Pet Food Safety This Holiday Season

Your dog or cat could pick up the wrong morsels during the holiday meal.

Keep a watchful eye out for food dangers that can upset a pet’s delicate digestive system or worse. Here's a few tips to consider for pets:

• Protect your crafty critter from their own curiosity. Keep unattended plates of food out of reach and secu...

Battling the Buzz this Summer

Summer is almost here which means, so is mosquito season. The City of Plano Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) team has already begun taking proactive measures to protect Plano residents from mosquitoes.The City sets mosquito traps every week t...

Preparation and Sale of Homemade Foods

Have you ever wondered what you might be able to make at home and sell? The City of Plano Environmental Health Division has received several inquiries recently and would like to clarify the rules around homemade foods. The Texas Cottage Food Law does allo...

Congratulations to the City Level Winners of this Year's Fire Prevention Poster Contest

Each year Plano ISD and Plano Fire-Rescue team up to sponsor the Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Using the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week theme, students across Plano create a poster and compete at the school and city level.

City level winners are chosen by Plano firefighters.  Here are the City level winners at the Fire Prevention Poster Contest Awards Ceremony held Wednesday evening at Plano’s City Council Chambers.  The City level winning poster...

Plano Firefighters' MDA Fill the Boot Collection Hits City Record

Plano firefighters surpassed last year’s record collections by more than $12,000 during their Fill the Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association last month.

At today’s Fill the Boot check presentation, Plano Firefighters Local 2149 Vice President Wesley Holland presented the MDA with a check for $215,000, the amount surpassing last year’s collection of $202,000. Plano firefighters collecte...

Ride in a Horse-drawn Wagon and Enjoy the Fun at Dickens

Stop by for a visit with Santa, enjoy toasted s'mores and take a turn on the snow slide. Live music, great shopping and yummy foods make this a night to share.  

Collinwood House Moves to New Site

In September, the historic Collinwood House successfully relocated from the future site of Windhaven Meadows Park to a nearby farm on Bishop Road.

Originally slated for deconstruction, the Collinwood Committee, made up of Heritage Commission members and ci...

Site Assessments for Heritage Preservation Tax Exemption Program Set for Jan. 3

If your property is currently in the heritage preservation tax exemption program, heritage staff conducts yearly site assessments on Jan. 3, 2019, weather permitting. Please address any repair items noted in this year's assessment by Dec. 31, 2018 to rema...

Submit Applications for the 2019 Heritage Preservation Tax Exemption Program

Applications for the 2019 heritage preservation tax exemption program (new participants and new property owners only) are due by Jan. 1, 2019.

Since 1984, Plano has offered tax exemptions to provide tax relief needed to encourage preservation and maintenan...

Congratulations to the FY 2018-19 Grant Recipients

Four Plano organizations are approved for $800,000 in heritage preservation grant funds. They are: 

These nonprofits support heritage preservation, heritage education and heritage tourism in the city. Grant funds are used for projects consisting o...

Preservation Plano 150 Heads to City Council

Certificates of Appropriateness Activity

The effects of the improved workflow for Certificates of Appropriateness (CAs) continue to keep CA activity rolling. Between April and October, staff approved 15 CAs and the Heritage Commission approved seven CAs.

Staff Approved (15): 

• 8 related to...

All Libraries Closed for Thanksgiving

All libraries and book drops will close at 5:00pm Wednesday, November 21 in observance of Thanksgiving. All libraries will be closed November 22 and 23. Online resources and eLibrary will be available.

2018 Fall Programs and Classes at the Library

Plano Public Library is your place for #morethanbooks. Visit us, spark your curiosity and plan how you’re going to expand your mind this fall. We have something for everyone.

• Families can re-create Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion with different activities to develop an understanding of the laws
• The 18st AIRSpace will host two artists this fall. You can learn trapunto-the art of stuffing, how to make pop up greeting card...

No More Fines for Overdue Library Materials

Effective October 1, anyone checking out materials from Plano Public Library will no longer be charged overdue fines on those materials.

Under the revised policy, items will still have due dates and patrons are responsible for managing their accounts and materials borrowed. No fines will be assessed when borrowed materials become overdue. However, accounts will be blocked from using Plano ...

Help Count the Homeless in Plano

Do you want to be a part of Plano’s annual Point-in-Time Homeless Census? On the evening of January 24, 2019, teams of volunteers and Neighborhood Police Officers will spread out across Plano to survey persons experiencing homelessness and provide care pa...

Go Ahead, Brag on Your Neighborhood

Got a great idea to bring neighbors out to the party? Did you recently complete a neighborhood project that you’d like to share? Does your neighborhood have a special initiative that helps neighbors in need? 

If you answered yes to any o...

Have a Minute? Learn a Property Maintenance Tip

Neighborhood Services has created a new way to connect with the citizens we serve. Be on the lookout for the Property Maintenance Minute . These short videos highlight ways to check your home on a regular basis for property upkeep. &...

See the Housing Survey Results

Over the past six months, the City collected data for the Housing Trends Analysis. This Analysis seeks to identify gaps in housing needs, considering cost, size, and type. This information will help Plano guide future community investment to meet our hous...

Fight Crime Alongside the Pop-Up Party Trailer

This year, your neighborhood group has the opportunity to WIN the chance to use the Pop-Up Party Trailer on National Night Out 2019!

Here's how to enter:

Raffle entries are earned by having at least one neighborhood representative attend the following event...

Who Can I Call?

Plano City News: Your City Proclaimed a Purple Heart City

Celebrate Plano as a Purple Heart City, avoid clogged pipes, keep pets away from dangerous foods and try a different recreation center while Liberty Recreation renovates in this edition of Plano City News,

Plano City News is distributed every Tuesday to 40,000 subscribers by the City of Plano Marketing and Community Engagement Department. To receive a copy directly in your inbox, please subscribe. Thank you for your readership!

Kick off the holiday season with Plano Parks and Recreation

Fall is in the air, and with the cooler temps come some of Plano Parks and Recreation’s most beloved events.

From Halloween family fun to free and/or affordable holiday events, we have just what you need to be happy, healthy and having fun all the way through New Year’s.Upcoming events:

Boo Bash

Bring the family out for a BOO-tasticly good time at Tom Muehlenbeck ...

Tell Us What You Think?

The City of Plano is conducting a short survey to help with the planning of upcoming public service announcements related to energy and air quality. The survey will take about 5 minutes. Take survey

Lead the Pledge at a City Council Meeting

Scout groups and youth organizations are a big part of each City Council meeting. Would your troop or group like to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge at an upcoming Plano City Council meeting?

Email Alice Snyder in the City Secretary's Office to secure a place on the schedule.

Sign Up for Trash and Recycling Reminders

If you struggle with remembering when to place your recycling cart out for collection, we've got a new tool for you. Get reminders by text or email to your favorite device (or both).

Alerts are sent the night before your collection between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (you pick the time). The reminders adjust with the City's holiday collection schedule. A special thanks to our Kings Ridge HOA residents for helping with testing.

Route Around Road Construction

Every Friday afternoon we update a list of current construction projects across Plano.

Visit plano.gov/roadconstruction for these updates. Keep in mind, weather can always change our schedule.

If you want day-to-day updates on projects or traffic flow, try the Waze app. For the last month or so, our projects automatically upload to the app. I...

Battling the Buzz

It's mosquito season! Learn what the City is doing and what you can battle the buzz.

Mosquito season is here and the City of Plano Environmental Health Division has begun taking proactive measures to protect Plano residents from mosquitoes.The City sets mosquito traps every week that are then sent to the Texas Department of State Health S...

Liberty Recreation Center renovations to begin next month

Liberty Recreation Center (2601 Glencliff Dr.) is preparing for an exciting renovation project, which, when complete, will feature more than just a fresh coat of paint.

The center’s last day of operation before it closes for the project is Friday, Nov. 30 and is expected to reopen in the fall of 2019. Follow Plano Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Twitter or visit Liberty Recreation Center’s web page to stay up-to-dat...

Got a question about trees? Ask the Urban Forester!

Urban Forester Angela Kralik receives many inquiries from residents who, like her, understand the importance of trees and care about well-being of these living creatures.

Having collected a small cache of questions from local residents, we want to share her useful information with the rest of the community in an effort to help everyone in Plano support the maintenance of our urban forest canopy.

Visit our Urban Forestry pag...

Kick off the holiday season with Plano Parks and Recreation

Fall is in the air, and with the cooler temps come some of Plano Parks and Recreation’s most beloved events. We have just what you need to be happy, healthy and having fun all the way through New Year’s.

Upcoming events:

Plano Christmas Market

Our 40^th annual Plano Christmas Market at Carpenter Park Recreation Center boasts 80-plus North Texas vendors under one roof. This fun and FREE event showcases handmade holiday gift items as well as jewelry, clothing,...

Trail counters reveal usage, trends along Plano’s most popular paths

It’s no secret that Plano’s recreational trail system is popular among our residents.

With 75 percent of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park or trail, people of all ages across all demographics are benefitting from these amenities, whether for fitness purposes or as a means to simply enjoy the great outdoors.

Plano’...

Ask the Urban Forester

Q. How does the City of Plano manage and preserve its natural resources in unique or sensitive areas (nature preserves, wetlands, riverbanks, etc.)?

A.  The management and preservation of our natural resources starts with the care of our trees. Not many people know this, but the City of Plano is responsible for the management of more than 28,000 public trees. These trees are not only home to ...

Unleash your creative mind through writing

Cobbler. Umber. Haunt. Grumble. Raincoat. Could you write a thoughtful and descriptive story on the fly that incorporates these words?

That is exactly what Plano Parks & Recreation’s Writer’s Critique and Discussion Group engages in twice a month. The group was formed about a year ago and meets every second and fourth Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the Gladys Harrington ...

Median Improvements Project Update: Trees, Irrigation & Hardscapes

Earlier this year (in mid-June, to be exact), Plano Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division began a project to replace median trees in three locations within the city.

The project is expected to take several months to complete, and when it is, motorists will see a noticeable difference in not only the health of the new trees but the islands on which they stand as well.The three locations that this project is taking plac...

Plano Parks and Recreation Marks “50 Years of Fun” With Yearlong Celebration in 2018

In 1968, Plano’s newly formed Parks and Recreation Department consisted of one director, two part-time employees, and 42 acres of farmland.  Today, this award-winning system boasts thousands of miles of park land, miles of trails, and b...

LGIP Volunteers: Keeping it Green in Plano

Each month individuals, clubs, organizations and businesses donate their time and talents to making Plano cleaner, greener and healthier.

While the benefits to the community are valuable, the volunteers also benefit by feeling needed and productive, learning new skills and making new friends, having fun and sometimes earning volunteer hours for school. The Live Green in Plano (LGIP...

DFW Clean Cities Recognizes Plano in Fuel Efficiency

The City of Plano has been recognized as a leader in fuel efficiency and awarded a bronze rating by the DFW Clean Cities Coalition for its work in embracing alternatives to traditional gasoline.

The gold, silver and bronze winners contributed to a combined reduction of more than 25 million gallons of gasoline in 2016, which represented the largest savings on record.Plano operates a large fleet of vehicles for a wide variety of purposes. Residents...

VIP Connection Newsletter Summer 2018

Committed to serve

VIP Connection - Spring 2018

This spring brought many milestones to the VIP program. Read more.

VPay Employees Volunteer at Plano Animal Shelter

Employees from Plano-based VPay spent two Fridays in March volunteering at Plano Animal Services. Volunteering as a group with Plano Animal Services provides valuable resources for our community and helps those precious pets get one step closer to home. V...

Volunteers Wanted for Plano CARES

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Plano Code Abatement by Residents Engaged in Service (CARES) connects local volunteers to residents in need of assistance with common property code violations. Project work days are scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of ev...

Toyota Teams with VIP for National Public Lands Day

Volunteers in Plano brought Toyota USA and National Environmental Education Foundation to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Plano, Texas! These partnerships are paramount in impacting our community. Thank you to Kym Hughes and the staff of Oak Point ...

ESL Teachers Needed

Harrington Library is looking for volunteer ESL teachers. Training is free and materials are provided. For more information, contact Julie Brown, ESL Program Director at juliebrown@lift-texas.org or call 214-824-2000 ext. 3218

In Memory of Russ Kissick

We are saddened by the passing of Russ Kissick. Russ was one of three Co-Founders and ongoing Co-Director of The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., the non-profit organization that has served as manager of the Interurban Railway Museum sin...

Bank of America Volunteers Become Super Sorters

Thank you to the team of 14 Bank of America employees for giving an afternoon of service to Haggard Library. Employees from India and several different states joined together to help sort donations and package items for the annual fundraising books sale. ...

United Healthcare Employees Volunteer at Parr Library

Thank you to United Healthcare employees for lending a hand at Parr Library. Staff enjoyed a morning of service by cleaning and organizing children’s books for the library. Children’s book are frequently checked out and at the end of e...

Bank of America Rolls Up Their Sleeves

On Friday, September 30 six employees from one of Plano's Bank of America locations chose the Plano Animal Shelter for their volunteer day. Employees were excited to lend a hand in the kennels, help with laundry, wash many dog bowls and spend time togethe...Read on...

Hyundai Capital Lends A Hand

On Saturday, September 24th seven employees from Plano's Hyundai Capital office spent their morning volunteering at the Animal Shelter. Creating a team building event around service to the community is a great way to build comradery and motivate staff to ...

Capgemini Serve Plano

On Friday, September 23 staff from Capgemini selected the Plano Community Garden and the Animal Shelter for their service day. Staff members rolled up their sleeves helped provide maintenance of the garden, weeding, turning compost piles, laying mulch and...Read on...

Capital One, A Dog's Best Friend

On Friday, August 19 employees from Capital One spent the day volunteering at the Plano Animal Shelter. Corporate volunteers play a vital role in helping advocate for the shelter after they spend a day in the life of shelter staff. Groups are all smiles a...Read on...

Cambria Hotel & Suites Supports Animal Shelter

On Friday, September 9th staff from Cambria Hotel & Suites Plano rolled up their sleeves and spent the day volunteering at the Plano Animal Shelter. 9 Cambria employees enjoyed a day of service helping the shelter maintain a clean facility, provide se...Read on...

Frisco Roughriders lend a hand at Animal Shelter

On Sunday, August 21 staff from the Frisco Roughriders donated a morning of service to the Plano Animal Shelter. They spent time helping with cleaning and maintenance of the facility which improves the customer experience and provides a safe environment f...Read on...

Bank of America Volunteers Plant Seedlings for Parks Department

A big thank you goes out to the 10 Bank of America volunteers who planted 100 trees in the Russell Creek greenbelt for the Plano Parks Department.