!

If you collect litter, record your impact using this Challenge Log! Even if you're just out for a walk and pick up some trash, it counts!

For more information, email Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Tunell at Volunteer@GarlandTX.gov.

Apply Now for Garland Youth Council

The application period to become a member of the Garland Youth Council is open now through Friday, June 7. Members will receive an education into the various workings of City business and have access to voice their particular ideas and concerns within City government.

Prospective members must reside in Garland and be in grades 9-12 during the 2024-25 school year. Members will be appointed by the Garland City Council in July.

Apply now on the Garland Youth Council website!

Prepare for Summer with EnergySaver

Summer is just around the corner, and Garland Power & Light’s EnergySaver Program could help you save money and energy during those hot months.

EnergySaver offers bill credits for qualifying energy-efficiency upgrades, including:

• Central A/C, heat pump or window A/C unit
• Ceiling insulation
• Window solar screens or film
• ENERGY STAR® windows and doors

For the complete program requirements, visit gpltexas.org/energysaver. If you have questions, email energyadvisor@gpltexas.org or call 972-205-2929.

Garland in the News

Downtown Garland's mural by blind artist John Bramblitt is featured in Goods Home Design architecture blog. Read the post about Bramblitt's mural at Seventh and State streets on the side of the headquarters for Visual Aid Volunteers, a nonprofit that has been providing Braille materials since the 1960s. 

City Council Meetings

May 20 and 21

The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, May 20. Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.

All upcoming Boards & Commissions meetings can be found on the Public Meetings calendar at GarlandTX.gov.

View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

District 6 Town Hall

May 30

District 6 Council Member Carissa Dutton will host a Town Hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St. Topics will include an update on District 6 development projects, Western Heights tree carvings and a tour of Hollabaugh Recreation Center. For more information, call 972-998-8542 or email Council6@GarlandTX.gov.

2024 Graduation Season Traffic Alert

Through June 2

Graduation season is here and Garland ISD's Curtis Culwell Center will host ceremonies through Sunday, June 2. The Garland Police Department wants motorists to be aware of potential traffic congestion and alternate routes in the area of the intersection of North Garland Avenue and the Bush Turnpike during these events. For details on the event schedule, visit CurtisCulwellCenter.com.

District 4 Town Hall

June 6

Join District 4 Council Member B.J. Williams for a Town Hall conversation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Road. Topics will include an overview of the 2023-24 Operating Budget and presentations on the Home Ownership Program and Fair Housing Rights. City Council Assistant Carma Potter will moderate. Submit questions, comments or concerns in advance to CPotter@GarlandTX.gov or 972-205-2292.