Richardson staff previews $528 million five‑year capital plan, highlights 2026 bond implementation

City staff presented a five‑year capital improvement plan that outlines roughly $528 million in projects across streets, water/wastewater, drainage, transit partnerships and maintenance, with implementation guided by design status, funding deadlines and stakeholder coordination.

Charles Goff, introduced by city staff, told the council the CIP encompasses about 175 projects over the next five years and breaks down funding roughly as $110 million for water/wastewater projects, about $44 million in special maintenance initiatives leveraging grants, about $22.5 million for annual street and alley maintenance, and roughly $223 million in the 2026 bond program. "In total, it actually equates to about 175 projects over the next 5 years," Goff said, and summarized that streets account for more than half of the bond (about $132,000,000), with fire facilities, parks, sidewalks and drainage also funded through bond propositions.

Goff walked through current street program status—completed panel replacements (Renner, Melrose, Floyd), overlays on Coit, Beltline, Waterview and Downing—and noted some projects are paused or staged because of coordination needs (for example, a waterline under St. Luke's required replacement before overlay work). He summarized alley program progress and sidewalk work (residential areas R2B, R1B, R2C) and said staff will finalize the FY27 work plan after certified property values and revenue forecasts are available.

In response to Council Member Arfin, staff described monthly coordination meetings with franchise utilities to reduce instances where other utilities excavate newly completed pavement and acknowledged emergencies (line breaks) still require immediate repairs. Council Member Dwayne asked about a McKamey Springs playground; staff said a new playground is planned but design details remain to be developed.

Goff urged caution when reading the CIP map—design start years do not necessarily equate to construction start years since design can take many months; staff will refine timing as designs and budgets are finalized. The presentation and subsequent Q&A were provided as preparation for the council’s upcoming budget retreat; staff said they will provide periodic updates as projects move into implementation.