Feb. 14, 2021
This Week's News
Winter Weather Updates
North Texas is experiencing extreme winter conditions, including snow, sleet and single-digit temperatures.

ERCOT is asking customers to conserve power to reduce stress on the system.

Please stay off the roads, if possible. We’re updating our website with weather information, impacts to City services and more. 
Share Your Thoughts in the Arts Master Plan Survey
Everyone is creative! The City of Garland is working on an Arts and Culture Master Plan that finds ways that it can support the arts and creative expression for all residents.

Please fill out this short survey to tell us about the kinds of arts and cultural activities you’re interested in.

You may also attend an upcoming virtual community meeting Feb. 23, 24 or 25 to hear more about the cultural arts planning process and take the survey live. Visit GarlandArts.com for more details and to register.
Interactive Mapping and Easier-to-Read Notifications Simplify Zoning Cases
Staff has been working with the City Council and Plan Commission to improve the zoning notification process by providing clearer, more informative and transparent information to the public.

You can visit GarlandPlanning.org and click on “Active Zoning Cases” to view a map of the city that features all current zoning cases.

In an effort to make sure people notice where new zoning is proposed, Garland is also placing more noticeable signs on the properties themselves. At least two bright green signs with large black lettering will be found at sites with active zoning cases.

Learn more about these updates at GarlandTX.gov.
Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant Deadline Tuesday, March 23
The Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program enables registered neighborhood groups, both voluntary and mandatory, to apply for matching funds for physical enhancement projects in publicly accessible spaces.

These projects encourage neighbors to work together to create projects unique to their neighborhood while boosting a sense of pride and ownership.

Applications are due Tuesday, March 23. Letter of Intent forms, applications and guidelines can be downloaded at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.
Inventive “Story Map” Wins National Award
The Garland Water Utilities Department won a national award for its newly published story map, “We Keep it Flowing, Coming or Going.”

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies awarded this year’s Public Information & Education Award to the department’s presentation. Garland’s multimedia production walks the viewer through the City’s history of water and wastewater services and concludes with the technology that we use today. Pictures, graphics and video all contribute to the storytelling style of this project.

You can explore the story map at GarlandWater.com and learn more about the award at GarlandTX.gov.
Sip, Shop and See at Thirsty Third Thursday

Celebrate Thirsty Third Thursdays in Downtown Garland from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.
 
Visit participating locations during their extended business hours, take advantage of their specials and enjoy a complimentary beverage while you shop. Check in with the host business of the month to pick up a wristband, tote bag and map.
 
This month's host business is The Frocksy, located in Downtown Garland at 510 Main St.

Head to VisitGarlandTX.com to learn more and see a full list of participating businesses.  
Made Fresh & Local Virtual Concert Series

Our fresh and local concert experience is back by popular demand and headed straight into your living room!
 
Grab some popcorn, drinks and your best friends to get a front-row seat to our Made Fresh & Local virtual concert series. Performances featuring some of the area’s best musicians and artists occur at 7 p.m. every other Thursday night.
 
This Thursday, Feb. 18, join The Driftin' Outlaw Band for local Texas country! Get more details about the lineup and schedules at GarlandParks.com.
Register Now to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
The Garland Health Department is registering individuals included in Phase 1A and Phase 1B for COVID-19 vaccinations as vaccine becomes available.

Updates will be posted to GarlandTX.gov/COVIDVaccine and to the City’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

View an informational video about registration in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Please note that you only need to register once for our waitlist. You may register with multiple providers. If you receive the vaccine through a different entity, please email GPH@GarlandTX.gov so we may move someone else up on our waitlist.
COVID-19 Updates
The Garland Health Department has received reports of 1,740 active cases out of 25,703 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Garland residents since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as 230 deaths. The City will update its posted case numbers each afternoon.

Events and Announcements
City Council Meetings
Feb. 15 and 16
The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15. Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. During these meetings Council will discuss the Capital Improvement Program. Council is scheduled to approve this year's Capital Improvement Program at the Feb. 16 Regular Meeting.

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

Due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, the meetings will be virtual. You can watch the meetings online. The virtual meeting link will be included in the individual meeting agenda. You may participate by telephone. Dial-in numbers will be posted with the virtual meeting information.

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

Did you miss the Mayor's State of the City Address? Watch it now!
The 2021 State of the City Address is now available for viewing via online streaming and YouTube.
SKYWARN Storm Spotter Virtual Training: Tuesday, March 2
The 2021 severe weather season is around the corner. Are you prepared to recognize clues that suggest large hail, flash flooding or a possible tornado? The National Weather Service will host its free SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, in virtual format. This training is free but you must register in advance.
Public & Media Relations
P.O. Box 469002 | Garland, Texas 75046