City Offices Closed Sept. 7; No Trash Collection
Irving has received $35.6 million to continue improvements along North Delaware Creek, one of the city's largest flood protection projects.
CITY VING
AUGUST 2026 / VOL 33 / NO 08
Budget Planning Underway + Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Residents
As the City of Irving prepares for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026–27 (FY27), residents have multiple opportunities to get involved and stay informed. The city is inviting public input on the budget while also announcing increased tax relief for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners.
Comments may be made to City Council on any aspect of the budget including programs, projects, rates, services and fees by emailing AskTheBFFs@IrvingTX.gov.
CITY COUNCIL RAISES RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION
BUDGET INPUT TIME Planning for the city’s FY27 budget is underway, and leadership is gathering suggestions, feedback and opinions for the FY27 budget.
Adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 10, and the city’s budget year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30each year. To learn more about the city’s budget, visit IrvingTX.gov/Budget and click on the "FY26 Budget Executive Summary" tab for an overview of the current fiscal year budget.
In June, the Irving City Council approved a $5,000 increase to the residential homestead tax exemption for property owners who are either disabled or over 65 years old. With this increase, qualified homeowners would see $65,000 of the appraised value of their residential property exempt from City of Irving ad valorem taxes for FY27 and beyond.
Qualified residents who have not already applied for the City of Irving homestead exemption for seniors and disabled residents must submit their application with the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) to receive the tax exemption.
For more information, call DCAD at (214) 631-0910 or visit DallasCAD.org
Irving Animal Services Aims to ‘Clear the Shelters’ this August
Irving Animal Services (IAS) is once again making it easier than ever for residents to welcome a new pet into their homes during the month of August.
As part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign, adoption fees for all eligible pets will be reduced to just $25 throughout the month of August. The shelter will then celebrate Clear the Shelters Day on Aug. 29 by waiving all adoption fees!
Clear the Shelters is an annual initiative that encourages pet adoption and helps shelters across the country connect animals with families. Last year, IAS successfully placed 46 pets into new homes during Clear the Shelters Day alone.
Shelter staff hope to surpass that number this year and are encouraging residents who have considered adopting to visit and meet the many dogs, cats and other animals currently available.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
2026 RESIDENT SURVEY RESULTS
Nearly 5,000 residents participated in the City of Irving's 2026 Resident Survey, providing valuable feedback that will help shape the city's priorities for the next two fiscal years.
The results show Irving continues to be viewed as a great place to live and work, with satisfaction improving across most service areas since 2024. Fire, Library and Solid Waste Services received the highest ratings of satisfaction, while residents also expressed strong appreciation for parks, public safety and overall city services. At the same time, residents identified clear priorities for future investment: street and sidewalk maintenance, homelessness, economic development and code enforcement emerged as the top focus areas.
These insights will play an important role in guiding future decisions. On Aug. 11, the Irving City Council will begin reviewing the proposed FY2026-27 budget, including supplemental funding requests designed to address resident priorities and invest in the services and infrastructure that matter most to the community.
Survey results will be published on IrvingTX.gov/resident-survey-results after City Council formally adopts the budget in September.
Every adoption gives a pet a second chance and helps create space for another animal in need of care.
For more information about available pets and adoption requirements, contact Irving Animal Services or visit IrvingTX.gov/Animal-Services
Irving Archives and Museum Launches Mobile-Friendly Digital Guide
Discover Irving’s history in a whole new way with the Irving Archives and Museum’s free digital museum guide.
Designed for residents and visitors alike, this curated mobile experience brings exhibits to life with interactive maps, video highlights, pinchand-zoom artwork, and multilingual, accessible content all without ads. Whether you're exploring the museum in person or planning your visit, the guide makes it easy to connect with the stories that have shaped our community. Visitors can
also access expert- curated guides from more than 1,400 museums and galleries worldwide. It’s another way Irving Archives and Museum is expanding access to engaging experiences that celebrate our region’s rich history, arts and culture.
The digital guide is powered by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Start exploring today by scanning the QR code.
Fiestas of Mexico Photography Exhibit Opens at Irving Arts Center
"A Trail of Marvels: Popular Fiestas of Mexico" presents a chronicle of the historic and diverse traditions of Mexican festivals as experienced through the lens of photographer Geoff Winningham.
Winningham’s work highlights how cultural celebrations unite communities through centuries-old traditions of art, music, dance and worship. "A Trail of Marvels" will be on display through Nov. 14 at Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Local History Spotlight: Lone Star Recreation Center (Lively Park)
The Lone Star Recreation Center was maintained by the Salvation Army in the 1940s and was a popular attraction for many Irving families. In the mid to late 1950s, the City of Irving purchased the recreation center and turned it into what we now know as Lively Park at 909 N. O’Connor Road.
Today the 36-acre park features a baseball field, jogging trail, skate park and picnic areas.
History Beyond the Headlines: Book a Ruth Paine House Museum Tour
At the Ruth Paine House Museum, step inside the restored 1963 Irving home where history unfolded. Visitors can reserve a private tour of the home to gain a deeper understanding of the people and events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Discover a rare historical perspective that continues to engage scholars from around the world.
Current Exhibits at Irving Arts Center
Carpenter Hall Lobby A Trail of Marvels: Popular Fiestas of Mexico | Photography | On view through Nov. 2
Courtyard Gallery
Beyond The Hours: The Art Of IAC Teen Volunteers | Mixed-Media On view through Sept. 12
Dupree Theater Lobby
Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Quiché | Illustrations | On view through Oct. 17
Main & Focus Galleries
Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art From the Riemer Collection Mixed-media | Aug. 14-Nov. 14
Gallery Hours (Free) Tuesday-Saturday: noon to 5 p.m. No reservation necessary!
For more for information, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com. Visit the art exhibits at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Image: Both horses and riders are elaborately costumed for the Fiesta of Santiago in Tingambato, Michoacán. Photo by Geoff Winningham.
Image: 1940s, Children playing at Salvation Army Pool, Irving Online Archives
Image: Tour of the Ruth Paine House Museum, Irving Arts and Culture
Local History Spotlight is presented by the Irving Archives and Museum
WILD ANIMALS IN IRVING
Irving Animal Services (IAS) responds to situations involving wildlife when public safety is in jeopardy or a wild animal is injured or sick. However, the mere presence of a native wild animal does not typically constitute a public safety threat. Preventing wild animals from becoming accustomed to people is the first step in reducing wildlife conflicts.
Wild animals will continue to come to a location if they find sources of food, water or shelter needed for survival. Trapping and removing wildlife does not solve the problem; it simply creates a vacancy for another wild animal to move in and use the available resources.
Prevent + Resolve Wildlife Conflicts
A few simple measures can help prevent or resolve conflicts between you and your wild neighbors:
Never intentionally feed wildlife
Keep trash containers tightly sealed
Feed pets indoors or pick up any remaining food after giving about 30 minutes to eat
Hang bird feeders out of reach of other animals. Do not leave bird seed in feeders or on the ground overnight
Ensure pet doors are closed securely at night
Wildlife Deterrent Service Available
IAS has deterrent devices to loan to residents and businesses, such as ultrasonic devices and motion-activated sprinklers and lights.
These devices can be borrowed for up to two weeks, free of charge. Information about how to use the devices is provided. Borrowers must sign a deterrent agreement.
To learn more, visit the Urban Wildlife page at IrvingTX.gov/Urban-Wildlife
Irving Neighborhood Services
Neighborhood Services supports Irving neighborhood associations in advocating for the needs of their community and envision a future where every neighborhood’s residents are empowered, united and collaborate to enhance the community’s overall quality of life.
Start a Neighborhood Association
A neighborhood association is a group of homeowners, renters, apartment residents and representatives from local businesses, churches and schools who come together to make their neighborhood a better place.
Starting a neighborhood association gives everyone a chance to talk about what’s important in their community and work as a team to get things done. A group that speaks for the whole community can be stronger and more effective in making real improvements.
How to Get Started
Organize a steering committee
Determine neighborhood’s boundaries
Identify the needs of your neighborhood
Create neighborhood’s bylaws
Host a general meeting
Register with the City of Irving Communications Department – Neighborhood Services Program (Voluntary)
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Start-Neighborhood-Association for more information.
Animal Services ............................ (972) 721-2256
Arts Box Office ............................. (972) 252-2787
Arts Center .................................. (972) 252-7558
City Secretary ............................. (972) 721-2493
Code Enforcement ....................... (972) 721-4829
Family Advocacy Center .............. (972) 721-6555
Fire (nonemergency) .................... (972) 721-2308
Housing Programs ........................ (972) 721-4800
Irving City Hall ............................. (972) 721-2600
Job Line ........................................ (972) 721-3773
Library ............................................ (972) 721-2606
Litter Hotline ................................. (972) 721-5487
Mosquito Hotline ......................... (972) 721-3755
Municipal Court ........................... (972) 721-2451
Parks & Recreation ....................... (972) 721-2501
Permits and Inspections .............. (972) 721-2371
Police (Nonemergency) ................ (972) 273-1010
Pothole Hotline ............................. (972) 721-7303
Streets ........................................... (972) 721-2201
Traffic and Lights .......................... (972) 721-2646
Trash and Recycling ...................... (972) 721-2232
Utility Billing ................................ (972) 721-2411
Water Utilities .............................. (972) 721-2281
In case of emergency, call 911.
For more information, visit IrvingTX.gov
SCAN ME
associations may voluntarily register with Irving Neighborhood Services to participate in neighborhood programs and become eligible for assistance and benefits. Benefits of Registering a Neighborhood Association
Stay informed with city communications about important neighborhood resources, events, initiatives and programs
Get exclusive invitations to neighborhood officer training and events
Receive resources and support to enhance community involvement and foster local collaboration
Build stronger connections with other neighborhoods for idea-sharing and collaboration
Neighborhood planning opportunities
Gain eligibility to the Neighborhood Grant Program
Disability Awareness Poster Contest
Irving fourth graders are invited to enter the Irving Disability Advisory Committee’s annual poster contest. Participants are encouraged to show how people with disabilities use their abilities to contribute to the community.
Winners will have their art showcased inside City Hall, Baylor Scott & White – Irving and Irving ISD facilities. Winners will be recognized at the Oct. 8 City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Students in public, private or home schools are invited to participate. Submit entries by 5 p.m. on Sept. 14. Artwork must be created using watercolor, pencil, pastels or crayon on 8.5 by 11-inch cardstock.
Parks and Recreation Activities
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 Davis Dr., (972) 721-2519
Aug. 14 | Back to School Party
3 to 5 p.m. | Ages 5–11 | Free Celebrate the new school year with an afternoon of games, music, food and fun.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
Aug. 27 | Thrive 360
12:15 to 1:15 p.m. | Ages 60+ | IPAR Card
Stay active, healthy and empowered through gentle exercise, stress-relief techniques, financial wellness tips and hands-on healthy cooking.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
Aug. 11 | Back to School Bash
4:30 to 7 p.m. | All Ages
Kick off the new school year with an evening of games, food and family fun.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
Thursdays | Super Soccer Stars
10 to 11:45 a.m. | Ages 18 months–5 years Build confidence, physical literacy, gross motor skills and socialization through soccer-based activities led by trained coaches. For registration and information, contact Pritee Mehta at (469) 756-5901.
Aug. 15 | Badminton Tournament
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $10 per team | Register by Aug. 13
Compete in a mixed doubles, double-elimination tournament. Players must bring their own racquets and birdies. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
Aug. 28 | Puzzle Palooza
6 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $5 per person | Register by Aug. 19
Race against the clock in a friendly 500-piece jigsaw puzzle competition. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
Senter Park Recreation Center CLOSED beginning June 1.
Library Programs and Activities
SCHOOL SUCCESS: BEYOND BOOKS
Back-to-school season opens a new chapter for learners of all ages — children, teens, college students, job seekers and adults. Irving Public Library supports lifelong learning with free services, technology, programs and welcoming spaces designed to inspire curiosity and encourage success. Some services require a current Irving Public Library card account.
Find Answers and Stay on Track
From daily assignments to major exams, the library offers online research tools that help learners build confidence and stay on course throughout the year. Visit IrvingTX. gov/Research-eLearning for lifelong learning and online tools. Students may connect with live tutors, receive writing assistance and prepare for standardized tests. Children and their caregivers also can explore educational activities for various age groups; visit IrvingTX.gov/ Homework-Help-Kids
Those seeking reading and study spaces are invited to visit any of the three Irving Public Library locations to work on independent tasks, collaborative projects and exam preparation. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Library-Locations for more information.
Technology resources at IrvingTX.gov/Tech-You help learners stay connected and productive. Public computers, Wi-Fi access and printing are available for working on assignments, creating presentations, attending online classes and locating informative materials.
A REVOLUTIONARY READ FOR IRVING
The Irving Public Library has received its 13th National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant, bringing a community-wide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary to Irving from Sept. 12 to Nov. 14. The featured title is the distinguished work "1776" by Pulitzer
NEA Big Read programs begin Sept. 12 at Cimarron Park with an Americana picnic featuring family-friendly games, refreshments and a community resource fair. Residents are encouraged to pick up a free book at Irving libraries throughout the series and participate in a variety of free programs, including a Birthday Bash for America, musical performances, author visits, a tiny art contest, crafting opportunities and panel discussions inspired by the themes of the American Revolution and the America250 commemoration.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Visit IrvingTX.gov/NEA-Big-Read and Arts.gov/Initiatives/NEABig-Read for more details.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Library for a full list of programs. For details about Make It Yourself (MiY) Zone class requirements, including required orientation sessions, see IrvingTX.gov/MiY-Zones
LIBRARY CLOSURES FOR STAFF IN-SERVICE
During each library’s scheduled closure, the remaining two locations will be open:
Tuesday, Aug. 25: South Irving Library closed
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Valley Ranch Library closed
Thursday, Aug. 27: West Irving Library closed
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Library for more information.
IRVING INDOOR AQUATIC HOURS & ACTIVITIES
Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310
A LIBRARY CARD MEANS BUSINESS
The benefits of an Irving Public Library card extend throughout the community, especially during National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Throughout September, the Library Heart Local program rewards cardholders with exclusive discounts and special offers at participating area businesses by showing their library card.
New this year, library cardholders can collect stamps on a Library Heart Local game card to be entered for prize drawings from these local establishments. Grab a game card at any Irving Library location in September, and visit IrvingTX. gov/Library for a list of supporting merchants.
A variety of card designs and types are available at all Irving Public Library locations. Explore the benefits of year-round access to books, movies, technology, online learning resources and more by visiting IrvingTX.gov/Library-Cards
Prize-winning author David McCullough, which chronicles the pivotal first year of the American Revolution.
SCAN ME
2025 Disability Awareness Poster Contest Winners
SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
School in Irving starts Aug. 11 and Irving ISD serves more than 30,000 students across 34 educational facilities. As thousands of students travel to and from school each day, drivers should expect increased traffic around campuses, crosswalks and designated school zones.
School zones help protect the youngest and most vulnerable pedestrians. Reduced speed limits are in place to give drivers more time to react and prevent serious injury. Motorists should always obey posted school zone speed limits, remain alert for crossing guards and watch carefully for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
Parents can help improve safety by using designated drop-off and pick-up areas and following traffic flow patterns established by the school. Taking a few extra moments to follow these procedures helps keep traffic moving and reduces the risk of accidents.
Drivers are reminded that school buses require special attention. It is illegal and dangerous to pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended. These laws exist to protect children as they enter and exit the bus.
Slowing down and staying alert ensures that every student arrives at school and returns home safely each day.
NOW ACCEPTING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPLICATIONS
Residents interested in serving on a board or commission can apply for available openings at OnBoard.IrvingTX.gov/Application
Qualified applicants must be a resident of the City of Irving and a registered voter in the city for at least one year immediately prior to the date of their appointment.
The deadline to apply for November board appointments is Sept. 18. For more information, call (972) 721-2493.
Below is a list of boards and commissions:
Animal Services Advisory Committee
Arts Board
Building and Standards Commission
Capital Improvement Advisory Committee
Civil Service Commission
Construction Board of Appeals
Convention and Visitors Bureau Board
Green Advisory Board
Health and Disabilities Advisory Board
Housing and Human Services Board
Library Board
Parks and Recreation Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board, No. 1
Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals
For board description, qualifications and meeting frequency, visit IrvingTX.gov/ Boards-Commissions
Expansion Work at Jack D. Huffman Community Building Continues
Construction is underway on the Jack D. Huffman Community Building parking lots, 801 W. Irving Blvd., to add more than 20 new parking spaces. In addition to increasing parking capacity, work will also include updated landscaping and relocating utility poles.
During parking lot construction, expected to run through September, the parking lot adjacent to Irving Boulevard and the circular drive adjacent to Rock Island Road will be closed. Free parking for visitors to the Huffman facility will be available at the adjacent City Hall parking garage and lots.
Parking lot improvements are a part of the Jack D. Huffman Building expansion project to complete a
Irving Receives Another $35.6 Million to Help Reduce Flooding
The City of Irving has received approval for another $35.6 million in state financing to continue improvements along North Delaware Creek, one of the city's largest flood protection projects.
Approved by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the funding will help improve the drainage channel's ability to carry stormwater during heavy rain, reducing flood risks for nearby homes, neighborhoods and roadways. The city estimates the financing will save taxpayers approximately $5.4 million over the life of the loan.
The latest funding supports the next phases of the North Delaware Creek project, including planning, design, land acquisition and construction of approximately 4,900 feet of channel improvements. The city will also replace undersized culverts, reinforce the channel, improve utility crossings and increase the channel's capacity to move stormwater more efficiently.
second floor office build-out. The Huffman build-out, expected to be complete in January 2027, includes:
Once second floor renovations are complete, the Human Resources and Communications Departments, currently primarily located on the third and fourth floors of City Hall, will relocate to the Huffman Building. The departments will share the building’s second floor with Parks and Recreation, which relocated to the Huffman Building in 2023 after outgrowing its office space at City Hall.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives.
When complete, the project is expected to provide a 100year level of flood protection, helping remove more than two dozen homes from the floodplain and reducing the risk of flooding during major storm events.
These investments help Irving accelerate one of its largest infrastructure projects while protecting neighborhoods and strengthening the city's resilience to future storms.
To learn more about the North Delaware Creek Project, including maps, project updates and construction phases, visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests
Irving Sets Legislative Agenda for the 90th Texas Legislature
Texas lawmakers aren’t scheduled to return to the State Capitol in Austin until January 2027, but the work of shaping state law is already underway. Texas House and Senate committees are meeting across Texas this summer, studying issues and developing recommendations that will form the foundation of bills considered by the 90th Texas Legislature.
The Irving City Council approved its official legislative agenda for the upcoming session in order to make sure residents’ voices are a part of that process.
A legislative agenda is more than a list of policy priorities. It is a reflection of what the Irving community values and a guide for how the city will advocate on behalf of residents, businesses and neighborhoods throughout the legislative session. From public safety and quality of life to economic development and local decision-making, the
agenda helps ensure Irving speaks with a clear, consistent voice when engaging state lawmakers.
Setting these priorities is a community effort. Council members, residents, business leaders and community stakeholders have all contributed ideas and perspectives that have helped inform the city’s legislative agenda. As the city carefully monitors legislative trends and emerging policy proposals, this input will guide where the city should support, oppose or seek changes to proposed legislation.
By establishing priorities before bills are filed, Irving can engage legislators early, when ideas are still being developed and local input can have the greatest impact. The most effective advocacy comes from team effort, and it is easy to get involved.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Legislative-Insider to view the official legislative agenda. Residents can sign up for e-mails to be the first to know about legislation that affects them and how to maximize their influence in Austin.
