April 4, 2021
This Week's News
COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Updates
The Texas Department of State Health Services has announced that all adults are eligible for COVID vaccinations effective Monday, March 29, and that people over the age of 80 should be prioritized.

The Garland Health Department (GHD) has continued to experience a high “no-show rate” during recent vaccination events even after multiple attempts to contact those on the waitlist.

Because of these challenges, GHD is temporarily closing our vaccine registration site as we work through the current waitlist of more than 20,000. We want to identify and provide vaccines to those who still wish to receive them during our mass vaccination events at Homer B. Johnson Stadium and at the Garland Public Health Clinic.

Updates will be posted to GarlandTX.gov/COVIDVaccine and to the City’s Twitter and Facebook pages as they become available.
Updated COVID-19 Recovery Resources
The City of Garland and other community partners are facilitating access to various recovery programs for residents who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Rental assistance is available through Catholic Charities of Dallas. You can check your eligibility and apply for this assistance online or contact a case manager for assistance by calling 214-257-0674. One-on-one meetings can be scheduled, as needed, between noon and 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday at Garland's Central Library, 625 Austin St.

Assistance is available for a variety of services, including financial assistance for housing, utilities, food and medical expenses, as well as workforce training and job placement services, and counseling and emergency shelter.

Visit our Recovery Resources page at GarlandTX.gov to find out more.
Garland Foodies Recognized with Make Your Mark Award
The Garland Foodies set out in late 2018 to offer a friendly conversation on where to eat. Instead, they found themselves serving up a vital link to help local businesses survive a pandemic.

The group uses social media to share members’ discoveries of local restaurant gems. And when COVID-19 threatened the restaurants and workers’ jobs, the Garland Foodies took their mission to another level. Their audience went from virtual to live, showing up as customers and providing a lifeline.

The Garland Foodies were recognized Monday, March 29, with the City’s second annual Make Your Mark Awards. Learn more.
Library Virtual Community Meeting Saturday, April 10
Share your ideas about what should be inside the new Walnut Creek Branch Library! Join the virtual community meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, and let us know your thoughts.

We will look at photos representing the libraries of today to find out what you like. This information will be used to create the new library.
Garland Symphony Orchestra Performs Friday, April 16
Internationally acclaimed violinist Kiarra-Saito Beckman joins the Garland Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Don't miss performances of Beethoven's "Leonora Overture No. 1," Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D Minor" and Mendelssohn's "Symphony No. 4 in A Major (Italian)."

Enjoy the concert from the comfort of your home with live stream tickets available for purchase online.
 
Or call 972-205-2790, visit GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or purchase your tickets in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office.
Earth Day Celebration: Zoom into the Zoo!
Go Green Garland has partnered with the Dallas Zoo for a virtual experience with amazing birds, mammals and reptiles from around the world.

The 45-minute presentation will include zoologists and ambassador animals, with opportunities during and after the program for Q&A.

Two times and dates are available: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18. Only one registration per household permitted as space is limited.
Garland to Provide One-Time “Drip Adjustment” to All Residential Customers

The Garland City Council has approved a one-time residential water bill adjustment to offset the costs related to dripping faucets during the cold weather event.

The 2,000-gallon credit will show as a reduction of the monthly Cost of Basic Service charge in April utility bills. This adjustment applies to both single-family and multifamily residents.

Garland’s Utility Customer Service is available to assist residents whose water bills might reflect excessive water consumption due to broken pipes. Be sure to provide evidence of your break, such as photos and repair receipts.

Garland Utilities will always work with customers who might be struggling to pay. Contact Utility Customer Service before your bill is due to discuss options, 972-205-2671 or CustServ@GarlandTX.gov.
Winter Storm Recovery Resources

In the wake of recent winter storms, the City of Garland offers home repair assistance and resources.

Visit our Winter Storm Recovery Resources page for information on:
  • FEMA assistance - Applications due by Wednesday, April 21
  • Building Inspection permit fee waivers
  • Emergency home repair assistance programs for income-eligible homeowners
  • Assistance with cleanup related to the winter storm
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for food replenishment
  • Substance abuse and mental health services
  • Resources for Texans with special needs

Watch a short video about how to find these resources.
COVID-19 Updates
The Garland Health Department has received reports of 328 active cases out of 27,278 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Garland residents since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as 373 deaths. The City will update its posted case numbers each afternoon.
Events and Announcements
City Council Meetings
April 5 and 6
The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, April 5. Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 6. 

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.

Candidates Forum
April 14
The Garland Chamber of Commerce will hold a virtual Candidates Forum at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, where you can learn about the candidates in the May 1 local elections and their positions on governance in our community. Learn more and register at GarlandChamber.com.
Garland Youth Council Accepting Applications Through Friday, June 4
Interested Garland residents who will be in grades 9-12 during the 2021-22 school year are eligible to apply to serve on the Garland Youth Council. Learn more and download an application on the Garland Youth Council page at GarlandTX.gov. Email GYC@GarlandTX.gov with any questions.
Public & Media Relations
P.O. Box 469002 | Garland, Texas 75046